I find myself genuinely thrilled about Tekken 8, an enthusiasm I haven’t felt for a game in quite some time. This sentiment is magnified by the fact that I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the game on four separate occasions throughout the year. These experiences include participation in public gaming events twice, testing the waters in October’s closed beta, and, most recently, receiving an exclusive invitation to try out the completed game in late November. Each encounter with Tekken 8 has left me buzzing with excitement for hours afterward.
Image credit : Playstation |
This heightened anticipation is in stark contrast to my sentiments toward Tekken 7, a game that has occupied a significant portion of my gaming hours this year. While I’ve been a lifelong fan of the series, Tekken 7 left me somewhat fatigued due to its clunky movement, lack of casual single-player modes, and seemingly endless load times—a far cry from the smooth experience I expected. The budget constraints on Tekken 7 were evident, impacting the overall gaming experience, especially in terms of storytelling and netcode quality.
In less than five minutes of experiencing the full scope of Tekken 8, it became apparent that Bandai Namco is not aiming for a repeat of the barebones experience that characterized Tekken 7. My extensive time with the full game was focused on its offline modes: story mode “The Dark Awakens,” Arcade Quest, Tekken Ball, versus, training, and experimenting with character customization.
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Everything about Tekken 8 feels like a substantial improvement. This is especially evident in Tekken 8’s story mode, where I had the opportunity to delve into the first four chapters. Gone is the monotone narrator and static images from the previous game, replaced by a well-paced blend of stunning cinematics and impactful matches. The shift is palpable from the moment I took control of Jin in an action-packed cutscene, attempting to confront his father Kazuya amid a wartorn New York-esque landscape.
The combat dynamics within the story mode introduce intriguing elements, with certain moves triggering the camera to adopt dynamic angles during combat banter. This enhancement, coupled with mid-cutscene Quick Time Events (QTEs), adds depth and engagement to the battles. For instance, I faced a choice between dodging or punishing an incoming punch from Kazuya, each decision influencing the subsequent battle.
These subtle adjustments to combat mechanics in the story mode elevate the experience beyond the typical CPU versus fight, making the battles more engaging and injecting excitement into the narrative. I found myself eagerly anticipating the next confrontation to witness more dialogue snippets. Simultaneously, it fueled my desire to explore practice mode and master intricate combos to elevate the storytelling through bombastic battles.
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Tekken 8’s practice mode has seen significant improvements, offering free access to frame data and various ways to set up scenarios swiftly. Whether practicing balcony break combos or honing block punishing in a defensive training mode, the flexibility of the practice mode simplifies the learning curve. Combo challenges are back with the addition of combo challenges for each character, providing around 11 combos of varying difficulty to complete. This feature not only allows for a quick evaluation of different characters but also offers instant feedback on timing and spacing.
The introduction of two new fighters, Victor and Reina, showcases Bandai Namco’s commitment to diverse and enjoyable gameplay. Victor, a suave Frenchman with a high-tech arsenal, and Reina, a mysterious woman reminiscent of the now-deceased Heihachi Mishima, bring unique moves and playstyles. Their inclusion adds a layer of freshness and intrigue to the roster, making the game even more appealing.
Arcade Quest, Tekken 8’s attempt at a more casual and cutesy solo story mode centered around old-school arcade culture, provides a departure from the intensity of traditional gameplay. It introduces designated tutorials for core fighting mechanics and super moves like Rage Art and Heat, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers. While the avatars in this mode appear low-quality, the focus on teaching fundamentals through a lighthearted approach is commendable.
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One of Tekken 8’s standout features is Super Ghost Battle, a mode that constructs a virtual representation of the player based on their offensive and defensive tendencies. This “ghost” mimics the player’s playstyle, offering a unique opportunity for self-improvement. The ability to battle CPU versions of friends adds an entertaining twist, turning the learning experience into a fun and engaging challenge.
