Character facial expressions and voiceovers have been completely redone in TEKKEN 8, providing a truly next-gen level of polish and detail unrivaled by any prequel. In addition to a TON of new moves for returning characters, a variety of classic attacks have also been reworked, with many new and retouched animations, and brilliantly retooled to compliment TEKKEN 8's new Heat system. A variety of new stages, including "wide open" stages with walls, are not only visually impressive but give TEKKEN 8 a fresh feel and experience. Wall Breaks and Floor Breaks return in TEKKEN 8's new battlegrounds, featuring awesomely cinematic stage transitions and new ways to incorporate the stages into combos and strategy.
 
"Aggressiveness" is a key word used to describe TEKKEN 8's updated pace and gameplay system. While core aspects of tried-and-true 3D game engine and moveset nuances from TEKKEN 7 remain, TEKKEN 8's all new system mechanics are designed to make the game fun and immersive to watch as well as compete in for all levels of players. TEKKEN 8 introduces a new gameplay system called "Heat" — promoting aggressiveness and offense in a variety of new ways. When characters activate Heat, they have access to new special techniques as well as powered-up versions of their trademark attacks. Techniques like Heat Smash and Heat Rush can be used to apply tremendous pressure on the opponent and extend combos with explosive damage and style.
  

  
TEKKEN 8 feels spectacular and is satisfyingly FAST-PACED. As someone who generally feels "less is more" when it comes to changing major things about TEKKEN's gameplay, the Heat System eventually sold me on its compelling depth and what it adds to each character. Returning characters are easily the most exciting, charismatic, and flashiest versions of themselves to date... so that's a win from the start. Thankfully, the huge movesets we've come to love and expect from TEKKEN are back and better than ever (and each character has a TON of new moves and combo routes to master). Pro Tip: DO NOT limit yourself to spamming 10-20 of a character's moves in TEKKEN. That's not how this game works. Learn each character's full moveset (and practice defending against characters' full movesets). Sure, it might feel like a lot of work to some... but winning is more fun than losing. You'll thank me later.
 
I've never seen a 3D fighting game series evolve character movesets so brilliantly and beautifully. It's a risky business changing the characters "too much"... as such changes can really hinder a dedicated player's enjoyment of using that character (or perhaps their enjoyment of the entire game if they only use one or two characters). I've never seen a fighting game retool returning characters' moves so well. In addition to a plethora of new moves and stances per character, each moveset is like a "greatest hits" version with many classic moves returning and retooled. This, alone, is fan service.
 
This is brilliant game design on many levels. Early on, some hardcore players might feel that aspects of movesets or mechanics have been "simplified" in T8... but simplified definitely seems like the wrong word. To put it clearly: T8's vast movesets manage to be more dynamic and exciting than ever, all while "simplifying" certain commands to make it easier for the player. Multi-hit strings and combos are not only easier to perform technically on a controller or fightstick, but easier to remember (due to the streamlined commands)! That makes using multiple characters in T8 easier than ever... and that's actually really great news for all levels of Tekken players. Again, brilliantly designed smart changes.
   

  
TEKKEN 8's innovative "TEKKEN Lounge" online lobby and reworked Ghost AI system are incredibly exciting new elements that take the series to a new technological and social level. Now that we live in a world where crossplay is standard in fighting games, it's faster and easier than ever to meet up with friends in a TEKKEN Lounge lobby no matter what platform they're on.
 
The Ghost system is also very interesting. Being able to fight anyone's ghost character(s) — which actually behave like them offensively and defensively — is a hugely innovative step in the fighting game genre. You can even fight your own ghost and learn how to improve various aspects of your play-style. This is next level. With robust training options and in-game frame data, hardcore players can rejoice. TEKKEN 8 makes it easier than ever to "get good" (or at least get better).
   

 
TEKKEN 8's Arcade Quest is catered to beginners and new players, offering a light-hearted presentation and approach, yet a fun and replayable experience for a player of any age or experience level. This mode gets you acquainted with your player avatar and inspires you to customize their appearance, as you'll meet other avatars representing players who specialize in certain characters. Interestingly, each opponent in Arcade Quest uses a particular character and has a distinguishable play-style (in addition to character customization), keeping the energy and experience fresh throughout the entire mode. Arcade Quest also opens up Super Ghost Battle, where you'll find the CPU Ghosts of players you previously fought against. Thanks to the excellent CPU opponent AI, this is a fantastic offline mode to hone your skills against specific match-ups that you want to replay (and new ones to be had).
 
