Greetings one and all...
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
...to the Tekken 8 review! This is gonna be my last 'general' Tekken blog/review. I've talked a lot about this game already. With my character introduction/thoughts posts and with my preview article. Now, it's finally time to talk about the game in earnest. This game is HUGE and there is lots to discuss, so let's start before I lose my train of thought! ๐บ
Release Date: January 26, 2024
Developers: ARIKA, BANDAI NAMCO Studios, Tekken Project
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Hype Levels: Off the charts
Since I already talked extensively about the Game Modes last time, I'll only touch upon the high points. We'll delve more into system changes and the game as an experience. This will be a pretty high-level review, as I don't see the point in getting into the nitty gritty of a fighting game like Tekken. New flash - it's still Tekken. If you loved the series before, you'll love it again! ๐
๐ท PRESENTATION ๐ถ
The presentation in Tekken 8 is superb. I don't understand the people that complain saying it looks exactly like Tekken 7. My guy, Tekken 7 looks like clay characters fighting compared to this. Seriously. The graphical fidelity displayed here is off the charts.
This makes sense since this game was developed from the ground up using the Unreal 5 engine: all new character models, all new everything. To be fair, all the character models seem like they have the same body type. But once you put clothes on it balances out, so that's ok. ๐
So the visuals are on point, what about the music? Well, if you're a Tekken fan you would know that the soundtrack here is great as per usual. Maybe not as bombastic as previous entries, but it certainly carries the torch for Tekken's amazing track record in releasing music. Why don't you take a listen hile reading this article?
Tekken 8 also adds the feature of listening to any soundtrack from the previous games. Not only that, but it also allows you to make custom playlists using any track from any game. A super cool feature seeing as how many different songs are favorites to different people. Harada really nailed the nail on the head with its inclusion. Good stuff! ๐
๐ท GAME MODES ๐ถ
I know I said I wasn't gonna talk about the game modes. Well, I lied! ๐ Or, half lied I guess. Just gonna cover the basics here, for more info check out my preview article.
The game modes, in no particular order, are:
- Story Mode: Go through an extensive story covering the next installment in the Tekken saga. The longest concurrent fighting game story. To this point, there is also another mode where you can get a specific character ending by beating 5 AI opponents. This is standard Tekken fare.
- Battle Mode: Climb through online ranks with the Ranked/Unranked modes, now with new ranks! You can also play with your friends, either through a Local Area lobby or on the same machine.
- Arcade Quest: Follow a storyline taking you through the TWT (Tekken World Tour). This game mode is designed to help newer players get into the game, as well as offer another venue to show off your chibi avatar.
- Tekken Ball: Pur mindless fun. Tekken ball is back and better than ever. Much better than the bowling mini-game we got with 7. If you have never played Tekken before, this mode might seem weird. But trust me, it's great. ๐
- Training: This mode is available on its own, and also while searching for ranked matches. It is hands down the best training mode in any fighting game. And that's saying something. If you are a sweaty fighting game player you will appreciate it heavily.
In conclusion, this is a very feature-rich game. I love all the avenues they've laid out for newer players to learn the game. A lot to do, and a lot to see, and all of it is fresh and well-thought-out. ๐
๐ท IN ADDITION AND CONCLUSION ๐ถ
I gotta talk about the Ghost Battles. Available through the Fight Lounge, you can challenge any of your friends' "ghosts" or pro players for that matter. Ghosts are basically AI-trained bots that mimic the movement of the ghosted player. They are a great training tool. And while a form of this has existed in previous fighting games, this is the best iteration of it we've seen thus far.
The Fight Lounge is a hub granting you access to all the game modes we've discussed so far. Street Fighter 6 had a very similar thing. And yes, you can show off your chibi character in it as well. It's pretty cool, but not sure I'm the target demographic for it. ๐
A full package through and through. I am honestly very nervous and am so glad that Harada and his team delivered everything they promised and more.
This game introduced Heat, a very controversial element that could've upended the entire franchise. It is the most Tekken has changed since Tekken 4. This could've easily been a disaster. But they managed to pull it through. Good on them. If you have never played a Tekken game before, now is the best time to hop in! ๐
Anyone that wants to play Tekken 8 with me, put your Steam name in the comments and let's fight!
Thank you for reading my post, you rock! (and maybe roll) ๐๐๐
๐ผ๏ธ Image Sources: 01, 02, 03, 04 ๐ผ๏ธ
Shout-out to the ๐PIZZA๐ gang, ๐ค gang. ๐ค
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Have a great start to your week! ๐