Replay takeover is another noteworthy addition, allowing players to dive into a recent match replay and take control of either character in the heat of the moment. This feature facilitates targeted practice in punishment or blocking without the need for specific training setups. It’s a valuable tool for refining skills and addressing weaknesses.
Despite these positive aspects, Tekken 8 currently faces some challenges in the customization department. The process of trying on items is cumbersome, requiring multiple loading screens and introducing input delays. Navigating through unowned items becomes a tedious task. While these issues might impact the overall customization experience, they stand out as minor concerns in the broader context of the game’s strengths.
As the release date approaches, Tekken 8 is shaping up to be a visually stunning and engaging fighter. All 32 characters in the roster showcase impressive graphical details, with each stage striking a balance between cinematic elegance and visual clarity. The stages themselves, from the apocalyptic Fallen Destiny to the captivating Into the Stratosphere, offer a joyous playing experience.
Tekken 8 seems poised to redefine the fighting game landscape by maintaining its stronghold among 3D fighters. The game’s commitment to accessibility, with an abundance of single-player modes and improved onboarding for fundamental teachings, is a welcome evolution. While my 45-day wait until the release may feel lengthy, I am eagerly anticipating the day I can immerse myself in Tekken 8 once more.
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Table of Contents
FAQs
1. Will Tekken 8 be good?
– The early impressions suggest that Tekken 8 is shaping up to be a promising and engaging installment in the series.
2. Is Tekken 8 better than Street Fighter 6?
– Comparing fighting games is subjective, but Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 cater to different preferences in terms of gameplay and style.
3. How many GB is Tekken 8?
– The exact file size for Tekken 8 is not specified. Check the system requirements or the game’s official page for this information.
4. How much RAM do you need for Tekken 8?
– The official system requirements for Tekken 8 will outline the recommended RAM. Check the game’s specifications for accurate information.
5. What is the difference between Tekken 7 and 8?
– Tekken 8 introduces improvements in story mode, practice mode, and character customization, offering a more engaging and refined gaming experience compared to Tekken 7.
6. Should I play Street Fighter or Tekken?
– Both games have unique features. Street Fighter emphasizes precise inputs, while Tekken focuses on 3D movement. Try both and see which suits your preferences.
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7. Is Tekken 4 or 5 better?
– Preferences vary, but both Tekken 4 and 5 have their strengths. Some prefer the character roster and mechanics of one over the other.
8. Will Tekken 8 have single player?
– Yes, Tekken 8 includes various single-player modes, such as story mode, Arcade Quest, and training, providing a diverse gaming experience.
9. Was Tekken 7 a success?
– Yes, Tekken 7 was widely regarded as a success, garnering positive reviews for its gameplay, character roster, and competitive scene.
10. Will Tekken 8 have Devil Jin?
– Devil Jin is a staple character in the Tekken series, and it is likely that he will be featured in Tekken 8.
11. Who is the bad guy in Tekken 8?
– The narrative of Tekken 8 will reveal the antagonist. Each Tekken installment introduces new conflicts and characters.
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12. Tekken 8 release date
– the specific release date for Tekken 8 may have been announced. Check the official sources for the latest information.
13. Tekken 8 metacritic
– The Metacritic score for Tekken 8 will be available upon its release. Check Metacritic for reviews and ratings from gaming critics.
14. Tekken 7 review
– Tekken 7 received positive reviews for its gameplay, graphics, and character design. Check reviews for detailed insights into the game’s strengths and weaknesses.
15. Tekken 7 metacritic
– The Metacritic score for Tekken 7 reflects its critical reception. Check Metacritic for an overview of reviews and ratings.
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16. Tekken 8 netcode reddit
– Community discussions on Tekken 8’s netcode can be found on platforms like Reddit. Explore user experiences and opinions for a comprehensive understanding.
17. Tekken 8 Reddit
– Join the Tekken 8 subreddit on Reddit for community discussions, updates, and insights from fellow players.