After Capcom's massive success with Street Fighter 6 and NetherRealm Studios' controversial Mortal Kombat 1, Bandai Namco is preparing to join in on the fun with Tekken 8. In light of this, PlayStation has shed the spotlight on two new characters: Reina and Victor Chevalier, each bringing their own flair to the storied franchise.
Reina emerges as a character of contrasts. She's been conceptualized with an acrobatic fighting style rooted in Taido, a martial art known for its swift and graceful movements. However, her persona isn't just about agility. Reina's character design ingeniously blends charm with an underlying sense of menace, reflecting her dual nature both in personality and combat skills.
Her arsenal includes techniques like knife-hand strikes and eye pokes, showcasing brutal efficiency. Interestingly, Reina also possesses moves from the iconic Mishima-style karate, adding a layer of complexity to her character. This diversity of techniques makes her a formidable presence in the game, especially when fighting near walls.
To bring authenticity to Reina's Taido techniques, the creators collaborated with Tetsuji Nakano, a four-time Taido World Champion. Nakano's expertise in various martial arts significantly enriched Reina's character, ensuring her movements are not only visually striking but also true to the essence of Taido.