The fighting game genre is thriving, with many classic franchises returning with fresh installments. Tekken, a cornerstone of 3D fighting games, is back with Tekken 8, marking a significant evolution for the series. While renowned for its complex gameplay, this latest entry strives to be more accessible than ever before, making it an ideal entry point for newcomers and a rewarding experience for seasoned veterans.
Tekken 8 represents a generational leap for the franchise, being the first installment on current-gen consoles and the first to utilize Unreal Engine 5. This new foundation allows for a visually stunning and technically impressive fighting game experience. But more importantly, it informs the game’s overall approach, focusing on welcoming new players while still satisfying longtime fans. Tekken 8 excels at onboarding newcomers to its intricate systems, providing ample opportunities to learn and improve.
The enhanced Story Mode is a highlight, offering the most extensive narrative experience in the series to date. Following Jin Kazama’s journey after the events of Tekken 7, players witness his struggle to control the Devil Gene and confront Kazuya Mishima’s growing power. While the story itself might not be groundbreaking, it serves as a compelling introduction to the Tekken universe and features spectacular anime-inspired battles that fans will appreciate. This mode also doubles as an excellent tutorial, seamlessly integrating gameplay mechanics into the narrative.
Beyond the main story, Tekken 8 provides a robust single-player experience. Arcade Quest introduces a customizable avatar and takes players through a series of arcade battles, gradually increasing in difficulty. This mode offers a personalized journey and allows players to experiment with different characters and fighting styles. Classic minigames like Tekken Ball also return, adding further variety.
Two key additions further enhance Tekken 8‘s accessibility: the Heat System and Special Style. The Heat System introduces a new layer of strategy, granting temporary buffs, access to unique moves, and chip damage on blocked attacks. The powerful Heat Smash attack can significantly shift the momentum of a match, especially when combined with Rage Arts, the comeback mechanic activated at low health.
Special Style offers a simplified control scheme, enabling players to execute complex combos with single button presses. Similar to Street Fighter 6‘s Modern Controls, this feature lowers the barrier to entry without limiting depth, as players can seamlessly switch between Special Style and the traditional control scheme during matches.
Despite these accessibility features, Tekken 8 retains the series’ signature technical depth. The diverse roster, while a strength, can feel overwhelming for newcomers. While the game makes strides in easing this learning curve, mastering the nuances of each character remains a challenge.
Tekken 8 boasts a wealth of single-player content, fostering confidence before venturing online. The true test of its online features will come post-launch, but the initial offering is promising. While honing skills through practice remains essential, the game provides the tools and resources necessary for success.
In conclusion, Tekken 8 successfully revitalizes the franchise, delivering a visually stunning, technically refined, and surprisingly accessible fighting game experience. The wealth of single-player content, coupled with innovative features like the Heat System and Special Style, caters to both newcomers and seasoned veterans. While the extensive roster might initially intimidate, the game provides ample opportunities to learn and grow. Tekken 8 represents a compelling evolution for the series and stands as a strong contender in the current fighting game landscape.
Tekken 8 releases on January 26th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This review was conducted on a PlayStation 5 using a code provided by the publisher.
