The Philippines has solidified its status as a prominent player in the Tekken series within Southeast Asia. With overwhelming popularity, this fighting game has captured the hearts of many in the country. The Philippines boasts a thriving community of enthusiastic players who actively participate in the game. Additionally, the nation is home to a plethora of world-class competitors who consistently showcase their skills in various tournaments, including one of the region's largest annual events. At one point, Tekken even fostered the development of an esports ecosystem in the Philippines, further cementing its position as a major hub for the game.
After years of anticipation, Tekken 8 has finally arrived, much to the delight of fans worldwide. The release of Tekken 7 feels like a distant memory, with its arcade debut happening back in 2015 and the console version following in 2017. This extended life cycle can be attributed to its immense popularity, especially within the competitive gaming community.
This longevity has laid the foundation for the extravagant and high-budget extravaganza that is Tekken 8. Similar to the upcoming Street Fighter 6, it exudes a sense of confidence and support, offering a plethora of game modes and jaw-dropping visual effects. Tekken 8 promises to be an unforgettable experience for both hardcore fans and newcomers alike.
Tekken 8 has finally arrived, and it does not disappoint. This latest installment in the beloved fighting game franchise takes everything that made Tekken 7 great and amplifies it to the next level. The core mechanics and animations that fans know and love are still present, providing a sense of familiarity and continuity. However, what sets Tekken 8 apart is the immense amount of new content and features that have been added.
The developers have taken the time to flesh out every aspect of the game, offering players a more immersive and engaging experience. Whether it's the expanded roster of characters, the stunning visuals, or the refined gameplay mechanics, Tekken 8 truly feels like a generational leap. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this release, and they will not be disappointed.
The fighting system in Tekken 8 is undeniably satisfying. Known for its exceptional audiovisual feedback, Tekken has once again raised the bar in this installment. The impact of attacks is visually stunning, with each strike accompanied by explosive hit sparks that make the action feel intense and exhilarating. The sound effects are equally impressive, with a distinct bass that adds depth to every move, even when simply blocking. However, the real highlight comes with landing a counter hit, as it triggers a mesmerizing explosion of character-specific colors that are visually striking. Whether watching or playing, Tekken 8 never fails to deliver a thrilling experience.
Tekken 7 takes the intensity and fast-paced nature of its predecessor to new heights with a range of fresh mechanics. The standout feature is the Heat system, which allows players to power up their character once per round. This mechanic becomes the focal point of the game, offering combatants access to enhanced attacks, brand new moves, and the choice between a Heat Smash or a Heat Dash.
The Heat Smash unleashes a devastating super attack that quickly turns the tide of the battle, while the Heat Dash can be utilized to extend combos or maintain offensive pressure. However, players must carefully choose between the two options, as selecting either one will end their temporary Heat state until the next round. With these additions, Tekken 7 becomes the most over-the-top and impactful entry in the franchise yet.
At first glance, Heat in Tekken may seem like just another flashy move, but it actually adds a strategic element to the game. With a simple press of a button, Heat can be activated, and followed by a Heat Smash with just a tap of the same input. This accessibility makes it easy for players to incorporate Heat into their gameplay. However, experienced players soon realize that Heat introduces a new layer of tactical thinking.
One strategy is to save Heat for later in the round, using it as a trump card to secure a close victory. When activated, Heat forces opponents to block and make educated guesses about the next attack, giving the user an advantage. On the other hand, using Heat early on can provide a significant momentum boost. The decision of when to use Heat is always crucial and can greatly impact the outcome of a match.
Tekken 8 truly excels in its ability to create intense and thrilling snap decisions. The game offers a remarkable level of mechanical depth, particularly as players delve into the intricacies of their chosen character's move list. The fundamental elements of Tekken remain intact and as exhilarating as ever, with high, mid, and low attacks seamlessly blending together. However, what sets Tekken 8 apart is its innovative Heat system, which fosters a sense of aggression typically found in explosive 2D fighters such as Guilty Gear or BlazBlue. This new approach adds an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the gameplay, making Tekken 8 a truly engrossing experience.
Tekken 8 offers players a dynamic and exhilarating gameplay experience with an increased emphasis on offensive strategies. While the game can still be played at a slower pace, the developers have introduced new techniques to pressure opponents' defenses like never before. This creates intense and thrilling moments where players have to make split-second decisions to counter their opponents' onslaughts.
Successfully executing a perfectly timed sidestep, low block, or parry can lead to a rewarding launcher and high damage combo, resulting in a satisfying feeling of triumph. Tekken 8's risk versus reward mechanics add an extra layer of excitement to matches, making each encounter a nail-biting experience.
For some gamers, the complexity of multilayered systems and mechanics in a game can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, Tekken 8 addresses this concern by offering the most accessible instalment in the series. From the very beginning, players are given the option to enable ‘Special Style' controls, which simplifies the inputs for key moves and combos, making it easier for newcomers to perform them.
While Special Style may not be enough to excel in competitive play, it does provide a helpful pathway to understanding the overall gameplay of Tekken. Additionally, players can toggle Special Style on and off during a fight, allowing for a dynamic learning experience when experimenting with different characters. This feature proves to be a great tool for those looking to familiarize themselves with the game mechanics and improve their skills gradually.
