In the CIS region, Tekken holds a special place among the beloved fighting games. While genres like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat stand tall, many gamers who grew up in the 90s spent countless hours with Tekken 3 on the Sony PlayStation. Years have passed and new entries arrived, but the 2023 and 2024 conversations circle back to the same trio of titles along with Tekken 8. After diving into the next epic season with both feet, players explored story modes, tested their limits online, and now share why Tekken 8 stands out as a standout chapter in the series and a top pick in fighting games overall.
How it is played
From a gameplay perspective Tekken 8 sticks to what made the series great. Each button maps to a specific part of the move set, and the core controls feel familiar to those who mastered the prior installment. New players can still enjoy the experience thanks to a simplified mode that reveals quick combos on the left side of the screen and can be toggled on or off at any time.
In simplified mode, a list of quick combos appears on the left.
Rage mode exists to give a comeback opportunity when health is running low, letting players flip the tide in a tense moment.
New mechanics also arrive just below the health bar. Heat Burst introduces a one-per-round burst of power, similar in spirit to an X-ray move from recent fighting games but with its own twists. It powers up a sequence of attacks, enabling devastating combos or short term special moves called Heat Smash. Blocking can stop Heat Burst, yet aerial hits often trigger flashy, multi-hit sequences that showcase each fighter’s unique repertoire.
Some fighters even perform a signature fish-inspired combo that highlights the playful side of Tekken 8.
Overall the visuals become noticeably more vibrant and dynamic. Every strike is paired with glow, sparks, or energy flashes, and the game even offers a dedicated setting to tune how dramatic those effects look. When approached correctly, the screen may glow with light, yet precision and control remain untouched.
The developers promised a reimagined flow, aiming for faster, more aggressive battles. In practice, Tekken 8 delivers speed that challenges players to stay proactive. Blocking alone is rarely enough; the right offense, timing, and offbeat strategies matter just as much as defense.
Up close, there is a system that rewards precise counters. If a player lands multiple hits after a counter, a portion of health is recovered, encouraging active engagement rather than passive defense.
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Things to do
For newcomers to the Tekken universe, Tekken 8 serves as an inviting entry point. The campaign introduces the backstory with concise, accessible videos for each chapter, helping new players feel oriented before the action begins. Those who prefer a more gradual approach can opt into a dedicated arcade story mode that teaches controls while letting players explore different characters and refine core combat skills.
In arcade mode, players create an avatar and enter a hub filled with arcade machines. The aim is straightforward: master Tekken 8 and defeat the top champion. Interactions with in-game mentors and detailed action descriptions help players learn the system, providing a lighter, more approachable path that still deeply educates new players on timing and strategy.
There is online play as well, and on a PS5, the experience proved smooth and reliable. Accessing the online space does not require elaborate setup, and players can connect via accounts from different regions and still enjoy fast, responsive matches. When an opponent is found, the game assesses skill in a test battle to set an appropriate difficulty, helping players avoid extended losing streaks as they climb the ranks.
Tekken 8 also invites some introspection with a game mode that lets players train against an AI mirror. This makes it easier to observe mistakes and learn from them. While the game remains inviting to beginners, it remains a serious fighting title that rewards practice and long-term mastery. The available tools ensure players have everything they need to grow as fighters.
Tekken Ball returns as a playful feature where the ball is charged with blows and directed toward the opponent. It adds a light, entertaining break from the core combat while showcasing the controller’s responsiveness.
Finally, the story campaign and character episodes deserve mention. The narrative is relatively brief, roughly five to seven hours, and begins at a natural stopping point from the previous episode. The tone leans toward a stylish, anime-inspired approach rather than the heavier, more somber mood seen in some contemporaries. The campaign treats its characters with a mix of action and humor, and each chapter introduces a twist that keeps battles visually engaging. The overall pacing blends spectacle with moments of character-driven humor that are easy to enjoy without taking things too seriously.
Character episodes tease what could happen if a fighter wins the tournament, with several battles offered for each of the roster’s thirty-two fighters. The additional content complements the main story by expanding the personalities and giving players a reason to explore each fighter more deeply.
Details
Tekken 8 features an extended character customization suite. The customization showcases many fan-favorites and a new generation of fighters who are fully ready for battle. Custom fighters can be used in combat or posed for photos in stylized setups, letting players capture memorable moments from their runs in the arena.
There are thirty-two fighters to choose from at launch, with more to come through future expansions. Newcomers include Azucena from Peru, who blends mixed martial arts, a French spy named Victor who wields swords and pistols, and the enigmatic Reina whose full fighting style remains a mystery for now. Notably, Heihachi Mishima is no longer part of the roster, with the developers confirming his absence from the pool of fighters.
Technical stability stands out thanks to Unreal Engine 5. The visuals are striking, the colors rich, and the character models well detailed. Yet the system requirements stay accessible and a smooth 60 frames per second is maintained, which means a mid-range PC can run Tekken 8 well without breaking the bank. In addition, the voice acting is well done, and while the game offers Russian subtitles, many characters speak in their native languages with distinctive accents.
Tekken 8 draws from its predecessors while pushing forward, delivering a product that is fun for casual players and challenging for fighting game enthusiasts alike. The title provides a accessible entry point for newcomers while still presenting a deep, rewarding experience for veterans who want to master it over time. The end result is an engaging, entertaining project that feels fresh without abandoning the essence of Tekken.
The most important outcome is pure entertainment. The campaign, combat, and character designs all deliver joy and energy, making Tekken 8 one of the most enjoyable titles in the series and a strong anchor for modern fighting games.