When you think of fighting games, the main three titles in my mind are Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Tekken. There have been other series that have taken the forefront like Soulcalibur but for the most part those have been the main three. 2023 brought fans of the genre Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6, both were amazing entries in their series, let’s see how Tekken 8 stands up to the competition.

Gameplay and Story

Tekken has always been known for its fast-paced beat-em'-up style, and Tekken 8 takes it to the next level, making fights even more intense with three to six rounds feeling quicker than ever. Despite having 32 fighters, the game manages to avoid significant overlap in playstyles, showcasing the developers' efforts in giving each character a distinct identity.

Unlike many fighting games that struggle with longevity for non-competitive players, Tekken excels in this aspect. While the story mode consists of only 15 chapters, adjusting the difficulty can provide a satisfying challenge and extend your playtime. Additionally, each character has their own ladder with a unique storyline. After completing these narratives, you can test your skills against bots in the arcade mode.

Building on the narrative from Tekken 7, released almost nine years ago, Tekken 8 seamlessly continues the story. Recognizing the potential need for a refresher, the game recommends it before diving into the story mode, incorporating stylized cutscenes that perfectly recap the events thus far. The 15 chapters primarily revolve around Jin Kazama and the ever-present King of the Iron Fist Tournament.

Another commendable aspect is the customization feature, allowing players to express themselves uniquely in the game. In a fighting game, this ability to personalize adds depth and individuality to each player's experience.

Graphics and Audio

Tekken's graphics boast a captivating stylized design that, in my opinion, looks absolutely stunning. The game has always embraced an anime-inspired aesthetic, and on the Xbox Series X, the character models and the fluidity of the fights are truly impressive. The highlights from impactful moments and the exaggerated animations contribute to creating an explosive and intense gaming experience, a vibe that I believe wouldn't be achieved with any other art style.

The voice acting in Tekken is performed by a highly talented cast. While a significant portion of the dialogue isn't in English and leans towards Japanese, there are also voice actors delivering lines in Spanish and even German. This diversity adds a unique touch to Tekken, and although it's amusing how all the characters seem to understand each other, it's refreshing to see cultural representation in a video game.

Feedback

I noticed something about this game, and while it's not necessarily a downside, it's worth mentioning that there isn't much of a reward for adopting a defensive play style. It could be the Tekken style, but even the back dash for dodging seems less prominent now. Perhaps it's my habit from years of playing NetherRealm games, where blocking is second nature, so adjusting to this was a bit different initially. On the flip side, this choice makes the gameplay more strategic, and successfully punishing an opponent becomes even more satisfying.

Verdict

I wouldn't label myself as "That Guy," but I've always had a soft spot for fighting games, and they've consistently been my favorite to play. Tekken, in particular, has secured its spot in my top 3 fighting game series, and Tekken 8 has only strengthened that position. I believe it's a masterful addition to the series, making it an excellent entry point for those just diving into the storyline. The game does an outstanding job recapping everything from the very first Tekken, and it almost feels like it comes with a built-in tutorial as you play. It's user-friendly enough that anyone can grab a controller at a friend's place and test their skills in the King of Iron Fists. For fans of the genre, Tekken 8 is a must-buy, and I anticipate it will attract a significant new fan base.

Tekken 8 is available now for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.