Tekken 8 Review – A Triumphant Return

Tekken 8 has emerged as a triumphant return to the renowned franchise, which both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike will love. With a well-balanced mix of classic elements and innovative additions, this instalment is undeniably a pinnacle in the Tekken series.

Tekken 8 includes a new control scheme called ‘Special Style,’ very similar to Street Fighter 6’s ‘Modern Controls.’ This feature allows players to execute a combo with the press of a button. Players can switch between classic arcade controls and special style during a fight. It caters to new and casual players, providing an accessible entry point without sacrificing the depth that long-time fans appreciate.

Adding to the diversity of gameplay experiences is the Arcade Quest mode, where players can craft their avatars and engage in various virtual arcades to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of the game.

The return of Tekken Ball, inspired by volleyball, adds a delightful twist to the Tekken 8 experience. This mini-game injects a dose of fun into the intense battles, offering players a welcome break from the traditional fighting format.

Tekken 8 launches with an impressive roster of 32 characters, each bringing a unique set of moves and styles to the table. This diverse lineup ensures that players have a plethora of options to suit their preferred playstyle.

Comparing it to its predecessor, Tekken 8 is a substantial improvement over Tekken 7, and for me, it stands as the best instalment since Tekken 3. The developers have carefully refined and expanded upon the core mechanics, resulting in a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

Character customisation in Tekken 8 is exceptional, allowing players to personalise their fighters using in-game currency earned in both online and offline modes. The extensive range of options ensures that each player can tailor their favourite character’s appearance to their liking.

For the first time in the Tekken franchise, players can now lose health through chip damage, represented as grey health. However, players can regain health by dealing damage to their opponent, which encourages a more aggressive playstyle. Players are compelled to stay on the offensive, making every move and combo count not just for potential damage but also for the chance to recover their own health. This new element elevates the intensity of matches and transforms the flow of combat.

The netcode in Tekken 8 has vastly improved compared to Tekken 7, delivering smooth online battles. Like Street Fighter 6, players have the option to choose whether they want to face opponents with a wireless or wired connection, giving them greater control over their online experience.

The training mode in Tekken 8 will undeniably help players enhance their skills. Combo challenges and punishment training guide players through optimal techniques, while the replay feature allows them to watch and learn from their previous online and offline matches. This amazing feature suggests recommended punishments, allowing players to pause the game and practice specific scenarios from that point, encouraging continuous improvement.

As someone who has been playing fighting games since Street Fighter 2, all of the tools in Tekken 8 have truly inspired me to invest more time in the practice lab. The combination of combo challenges and the incredible replay feature have significantly improved my skills. Tekken 8 is undeniably an amazing fighting game that caters to a wide audience, making it a must-play for both newcomers and seasoned veterans of the genre. Furthermore, the abundance of content in Tekken 8 ensures replayability, which will keep players engaged for an extended period of time.