In the vibrant era of the 90s, iconic fighting games like Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken emerged, shaping the landscape of the gaming industry. Fast forward to the present day, and these classics continue to thrive. Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat have received acclaimed updates tailored for modern consoles, and now, Tekken steps into the ring, poised to make its mark once again.
What sets Tekken apart is its broad appeal, a trait that has served the series well since its third installment. The winning formula includes a diverse character gallery, flashy yet easily controlled battles, and a blend of serious and playful game modes. Tekken 8 takes this successful concept to new heights, offering a staggering 32 characters, including three newcomers, from the outset. Players can engage in various game modes, whether fighting solo, online, or against a friend on the same couch. The options range from single matches to extensive tournaments, with the acclaimed volleyball mode Tekken Bowl making a triumphant return.
Bandai Namco has refined the game’s fundamentals, providing excellent training features, numerous settings, and a seamless user experience. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, Tekken 8 caters to a wide audience.
Graphically, Tekken 7 faced unexpected aging issues, but Tekken 8 boldly steps forward, meeting and exceeding the expectations set by recent releases like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1. Character models showcase a significant upgrade, appearing more realistic, alive, and moving more fluidly than ever before. Environments, while visually stunning, do not detract from the intense fighting happening in the foreground. The battles are dynamic and intense, with blows that look and feel as powerful as they are visually striking.
Tekken 8 introduces the new Heat system, offering an extra layer of tactical depth by providing access to powerful attacks once per match. For those who prefer simplicity, a control option called Special Style has been added, allowing flashy strikes with straightforward button presses—an excellent choice for beginners and casual players.
Surprisingly, Tekken 8 shines in its single-player offerings. Classic arcade mode provides a series of battles culminating in a short ending sequence for each character. The Arcade Quest side adventure features a customized avatar navigating arcades, defeating opponents, and unlocking new attire—a delightful side activity that aids in learning controls and game mechanics.
Arcade Quest leads to the Super Ghost Battle mode, where computerized clones of both the player and others can be challenged. However, the standout feature for lone players is The Dark Awakens story mode. This single-player campaign intricately weaves together exaggerated film sequences with fights involving the extensive character gallery. It goes beyond typical fights, incorporating changed rules, unique attacks, and even entirely different game types.
Tekken 8 not only builds on the success of its predecessor but surpasses it. Whether players seek to train meticulously for combos, compete against formidable human opponents, or simply enjoy button-mashing fun, Tekken 8 offers game mechanics and modes to suit all preferences. For any fan of fighting games, Tekken 8 is undoubtedly a must-have in their gaming collection, representing a triumphant evolution in the genre.