No, Tekken 8 did not get an early release date

Tekken 8 has made significant improvements over its predecessor, Tekken 7, in terms of pacing and storytelling. The first chapter demonstrates a seamless integration of real-time sequences and gameplay, enhancing overall gameplay. The soundtrack, a consistent highlight in Namco games, also promises to add to the immersive experience.

Another exciting aspect of Tekken 8 is the return of the Rage mechanic, first introduced in Tekken 6, allowing increased damage when a character's health falls below 20%. The game retains Tekken 7's Rage Art but with a uniform input on all characters. Notably, Rage Drive moves from Tekken 7 will not return in Tekken 8. Instead, the game introduces a brand new mechanic, Heat, where some strong attacks deal chip damage, represented as a white portion on the health bar, which can be regained unless hit by a low attack.

In a significant move to enhance online gameplay, Bandai Namco is collaborating with ARIKA, known for its exceptional netcode in games like Fighting EX Layer. This partnership aims to provide a flawless online experience for Tekken 8 players.

As fans eagerly await the release of Tekken 8, there's several features that fans would love to see in it. Top on the list is a bigger focus on single-player content, drawing inspiration from Street Fighter 6's approach to making fighting games a lot more well-rounded. Lighter movement mechanics, making high-level techniques such as the Korean Backdash more accessible to a wider range of players, while preserving its functionality for high-end gameplay, are, hopefully, part of the game as well. Additionally, there's a desire for guest characters that fit seamlessly into Tekken's gameplay mechanics, avoiding rule-breaking characters as seen in Tekken 7.

Tekken 8 is shaping up to be a landmark title in the franchise, with its cutting-edge graphics, deeper narrative, and improved gameplay mechanics.

With only weeks to go until January 26, fans won't have to wait too long to get their hands on their controllers or game pads to battle it out in Tekken 8.