Arcade Quest is actually a really smart mode, because it teaches new players how different TEKKEN players can be — even when they're using the same character. Arcade Quest acts as a "Tutorial" of sorts. As the player visits different themed arcades (all beautifully designed with cool throwbacks to past arcade history and TEKKEN games) to face new opponents, they'll constantly receive new tips shown on screen to help them progress and understand the new mechanics — all while unlocking new avatar gear, character / profile customizations, and more. It's a non-stop action and fun single-player experience (something fighting game fans have been begging for for decades). Cleverly, the Arcade Quest experience and player avatar cohesively mesh right into TEKKEN 8's online lobby, the TEKKEN Fight Lounge.
 
TEKKEN 8's presentation is easily the best in the series to date, packed with feature-rich modes that must be explored to be appreciated. There are so many new modes and so much to do! The return of TEKKEN 3's legendary TEKKEN Ball mode? I put 80+ hours into the game and haven't touched TEKKEN Ball yet. There are numerous other modes I haven't touched yet, and that says something. What a launch!
 
Customization mode, a series standard since TEKKEN 5, has been elevated in T8 with improved options, lots of new stuff, and a much faster and friendlier user-experience over TEKKEN 7's. The Color Edit mode alone is the best-to-date, allowing players to change layer upon layer (upwards of 15-20) for each and every default costume (all superbly designed, by the way). Even better... Bandai Namco cleverly incorporated many cool and useful user-created mods from TEKKEN 7 into TEKKEN 8! Entertaining "shared" outfits between related characters, excellent new hairstyle and facial hair options, the best Color Edit Mode in a fighting game to date, and countless other user-friendly options that modders themselves created for the PC version of TEKKEN 7, are now in TEKKEN 8 by default. That's brilliant game design. Giving passionate fans what they want from the start?
 
The absolutely kickin' soundtrack, all new character voiceovers, and the relaxing Jukebox mode (featuring 100s upon 100s of the best fighting game tracks on Earth) is simply a dream come true and allows players to customize TEKKEN 8's audio experience to their liking. The tracks even smoothly transition into one another in various modes. And similarly to the timeless SFIII: 3rd Strike, each stage in T8 has two versions of each soundtrack. And man, there are some bangers. T8 has one of my favorite soundtracks to date. Sound and music in a Fighting Game = worth Something. (This review is still in progress.)
 

