An image, akin to a treasure map, is currently making the rounds on the internet, purportedly showcasing the assembly of fighters for Tekken 8 at launch.
Initially spotted on 4Chan and later surfacing on Reddit, fans are scrutinizing the cryptic image to try and identify the roster presented. However, despite the fevered discussion, a cloud of doubt looms over the authenticity of this image. Some claim that it’s a forgery, Katsuhiro Harada, saying that it “came very close.”
Then again, a smorgasbord of DLC drops are expected to expand the line-up post-launch, so the absence of fan favorites at this stage is not indicative of their eventual exclusion from the game.
Leaks and speculations aside, Tekken fans have already had their appetites whetted through a closed test of the game. This preliminary serving was designed to garner invaluable feedback to polish the final product. However, some fans, driven by their insatiable enthusiasm, managed to crack the game and continue their experience post the test’s expiration.
This unsanctioned overindulgence even earned them a warning from the Tekken 8 director, threatening a ban if unlicensed play persisted.
Revelations from reliable data miners on the Modding Haven Discord Server suggest a list of 36 playable characters derived from the Tekken 8 Closed Network Test files. These include series stalwarts of the series such as Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, King, Hwoarang, Ling Xiaoyu, Jin Kazama, Bryan Fury, Kazuya Mishima, and others.
According to Harada, the focus on the initial roster is on the core fighters, although he did tease that guest fighters are on the cards.
As the sand drains from the hourglass, all eyes are locked on this year’s EVO tournament, the grand Colosseum where the warriors of the fighting game community duel for supremacy. With nearly 15,000 registrants vying for glory across eight games, this tournament promises to be a spectacle. Bandai Namco, co-developer of Tekken 8, has already confirmed 16 fighters for the roster and conducted a closed network test. The stage at EVO could serve as the perfect pedestal to unveil the much-awaited release date for Tekken 8. The event will host a Tekken 8 panel on Friday at 4 p.m. PDT, followed by the Tekken 7 finals on Sunday at 1 p.m. PDT.
While the release date of Tekken 8 remains a mystery, it’s confirmed for the current-gen consoles, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series S/X as well as the PC.
As the shadow of uncertainty retreats, revealing more of the game’s intricate details, Tekken enthusiasts are bound to be on the edge of their seats, waiting to throw the first punch.
Speaking of fighting games, the year has been good for fans of the genre. Street Fighter 6, which was welcomed by critics and fans alike, might have just set the modern standards for fighting games. We’ll find out soon enough if Mortal Kombat 1, which comes out on September 14, can give it a good fight.
