Tekken 8 is the ever-iconic series’s next game. Plenty has been revealed, like the release date, the roster, and other details. The teaser trailer was released at EVO 22, Tekken’s eSports tournament. Bandai Namco is one studio that has released some fantastic fighting games in the past, with the likes of Dragon Ball FighterZ and Jump Force.
It has been almost ten years since Tekken 7 was launched in 2015. Since then, the gaming industry has come far. The series has almost been the go-to for the fighting game fans.
The game will be released on January 26, 2024. The platforms will be ninth-generation consoles, i.e., Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC. As of now, it has not been reported to come to the Xbox Game Pass at Launch.
The game uses the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 to power it. There is an updated roster and even new mechanics that will make the sequel even more sought after by fans of the franchise.
Tekken 8 Character Roster Confirmed So Far
The iconic characters in the series will be returning, with the likes of Nina, King, Paul, and Jin, among others, being playable.
The series also features some new-coming characters like Raven and Azucena. The entire character roster featuring 32 characters for the game can be found below:
- Asuka Kazama
- Azucena
- Bryan Fury
- Claudio Serafino
- Devil Jin
- Devil Kazuya
- Emilie De Rochefort (Lili)
- Hwoarang
- Jack-8
- Jin Kazama
- Jun Kazama
- Kazuya Mishima
- King
- Lars Alexandersson
- Leroy Smith
- Ling Xiaoyu
- Marshall Law
- Nina Williams
- Paul Phoenix
- Raven
- Kuma/Panda
- Steve Fox
- Dragunov
- Shaheen
- Leo
- Yoshimitsu
- Feng
- Zafina
- Alisa Bosconovich
- Lee Chaolan
- Victor Chevalier
- Reina
It will be interesting to see the addition of Reina as a new Mishima now that the Heihachi story has been concluded. Comparing the list with the previous title, Tekken 8 will contain almost 12 more characters.
Tekken 8 Mechanics and Graphic Improvements
The first look at the game was provided at EVO 22 and didn’t provide much of a gameplay reveal. Tekken games have always let players position themselves throughout space. This is notable as most fighting games that follow a two 2-dimensional format don’t provide such a mechanic.
Apart from that, like other fighting games, each character has their signature fighting style, like other famous games, from Hworang’s famous kicks to King’s iconic grapple moves.
There is a newly added Heat System in the game. The mechanic can be used by every fighter on the roster. At any given point in the battle, one can activate Heat and this gives the character access to new attacks. This also increases the character’s move set variety and will help you pull off even more brutal combos in the game.
There are also intricacies and details involved with the Heat system with the mechanic essentially allowing one to be more offensive in their attacks.
There are additions like the Heat Burst Attack, which, if not dodged, locked, or countered., opens a window to execute a combo. Complex attacks can be activated, like Heat Engagers, which add two bars to the Heat Bar. The Heat system, with it, brings a lot of opportunities for offense in the game.
Apart from these, other advantages to the Heat system are added in Tekken 8. Some attacks will deal more damage due to Heat being stored in the Heat bar. Several characters with signature playing styles can prove even more deadly thanks to these attacks, from some characters performing enhanced attacks to others not receiving damage from them. The Heat System is more than just a power-up mechanic in the game, affecting each player differently.
The previous Rage Drive mechanic in Tekken 7 will not return to the series and will be effectively replaced by the Heat System. Apart from Gameplay, the game is also the first in the series to be developed in Unreal Engine 5. This means that Tekken 8 will be able to use next-gen capabilities fully. This will include minor details like overcast and rain effects to be visible on character models. Everything from cloth simulation to fluid mechanics will be enhanced thanks to the overhaul.
You can witness the announcement trailer for the title attached above to see the game in action. Due to the period between the last title and Tekken 8, it will be interesting to see just how much of an improvement it feels like. On paper, the title seems worth the wait and worth the hype.
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