I vividly recall the arrival of the Sony Playstation in 1994 at a local computer store. This console, a groundbreaking device for its time, leveraged CD-ROM technology to deliver impressive graphics. One of my early favorites was Namco’s Tekken, an accessible yet technically demanding arcade fighting game that consumed many late nights. Fast forward to 1998, during my time at the Theatre Academy in Gothenburg, a friend in the musical theatre program introduced me to Tekken 3. David, as he was known, had mastered the game to such an extent that he was virtually unbeatable with Paul in any tournament.
Since then, Tekken has seen numerous iterations. The most recent prior installment, Tekken 7, was released almost six years ago to positive reception. Now, Tekken 8 arrives 30 years after the original. Beyond the feeling of time passing, the question arises: does this latest entry bring significant innovation to the Iron Fist tournament? The answer is nuanced.
The game presents a new storyline centered on the Mishima family feud, a dramatic continuation of the conflict between Kazuya Mishima and his son, Jin Kazama, both of whom possess the “devil gene.” Players can engage with a story mode comprised of stylized cutscenes interspersed with fights, Character Stories offering concise narratives for each character across five battles, or Arcade Quest, a fighting-RPG hybrid.
Built using Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 targets current-generation consoles and PC. It delivers graphically impressive character models and environments, though perhaps not reaching the visual fidelity of titles such as Forspoken. The soundtrack effectively complements the action, and the overall visual presentation maintains a consistently high standard. The advancements are notable, especially when considering the comparatively limited capabilities of arcade machines in the 1990s.
Many elements will be familiar to veterans of the Tekken series. The game features a roster of 32 characters, both classic and new, with Reina, Victor, and Azucena being noteworthy additions. The “Heat system” is a significant gameplay innovation, enabling players to activate a powerful surge during a round. This can be used for a single, devastating attack or a series of smaller ones. This mechanic offers strategic depth and encourages aggressive play, potentially shifting the momentum of a match. The multiplayer mode is stable and provides a robust online experience. While Tekken 8 offers accessibility for newcomers through its “Special style” mode (simplified controls), it also retains the depth and precision required for experienced players. This balance allows the game to appeal to a broad audience. An in-game currency system allows players to acquire cosmetic items, ranging from costumes to accessories, for their fighters.
The new game modes present a mixed experience. The Dark Awakens story mode will likely appeal to most single-player enthusiasts. It offers an approximately three-hour narrative with numerous cutscenes leading into battles, primarily as Jin, but also with other characters. This approach is reminiscent of Street Fighter 6‘s earlier implementation. Character Stories feels like a compromise, tasking each character with completing five matches and presenting an “end sequence” intended to illuminate their motivations. This mode quickly becomes repetitive and may not be worth the effort. Arcade Quest places players in the role of a customizable arcade player, allowing them to explore the Tekken universe and refine their skills. This is a more engaging concept. The game also includes mini-games like Tekken Ball, originally introduced in Tekken 3, a beach ball-style game with added impact and somewhat unpredictable physics.
It’s difficult to criticize Tekken 8 if expectations are aligned. It delivers tight controls, stylish visuals, and a wealth of content for dedicated fighting game enthusiasts. However, some may have hoped for greater innovation, perhaps a mode allowing for more open exploration of the Tekken universe. All the core elements that define Tekken are present, making this a must-have for fans. Casual gamers will also find engaging content, though mastering the arcade fighting genre requires patience and practice.
Bandai Namco provided a review copy for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
