In 2024, the franchise Tekken celebrates 30 years in the video game market. To celebrate, on January 26, the Japanese developer will launch the eighth main installment of the game that was born when Bandai had not yet purchased Namco. Now, we have had the opportunity to test the different modes it offers Tekken 8 and in our review or analysis we will know if this game will be the best of its genre in 2024.
With the arrival of Tekken 8, the three big franchises of the fighting game genre are represented on new generation consoles. However, unlike Mortal Kombat (analysis) y Street Fighter 6 (review), Tekken 8 It stands out for its graphic level. In Tekken 8, the scenarios have great lighting and design management. Additionally, the characters are not far behind. Since, in addition to having great particle effects in some of their movements, their models are rich in details and do not clash with the high graphic level of the scenarios.
Simplicity, elegance and a story with many details
The menus of Tekken 8 They are sober and easy to navigate. Additionally, in these menus there is a “favorites” option that helps us configure shortcuts to the aspects of the game that we use the most without navigating to where they are located. For many, menus may be simple. Tekken 8, but we appreciate the simplicity, sobriety and design they have. As for the story, Tekken 8 This mainly revolves around the conflict between Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima. We will play Jin Kazama and we will have to accompany him on a journey in search of recovering his powers to be able to face the leader of G Corp.
The main story of Tekken 8 called “The Awakening of Darkness”, although more robust than the one seen in previous installments and more similar to that of MK1 that to that of SF6, It doesn’t have big plot twists and robust character development for the majority of the fighter roster. As we said before, the story of this game focuses on the family conflict between Jin and Kazuya, but in some of the important moments of the plot it leans towards a few fighters who manage to steal the spotlight. However, the vast majority of characters do not have significant weight and in some moments their inclusion in the story of Tekken 8 It’s just filler to artificially lengthen this mode. However, some of these “filler moments” may have nostalgic value for veterans of the franchise.
Three story modes in one game
Additionally, each fighter Tekken 8 It has a special episode, which in some cases does not share the canon of “The Darkness Awakens” but which does reveal more about the characters who rarely appear in the story and shows us some of the fun endings full of humor. that characterize this franchise. Additionally, in Tekken 8 There is another story. This is found in the Arcade Mission mode and presents us with a story about a group of players who have a local scene and are looking to improve to participate in the Tekken World Tour (TWT).
In Mission Arcade we will control an avatar, which we can customize. This story, while not as elaborate as the main one, serves as a tutorial for those unfamiliar with the franchise. Tekken Learn the fundamentals of the game. This is thanks to the fact that in each new place we visit the difficulty increases and we are introduced to combo mechanics and tips to get out of different situations. Arcade Mission mode is highly recommended to learn the basics of Tekken 8 before making the jump to online play.
Tekken 8 It is a fighting game that adapts to our style
Tekken 8 offers a wide range of customization options for playable characters. These include options to change hairstyle, wardrobe, accessories and more. These options are similar to those seen in previous games of the franchise Tekken. However, the amount of content available to customize characters, avatars, and our online profile information is greater than ever before. Customization items can be purchased through in-game currency. It should be noted that, at the moment, we have not found any type of microtransaction in the game, so all customization objects can be unlocked by playing the different game modes. Tekken 8.
Lots of content at no additional cost
get money in Tekken 8 It does not mean ‘farming’ for hours, since with just a couple of hours in some of the different game modes you will accumulate enough money to customize our fighters with many elements. In this aspect, Bandai Namco’s commitment leaves a great taste in the mouth. This is because, unlike the predatory practices of Capcom and Warner, Bandai Namco has chosen to deliver great cosmetic content at no cost in money or time, which allows enjoying the game to be the main objective when sitting in front of it. him.
In Jukebox mode Tekken 8players will be able to, as in KOF XV (analysis), customize each scene of the game so that the song we want plays. In Tekken 8 We will have all the music from the main installments of the franchise from the first moment and without having to unlock them by fulfilling objectives or paying for a season pass that has a couple of songs included. A gift for true fans of the franchise.
Classic gameplay with a clear emphasis on attack
Tekken 8 It maintains the classic gameplay of the franchise, but in this new installment Bandai Namco has focused its gameplay on the movement and positioning of the fighters. So in Tekken 8 dodging has a better reward than before. In this new installment, the effectiveness of counterattacks has been reduced. Thanks to this, in Tekken 8 These counterattacking movements are less effective—especially in moments of greater pressure. However, the above does not mean that they are not an important weapon in a fight. Since, they are still a fundamental tool to avoid attacks, only now the risk is lower.
The greatest number of new features in the gameplay of Tekken 8 They reside in the Heat System. Thanks to the Heat System, the characters of Tekken 8 They have unprecedented movements and new options in defense and attack. The latter are known as Heat Drives and Heat Rushes, which are special moves with considerable damage to the opponent’s health. These serve to start a punishment or also to extend one that has already started. Additionally, when our character activates the Heat System, his attacks will inflict damage to an opponent who takes cover (cheap). This is new for the franchise and one of the points that makes more experienced players think that this is one of the most aggressive games in the franchise.
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As is customary in our fighting game reviews, we are going to dedicate a section to training mode. This in Tekken 8despite not having a frame viewer as good as the one in SF6, It provides attack information and has a series of tools so that any player—regardless of their level—can get to know the different characters. This is because in training mode Tekken 8 We can find a list of combos to execute, challenges so that we learn to control a character and punishment training. This is essential to improve defense and reflexes. Additionally, it is in our opinion the best help for those who are new to the franchise and want to understand how defense works in this game.
Additionally, there is the option to fight against our ghosts, those of the developers, and once the game is on the market, download those of other players. This is one of the new additions of Tekken 8 more interesting. However, we will have to test it thoroughly once the game is released to give a more rounded opinion on this matter.
Promising online game
To write this review or analysis of Tekken 8 We tested for a limited time, to which Bandai Namco gave us access, the online multiplayer mode. The result, although it cannot be taken as a final opinion, was quite satisfactory. The games we were able to play—despite the distance—were stable. However, we will only be able to know how good the online multiplayer of Tekken 8 once the servers are open to the public on January 26.
2024 is the year of Tekken. This has been affirmed with its eighth installment, which is full of love for the fans who have accompanied the Mishima family saga for 20 years. Additionally, its new mechanics add innovative elements to the franchise without sacrificing what it has done to Tekken big all this time. Best of all, Bandai Namco has managed to demonstrate that you can have a fighting game accessible to any user and with a lot of content without having to resort to predatory monetization practices and always thinking about the user and their fun. There is no doubt that Tekken 8 is a strong contender for the best fighting game of 2024.
Tekken 8 review or analysis made with a digital copy for Steam provided by Bandai namco Latin America.
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