Page Updated: December 13th, 2024 Developer(s): Bandai Namco Publisher(s): Bandai Namco Designer(s): Katsuhiro Harada     Chief Producer Michael Murray Artwork By: Hiroaki, Junny, Jbstyle, Wolf Marker Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Release Date(s): January 26th, 2024 Characters:  Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, Jun Kazama, Azucena, Victor Chevalier, Reina, Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, King, Lars Alexandersson, Jack-8, Nina Williams, Ling Xiaoyu, Leroy Smith, Asuka Kazama, Lili Rochefort, Hwoarang, Bryan Fury, Claudio Serafino, Raven, Yoshimitsu, Steve Fox, Leo Kliesen, Sergei Dragunov, Kuma, Shaheen, Feng Wei, Panda, Lee Chaolan, Zafina, Alisa Bosconovitch, Devil Jin, Eddy Gordo, Azazel, Lidia Sobieska, Heihachi Mishima, Clive Rosfield News Links:  Dec. 2024: TEKKEN 8 Wins Best Fighting Game 2024, Clive Revealed Dec. 2024: Winter 2024 Update, Season 2 Announce Trailer Featured Video: Related Games: TEKKEN 7, TEKKEN 7: Fated Retribution, TEKKEN, TEKKEN 2, TEKKEN 3, TEKKEN 4, TEKKEN 5, TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection, TEKKEN: Dark Resurrection, TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection Online, TEKKEN 6, TEKKEN 6: Bloodline Rebellion, TEKKEN Tag Tournament, TEKKEN Tag Tournament 2, TEKKEN Advance, TEKKEN Hybrid, TEKKEN 3D: Prime Edition, TEKKEN Revolution, Dead or Alive 6, Street Fighter 6, Soul Calibur 6, Mortal Kombat 1, Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown    Gameplay Engine  10 / 10 Story / Theme  9.5 / 10 Overall Graphics  9.5 / 10 Animation  9.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  10 / 10 Innovation  9.5 / 10 Art Direction  9.0 / 10 Customization  10 / 10 Options / Extras  10 / 10 Intro / Presentation  9.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  10 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  10 / 10 Characters  10 / 10 BOTTOM LINE 10 / 10  Review based on Steam version (4K)      Early Review: TEKKEN 8 is a luxury fighting game. This artistic masterpiece of a game not only rewards dedicated and pro players (in countless ways), but offers the most inviting, accessible, and user-friendly TEKKEN experience for newcomers and casual players, to date. The beautifully diverse roster, flashy movesets and deep character updates, plethora of modes, excellent rollback-powered online, and outstanding "quality of life" practice options make TEKKEN 8 "THE Fighting Game" of 2024. Following the record-breaking and incredibly successful run of TEKKEN 7, Bandai Namco knocked another one clean out of the park... and it's not just a homerun, it's a grand slam. There's just too much to love and too much to do in TEKKEN 8. I'm deeply proud to be a competitive TEKKEN player and to have experienced the full evolution of this legendary series, deeply attentive and invested in every sequel, for decades. Even during times when it seemed like "many others" in the gaming community were more stimulated elsewhere. I've stuck with it throughout the years, and I know I'm not alone... because the success of TEKKEN continues to make my brain spin. It even brings a tear to my eye, it really does. It brings me great joy to see this legendary series elevated to new heights. TEKKEN 8 goes above and beyond what's required for a great fighting game. It's a game that raises the bar in many areas. The ones who know... know. Me? I've been a TEKKEN player for 3 decades. It's an amazing feeling to see a game I love evolve to this new level. T8 subtly yet proudly sprinkles in bits and pieces from EVERY SINGLE PREQUEL that came before it. The fan service is off the charts (and only those who've studied every single sequel will get every reference). You can tell that the developers truly enjoyed themselves while making this game... a near-perfect fighting game not only for the fans and hardcore competitive players, but for every fighting game player. TEKKEN 8 is such an enthralling and addicting game that I have no shame in admitting it's release has (and will continue to) greatly reduce the time I spend with all other video games. Speaking of one game I'll (unfortunately) be playing less, I believe Street Fighter 6 deserves a 10/10 for its unparalleled innovation, awesome presentation, and brilliant character evolutions... and I've enjoyed the hell out of SF6 over the past 7 months. However, as a competitive player, I will (sadly) most definitely be shifting my focus to TEKKEN 8... another brilliantly designed one-of-a-kind fighting game worth getting good at and deserving of a 10/10. TEKKEN 8 packs an over-abundance of content and more than a few reasons to play it for years. Following the most successful modern installment to date (TEKKEN 7), whose unprecedented competitive longevity broke all kinds of records in the fighting game genre, TEKKEN 8 has huge shoes to fill. TEKKEN 8 brings the most dramatic changes to the series in a very long time. The Heat System alone shakes up the foundation of TEKKEN's core gameplay, offering exciting and frantic new elements that make TEKKEN 8 feel and look completely new for all players (not an easy task). Honestly, I've been playing "good ass TEKKEN" online with Rollback since 2011 (in TEKKEN Tag Tournament 2). While imperfect, I always used a wired connection and enjoyed great online matches with skilled players for the better part of a decade. As advertised, TEKKEN 8's improved rollback netcode and UI takes the online community to new heights. Including SF6 in this next comment, "I've been waiting for a fighting game online mode this good for a very long time." All this to say... I'm trying to finish up this review as fast as I can, so I can go back to playing TEKKEN 8 online with friends. As a fan who has been wholeheartedly enjoying the TEKKEN series since the very very beginning — ALL the way back when the original arcade cabinet / PS1 version was "new"... it's practically indescribable for me to have experienced the epic and beautiful evolution of TEKKEN's characters, gameplay mechanics, and overall vibe. The series has come such a long way and in such dramatic fashion... and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it, as a fan, content creator, and (most importantly) a passionate and dedicated player of this particular series for "most of my life". We can all think of certain video games that have impacted our lives in one way or another. Competing in countless TEKKEN tournaments since the TEKKEN 5 days, creating influential video content, and playing high-level TEKKEN with friends (and random strangers online) is what I love. TEKKEN is Life. TEKKEN has always been one of my all-time favorite fighting games to play long-term, for various reasons. Bearing witness to the game's growth in popularity in the competitive scene, along with the distinct and dramatic evolution of the characters and gameplay systems, has been an absolute pleasure. I will be playing TEKKEN 8 for a very long time. This is only the beginning. On the subject of the post-launch TEKKEN Shop update which added a "Fight Pass" and new cosmetic content to the game (AKA micro-transactions)... this does not surprise me one bit. Put yourselves in Bamco's position. If my main competition was successfully using micro-transactions for the better part of a decade (NetherRealm Studios and Capcom, looking at you)... making plenty of money doing so... why wouldn't Bandai Namco join the bandwagon add this to TEKKEN 8? What's the benefit of them not doing it? To quote Raven, "it's just business". Purchasing a Fight Pass or TEKKEN Shop cosmetic items isn't required at all to enjoy the game. Besides, it's a great way to support Bandai Namco's continued support of TEKKEN 8 into the future. Support games you like, people. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    Click Here for all Concept Artwork!                                               Click Here for all Character Renders! Click Here for all Posters / Wallpapers!                                     Click Here for all Character Artwork!     Click Here for all Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES