Bandai Namco Entertainment’s renowned fighter game franchise, Tekken, is taking another step forward with Tekken 8. But, ever since its initial announcement last year, we’ve gotten wind of very few information about the game outside of official character reveals – until now.
A recent rating from South Korea’s Game Rating and Administration Committee has paved the way for discussions on a launch reveal coming soon. Notably, it was rated 15+, making it suitable for gamers aged 15 and above, which is based on its portrayal of “limited violence.” With such classification, we’re looking at a game that retains its core fighting spirit, making it both thrilling and yet approachable for its targeted demographic.
Furthermore, Bandai Namco has confirmed that Tekken 8 will be at this year’s Tokyo Game Show, set for September 21 through 24.
『鉄拳8』『シャニソン』『ブルプロ』が東京ゲームショウ2023に出展決定
バンダイナムコの出展タイトル第1弾が公開。そのほかの出展タイトル、ステージ情報等は8月下旬ごろに特設サイトで明らかに。#TGS2023 #東京ゲームショウ
https://t.co/TBDExymcJx pic.twitter.com/3FQt5NTmts
— ファミ通.com (@famitsu) August 13, 2023
Despite the fact that there hasn’t been an official release date stamped on Tekken 8, the rating hints at an impending release. In the gaming industry, it’s common knowledge that a game’s rating tends to follow shortly before its launch. For context, Tekken 7 was rated in February 2017 and saw its grand worldwide release in June of the same year. If this pattern holds true, we could very well see Tekken 8 making its debut as early as December or stretching into the first quarter of 2024.
This new entry, co-developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Arika, promises to be a tour de force for PS5, Windows, and the Xbox Series S/X platforms. An astounding leak from a closed beta test has set fans abuzz, revealing a roster of 32 fighters. Not only does this give us a sneak peek into the characters we can expect, but it also proves that the game has reached an advanced stage of development. The details of the leak were confirmed with an announcement at Evo 2023.
While the introduction of guest characters in Tekken 7 like Akuma, Noctics, Negan, and Geese garnered a significant amount of attention and became favored among many, Tekken 8’s producer, Katsuhiro Harada, is not initially planning to follow suit. However, one shouldn’t lose hope. The possibility of guest characters being introduced post-launch still stands.
In terms of gameplay dynamics, the most intriguing introduction is the “Heat system.” This lets players supercharge a character, once per round, unleashing devastating attacks and combos that could change the tide of a fight. This, when coupled with the return of Rage Arts and the new Heat Smash, is sure to offer a revamped gaming experience.
As the story unfolds, the narrative circles back to the rivalry that has defined the Tekken series: the face-off between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama. Changes are afoot, with Jin mastering his devil powers and the aftermath of Heihachi Mishima’s demise.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. With the hype surrounding its launch, some fans are concerned about the perceived lack of content of Tekken 8. Contrasting it with rivals like Street Fighter, there’s apprehension that Tekken 8 might appear less “complete.” The primary worry is the possible absence of a strong offline mode, which many argue lends longevity to a game.
Interestingly, Bandai Namco seems to be putting a spotlight on eSports and the competitive scene. While this could be seen as aligning with contemporary gaming trends, it begs the question of whether there will be enough content for the casual player, especially offline.
But then, there’s the other side of the coin. Character reveals, a strategy that Tekken has historically used to generate a ton of hype, have typically been unveiled at tournaments. This seems to indicate that while there might be a strategic shift towards eSports, Bandai Namco hasn’t forgotten its core fan base.
Ultimately, with Tekken 8, we’re all poised on the edge of our seats, ready for the next chapter of this storied fighting franchise.
