The legendary fighting series Tekken is back with another installment that tries to push the boundaries of the genre. Does it succeed?
Tekken 8
The legendary Tekken returns with a modern twist, offering a great gaming experience
The eighth installment of one of the most famous fighting franchises, Tekken, was released in 2024 as a tribute to the series’ 30th anniversary. The duel format remained mostly unchanged, delivering a well-crafted classic in a modern coat that entertains not only through its story campaign but also via online gameplay.
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Game mechanics and gameplay
Tekken 8 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors but puts a stronger emphasis on aggressive playstyle. The game rewards proactive attacks at the expense of defensive play, supported by a new system called Heat, allowing players to perform extra powerful moves, special abilities, and even regenerate health. The Heat system also modifies some abilities and enables dash interruptions. The eighth entry also introduces several technical changes. These include a reworked Rage system, where the classic Rage Drive is replaced by a new move called Heat Smash, and the Screw mechanic has been replaced by the Tornado extender. These updates clearly benefit Tekken, making the fights feel much more dynamic. Besides the above changes, the game offers significantly improved graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5. Tekken 8 features entirely new character models and voiceovers, making it feel more like a cinematic experience. It is also the first title in the series to support crossplay between PlayStation 5 (games on PS5), Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. So you don’t have to worry about not finding an opponent in online matches. For the first time in the series, a controversial Battle Pass was introduced after release and can be purchased with real money. This pass unlocks cosmetic items and other exclusive content only available through its purchase, which received mixed reactions from fans. The developer explained it as a necessary step to fund regular updates.
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Story and characters
The story of Tekken 8, titled The Dark Awakens, picks up where the previous game left off and centers around the final conflict between Jin Kazama and his father Kazuya Mishima. It also introduces Heihachi’s adopted daughter Reina and marks the long-awaited return of Jun Kazama. In addition to the main storyline, the game includes a side solo mode called Unforgettable Echoes, which focuses on uncovering more secrets of the Mishima family. The story itself is engaging, and combined with stunning graphics, players truly feel like they’re watching a well-made film between fights. The standard version of Tekken 8 includes 36 playable characters (including those available via DLC). Additional fighters can be unlocked via the Battle Pass, and of course, collaborations with other popular franchises are included (e.g. Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI).
Where to download Tekken 8?
Tekken 8 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows and can be purchased from online stores such as PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam (it is not available on Epic Games). The base edition is priced around €60, depending on the region and platform. The game is also available in several special editions:
- Launch Edition includes a steel case and decorative items.
- Deluxe Edition features a one-year season pass and access to additional characters and cosmetic items.
- Ultimate Edition combines the contents of the Deluxe Edition with exclusive character skins and other bonuses.
- Collector’s Edition adds a Jin Kazama figurine, collectible cards, and other themed items.
Despite some critical reactions to the Battle Pass, Tekken 8 has seen massive commercial success. Upon release, it topped the UK charts, outperforming even Street Fighter 6 in sales. In the first ten days on Steam, the game generated over $13 million in revenue, and over two million copies were sold in the first month alone – a testament to its excellence among fighting games.
Frequently asked questions
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