TEKKEN 8 - Buyer's Guide

Experience the latest installment in the iconic fighting game franchise, Tekken 8, with new graphics, stages, and battle system. However, concerns over greedy business practices and questionable monetization schemes may overshadow the game's quality.
Fan-art of TEKKEN 8

Get ready to rumble with Tekken 8, the latest installment in the iconic fighting game franchise. Boasting 32 playable fighters, this next-gen iteration promises unprecedented visuals, atmospheric stages, and a revamped battle system that amplifies the series’ signature intensity. Dive into the next chapter of the Mishima-Kazama saga, explore a new single-player mode, and unleash destruction on a massive scale. Is this the most thrilling Tekken experience yet?

Should I play TEKKEN 8 in 2024?

The good

Based on the reviews, TEKKEN 8 has some notable positives:

  • Solid Core Experience: Many players appreciate the robust and engaging fighting mechanics. Balancing issues present at launch seem to have been addressed in patch 1.05, making all characters viable in ranked matches.
  • Customization Options: While some content requires additional purchases, the default customization options have exceeded some players’ expectations.
  • Character Enjoyment: Specific characters like Reina have satisfied fans, indicating that some individual elements of the game are well-received.
  • Not Pay-to-Win: Despite complaints about the Tekken shop, the game is reportedly not pay-to-win, which is a significant plus in a competitive fighting game.

The bad

However, there are several key criticisms:

  • In-Game Purchases: Even the Ultimate Edition does not include all content, leading to frustration over additional real-money purchases required for full customization.
  • Balancing Issues: Despite multiple patches, there are still complaints about overpowered moves and weak defensive options, making the game feel unbalanced at times.
  • Heat Mechanic: The new Heat mechanic has been polarizing. Some players feel it disrupts the gameplay, forcing aggressive playstyles and reducing the importance of defense and player skill.
  • Guard Damage and Rage: Enhanced guard damage mechanics and the inclusion of Rage at half health are seen as catering too much to casual players, which has alienated some veteran fans.
  • Customization Locked: Many aspects of customization are locked behind additional paywalls, which has disappointed even those who purchased the most expensive game editions.

Verdict

Should you buy or play TEKKEN 8 in 2024? If you’re a hardcore fan of the series who enjoys the core mechanics and character-specific features, you might find plenty to like in TEKKEN 8 🌟. However, be prepared to deal with some ongoing balancing issues and potentially shell out extra cash for full customization options.

For casual players or those who cherished the strategic depth of earlier installments, the new mechanics and aggressive gameplay might be off-putting. The forced aggressive playstyles and emphasis on certain new mechanics have polarized the community.

In summary: Dive in if you’re intrigued by the new features and are okay with a bit of extra spending 💸. But if you’re a purist who loved the strategic elements of previous titles, proceed with caution.

Happy fighting! 👊



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In-game Screenshot

Screenshot of TEKKEN 8

Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG