Tekken 8 Review

This might make me feel ancient, but I’ve been playing Tekken since 1998. While it sounds like my knees are about to give out, it highlights the long-lasting greatness of Bandai Namco’s legendary fighting series. Tekken 3 was a classic back in the day, and I’m happy to report that Tekken 8 lives up to that same level of excellence, even 25 years later.

Of course, a lot has changed since Tekken 3 made history on the PS1 but the core gameplay is still familiar. Whether you’re playing on an Xbox Series X controller or a PS5 DualSense, the controls remain intuitive: two buttons control kicks and two control punches, making it easy to get into the action.

Over the years, Bandai Namco has added more complexity to Tekken, but it’s strange to realize that Tekken 8 is the first game in the series to arrive on this generation of consoles. Tekken 7, released in 2017, was solid, but Tekken 8 feels more significant. It takes careful steps forward in a way that many fighting games haven’t in recent years, except perhaps Street Fighter 6.

Tekken 8’s innovations make it stand out as one of the best fighters in recent memory. Check out our review to see why this game is a must-play for fighting game fans.

Tekken 8 Heat system

Tekken 8 introduces the new “Heat” system, adding more excitement to battles. Replacing the Rage system from the last game, Heat lets fighters unlock extra combos and powerful moves like “Heat Bursts” and the “Heat Smash.” The Heat Smash can deal serious damage, taking off a quarter of your opponent’s health if it hits, making every fight feel intense until the end.

I really enjoy these flashy changes to Tekken’s gameplay. They give less skilled players (like me) a fighting chance during single-player battles especially when AI starts chaining combos. However, if you’re a seasoned Tekken veteran, your experience might be different.

Tekken 8 is a massive, ambitious fighting game. It’s fun, bold, and delightfully absurd. And I mean that as a compliment! I love that the game can still feature a rivalry between a bear and a panda, have them beat each other up, and somehow keep a straight face while doing it.

The game offers a lot without feeling overwhelming. With a roster of 30 unique characters—ranging from metallic ninjas to a martial arts expert with an adorable American Bully—there’s plenty of variety. The main story mode, “The Dark Awakens,” is packed with over-the-top drama, following Kazuya and Jin Kazama as they continue their wild father-son feud. The story is as nonsensical as ever, but that’s part of its charm.

There’s also the quirky online Arcade Quest and even the return of Tekken Ball, the series’ long-running, weird beach volleyball mode. “The Dark Awakens” is classic Tekken: ridiculous, over-the-top fun with high production value. Though it’s probably longer than it needs to be, it serves as a great introduction for new players, teaching key techniques like blocks and throws in a way that feels natural.

Arcade Quest

Arcade Quest is a fun new addition in Tekken 8. In this online mode, you can create a custom avatar and compete in virtual arcade tournaments against both AI and real players. It supports crossplay across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. You can earn virtual currency to buy cosmetic items without needing to spend real money.

Arcade Quest is surprisingly engaging and I ended up playing it much more than expected. It also brings back the nostalgic feeling of old-school Tekken with Character Episodes, reminding me of playing Tekken 3 just for the fun cutscenes. Quirky cinematics like British boxer Steve Fox bulking up to Hulk-like levels, keep the franchise’s charm alive.

Tekken 8 may seem packed with different modes, but it’s still a welcoming and accessible game, even if you’re new or haven’t played in years. It keeps things fresh while still holding onto the classic Tekken feel.

Tekken 8 Special Style

Tekken 8 introduces “Special Style,” a feature that lets players pull off combos easily by pressing a single button (using LB or L1 on a controller). It’s great for those who aren’t skilled at mastering complex moves. However, using it against experienced online players will likely get you beaten quickly.

Still, this mechanic adds some excitement for casual players or those not interested in learning detailed movesets, giving them a fighting chance, especially against the computer.

You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy Tekken 8. In fact, I’m no expert myself—my go-to character in Tekken 3 was Eddy Gordo, and I used to spam buttons to win. Luckily, Tekken 8’s characters feel more balanced, without anyone being as overpowering as the Capoeira master.

Tekken 8 looks amazing on PS5, thanks to Unreal Engine 5. The characters are detailed, and the action stays smooth without any frame drops below 60 fps, which is key for a good fighting game. It’s a great mix of fun for newcomers and a challenge for veterans, offering both great gameplay and stunning visuals.

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Tekken 8 Conclusion

Tekken 8 is the best traditional fighting game since Street Fighter 6 and has reignited my love for the series. While it might not be essential for casual PS5 and Xbox Series X players, it’s a must-play for fighting game fans.

Tekken 8 captures the spirit of the series with exciting battles and memorable moments. It makes me feel nostalgic and reminds me of how much I’ve grown older. As long as Tekken continues to deliver such thrilling fights, I’ll keep playing until I can no longer hold a gamepad.