Tekken 8 Review – King of the Iron Fist Returns With a Bang

OUR RATING: 9/10

In the realm of fighting video games, one name has stood the test of time with its unprecedented legacy – Tekken. I still remember going to the arcades and spending hours trying to rank up in Tekken 3. With its robust fighting mechanics and a cast of charming fighters, the game has been a childhood favourite of mine. And rightly so, the latest entrant, Tekken 8, has taken the gaming world by storm, a shining beacon of entertainment and innovation in the fighting genre.

One of the most significant aspects of Tekken 8 is its transition to Unreal Engine 5, a cutting-edge technology that has allowed the developers to scale up the visual fidelity of the game. This marked shift has not only enhanced the game’s aesthetic appeal but also optimized its performance across platforms.

The narrative of Tekken 8 is a captivating continuation of its predecessors, weaving a tale of familial conflict and power struggles. The main storyline features Jin Kazama, a familiar protagonist, embarking on a quest to thwart his father, Kazuya Mishima’s, reign of terror. The narrative is packed with dramatic twists, fan-service moments, and a blend of seriousness and humor, making it one of the most compelling story modes in the fighting game genre.

Tekken 8 boasts an impressive roster of 32 characters, including fan-favorites and exciting newcomers. Each character offers a unique fighting style and set of abilities, adding layers of depth and strategy to the gameplay. From returning characters like Yoshimitsu, Hwoarang, Paul, Xiayou, and Kuma, to fresh faces like Reina, Azucena, and Victor Chevalier, the diverse roster caters to all player preferences.

The gameplay of Tekken 8 is a seamless blend of traditional controls and innovative features. The face buttons control the limbs of the characters, creating an intuitive and immersive combat experience. Tekken 8 introduces the ‘Special Style’ control scheme, a simplified method that allows beginners to perform complex moves with a single button press. This lowers the entry barrier for novices, making the game more accessible.

The game also introduces an exciting new ‘Heat’ system that adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. Activating ‘Heat’ gives your character a temporary boost, enabling new moves, combos, and the ability to deal damage even when the opponent is blocking. This feature, combined with the return of the ‘Rage’ mode, adds a tactical depth to the combat, offering players new ways to strategize and dominate the battlefield.

Tekken 8 offers a plethora of game modes catered to a diverse range of player preferences. From the main story mode, character episodes to the innovative Arcade Quest mode, the game ensures an engaging experience for both single-player and multiplayer enthusiasts. The Arcade Quest mode, in particular, serves as a compelling single-player adventure, offering players a unique opportunity to fight AI ghosts based on real player’s fight styles.

The online multiplayer has been revamped as well, to offer a stable and competitive platform for players worldwide. With drastically improved netcode and the introduction of crossplay, the game ensures smooth and lag-free battles against global opponents.

Tekken 8 is a spectacle of visual grandeur and auditory brilliance. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 ensures a high level of visual fidelity, making every stage, character, and move look stunning. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with each theme perfectly complementing the respective stage and adding to the overall immersion.

For players looking to hone their skills, Tekken 8’s practice mode offers an array of tools and features to help players master the game’s mechanics. From the ‘Remember Status’ feature that allows players to save their exact in-game position for practice to the ‘Replay Analyzer’ that helps identify mistakes and improve strategies, the practice mode is a comprehensive training ground for all levels of players.

Adding a dash of light-hearted fun to the intense combat, Tekken 8 brings back the popular ‘Tekken Ball’ mode. This party mode, which can be played online, offers players a volley ball-like game where attacks are used to bounce a ball across the screen. It’s a delightful diversion from the main gameplay, ensuring moments of laughter and joy.

Tekken 8, with its blend of tradition and innovation, stands as a gold standard for 3D fighters. Its captivating storyline, diverse roster, intricate mechanics, stunning visuals, and a wide array of game modes make it a must-play for both Tekken fans and newcomers to the genre. Despite the steep learning curve, Tekken 8’s commitment to creating an engaging and accessible experience is commendable, making it a worthy addition to the iconic Tekken legacy. A cornerstone of the gaming industry for decades, Tekken 8 is a testament to the franchise’s continuous evolution, offering a captivating concoction of tradition and innovation.