Bandai Namco is gearing up for the release of Tekken 8, and they’re determined to make it a game-changer in the beloved fighting game series. This new installment promises an unforgettable experience, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans by taking the adrenaline-pumping storyline to unprecedented heights.
One of the most exciting revelations about Tekken 8 is its expansive story mode. In a recent interview with Famitsu, Kohei Ikeda, the game’s development producer, and Naoya Yasuda, the marketing producer, confirmed that the story mode in Tekken 8 will surpass the one in Tekken 7.
Here’s a snippet from the interview, translated by Nosiy Pixel:
- Interviewer: Could you tell us more about the volume of the Story Mode?
- Yasuda: Absolutely, it’s going to be bigger than Tekken 7. …In fact, when I was informed about the budget allocated for the Story Mode, I was like, “Oh my, this is quite the investment.” (laughs)
- Ikeda: When we first saw the budget, even I was taken aback. “We’ve got this much?” I couldn’t believe it. (laughs) With at least 32 characters in the game, it was quite a challenge to weave their stories together, but since the charm of fighting games lies in their characters, we made sure to give each one their moment to shine.
Tekken 8 will continue the long-running saga of the Mishima family, allowing players to once again step into the arena, select their fighter, and engage in epic battles within the Iron Fist Tournament.
This time, the narrative will plunge deeper into the tragic tale of the Mishima and Kazama bloodlines, picking up from the conclusion of Tekken 7, where Kazuya Mishima finally triumphed over Heihachi Mishima in a long-awaited showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The gameplay trailer hints at a significant twist, showing Jin seemingly defeated by Kazuya. However, the return of Jun Kazama, Jin’s mother, who has been absent from the series for a considerable time, promises to inject a fresh dimension into this age-old blood feud.
The fact that Bandai Namco Studios has allocated a significantly higher budget for this installment is a promising sign. Yet, much of the game’s allure comes from its characters.
While enhancing the story mode from Tekken 7 (which, to be frank, was lackluster) is a step in the right direction, the inclusion of Azucena and the comeback of Raven will have a far-reaching impact on the game.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 introduces various gameplay mechanics, including the innovative “Heat System.” This system triggers aggressive attacks with special moves and enhancements tailored to each character’s unique abilities. It’s designed to reward players for their aggressive tactics, offering a more dynamic and destructible gaming environment.
Replacing Tekken 7’s Rage Drive, the Heat system provides players with new attacks and strategic opportunities. This includes the Heat Burst, which lets players initiate flashy attacks that can be chained into combo assaults, and the Heat Dash, enabling swift closing in on opponents.
Tekken 8 is slated for release on January 26, 2024, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. Ready for an epic fight like never before! Read Full Reviews, Guides and Tips & Tricks of the Latest Games Click here.