When it comes to learning the ropes in Tekken 8, players can rely on the game's headline single-player modes, The Dark Awakens story campaign and Arcade Quest. These modes serve as excellent tools to ease players into the experience. Arcade Quest, in particular, stands out as a perfect introduction to the game. It not only presents a fun and engaging storyline about climbing the ranks in the arcade and tournament scene, but it also incorporates well-crafted tutorial sections. This combination allows players to learn the game mechanics and strategies in a seamless and enjoyable way. Whether you are a seasoned Tekken player or a newcomer to the franchise, these single-player modes serve as a valuable learning resource.
Arcade Quest falls short of our expectations as a single-player time sink. Although the mode is entertaining while it lasts, allowing your personalized character to journey through various arcades and face progressively tougher adversaries in order to obtain exclusive customization items and in-game rewards, the adventure is disappointingly brief, lasting only a few hours. After successfully defeating your humorously serious rival, there is little left to engage in, aside from replaying matches against previous opponents.
One of the highlights of Arcade Quest is its inclusion of Super Ghost Battle, a mode that truly shines in the game's single-player experience. Here, players have the opportunity to challenge ‘ghosts', which are AI-controlled fighters that are created based on real player data. Essentially, it's like going up against actual people, but in an offline setting. The satisfaction of defeating these ghosts is twofold, as it not only earns the player in-game currency but also ranking points for their current character. For those who may not be ready to venture into online battles just yet, Super Ghost Battle provides the perfect platform to hone their skills and enjoy hours of captivating gameplay.
Super Ghost Battle offers a wide range of ghost characters based on developer data, providing players with a diverse roster to choose from. However, the game also allows players to fight against their own ghost or download ghosts of other Tekken players, including friends, strangers, and experienced professionals. Although the ghosts are not exact replicas of their original players, they closely mimic their movements, attack patterns, and combos. Even when testing out your own ghost character, you will immediately notice the similarities. The game's AI is said to improve as players invest more time into the game, which is incredibly exciting considering its already impressive level of reactivity.
Tekken 8's much-touted story mode surpasses the previous installment's attempt with its escalated absurdity. Focusing on the tormented protagonist Jin Kazama and his struggle to control his dark powers, the plot intertwines with his tyrannical father Kazuya's mission to plunge the world into chaos. While prior knowledge of the franchise enhances the understanding of the storyline, even newcomers to Tekken can sit back and enjoy the sheer ridiculousness of the unfolding action. With the series' most outlandish elements dialed up to eleven, the story mode of Tekken 8 promises an exhilarating and entertaining experience.
The storytelling in Tekken may be cliché and sometimes unapologetically stupid, but that's exactly what fans of the game expect and enjoy. The plot points are so exaggerated and over-the-top that attempting to take them seriously led to the awkward campaign in Tekken 7. However, in Tekken 8, players are treated to around five hours of devil-on-devil mayhem that is both exhilarating and mind-boggling. The cinematics are shockingly hype, and the boss battles are flashy and intense. If we were to rate Tekken story modes based on pure fan service and incredible action, Tekken 8's offering would undoubtedly win by a landslide.
One of the standout features of Tekken 7 is the inclusion of Character Stories. This addition marks a significant improvement over previous installments of the game. Each of the 32 characters in Tekken 7 now has their own mini arcade mode, offering players a unique experience with each fighter. These character stories are not only entertaining, but they also provide valuable insights into the personalities and motivations of the fighters. The cherry on top is the captivating CG movie that plays at the end of each story, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for the players. Unlocking these character stories feels reminiscent of the days when collecting all the arcade endings was a thrilling accomplishment.
Tekken 8 brings a refreshing addition to the series with its online lobby feature. For the first time ever, players can engage in battles with their avatars at arcade machines, connect with others through messaging, download ghost data, and even indulge in the intense Tekken Ball mode. The online lobby offers various gameplay options, including casual matches and ranked duels, allowing players to showcase their skills. Moreover, the option to create avatar-less lobbies for swift battles with friends or opponents adds to the versatility of the online experience. Despite minor connectivity issues during its initial launch, Tekken 8's online functionality is impressive and surpasses any online options seen in previous installments of the series.
Tekken 8's online modes have been a major concern for fans, as previous installments in the franchise have had consistently problematic netcode. However, after extensive testing, it is a relief to report that Tekken 8's rollback functionality is rock solid. Even when playing against opponents in the UK, there was barely a dropped frame, and matches against European players were mostly seamless. Bandai Namco seems to have finally delivered a high-quality online experience, which is a huge deal for fans who have dealt with years of unreliable connections in Tekken 7. Of course, only time will tell if this stability holds up post-launch, but at the moment, it is looking very promising.
Verdict
Tekken 8 stands as a true testament to the evolution of modern fighting games. This latest installment in the series goes above and beyond in delivering an exceptional gaming experience. Unlike many other fighting games, Tekken 8 does not neglect the importance of single-player modes. With a plethora of engaging storylines, challenging AI opponents, and a variety of unlockable content, players can enjoy hours of captivating gameplay even when offline. Moreover, the online features of Tekken 8 are robust, offering a seamless multiplayer experience that allows players to compete against opponents from around the world.
The game's visual prowess is another standout aspect, with stunning graphics and detailed character designs that truly bring the battles to life. However, the true beauty of Tekken 8 lies in its gameplay. The battles are a perfect blend of accessibility and technical depth, making it enjoyable for both casual players and hardcore fighting game enthusiasts. Every punch, kick, and combo feels impactful and satisfying, creating an immersive experience like never before. In essence, Tekken 8 embodies the essence of the franchise at its finest, delivering a bombastic and unparalleled fighting game experience.
