The year 2023 proved to be an exceptional period for video games, particularly in the realm of fighting games. Street Fighter 6 set an impressive standard for the genre, seamlessly blending casual and competitive elements. Meanwhile, Mortal Kombat 1 showcased the series' finest combat mechanics, although its Premium Store left a somewhat unpleasant impression.
As we transition into 2024, Tekken 8 emerges as a frontrunner, poised to make this another significant year for fighting games. The game boasts one of the series' most compelling story modes, a robust roster enriched by three memorable newcomers, and a renewed emphasis on aggression that successfully disrupts the core mechanics. While Arcade Quest may not match up to the series' more intriguing single-player modes, Tekken 8's King of the Iron Fist Tournament undeniably stands out.
Despite its initial appearance of continuity with the previous game, Tekken 8 has evolved beyond mere aesthetics. While the fundamental focus on juggling, combos, directional attacks, and wall-breaking remains central to Tekken's essence, the introduction of a new Heat meter adds a significant twist, enabling dashes and powerful attacks that bring about notable changes in gameplay dynamics.
Unlike Tekken 7, which leaned towards a strategic and block-heavy style, emphasizing both thinking and defending as much as attacking, Tekken 8 takes a bold leap towards becoming the most aggressive and fast-paced entry in the series. The introduction of the Heat mechanic has transformed the dynamics of the game, resulting in matches that can conclude in the blink of an eye once players master each character's intricate moveset and effectively employ Heat Smashes. This marks a departure from the more methodical match-ups of the series' past.
In my online experiences with Tekken 8, the majority of rounds lasted a mere 30 to 40 seconds, highlighting the game's intense focus on aggression and minimizing the likelihood of time-outs.
Initially, I had reservations about the Heat meter, considering its potent cinematic attacks and the accelerated pace when combined with the returning Rage Arts ultimate attacks. However, as I adapted to the strategic use of Heat Dashes and Smashes, I found them to be a refreshing change of pace. After investing 20 hours in Tekken 8, the shift towards a more aggressive playstyle felt invigorating, and I can hardly fathom returning to a more defensively oriented game, though it may spark debate among long-time fans.
Tekken 7's narrative, concluding the series-spanning rivalry between Heihachi and Kazuya, set a high standard. Yet, Tekken 8's "The Dark Awakens" surpasses it, featuring a more emotional and character-driven core. The storyline achieves the seemingly impossible task of making Jin likable again and delivers some of the most epic moments in fighting game history. The final chapter, while brief, elevates Tekken 8 to one of the best campaigns in the series, offering a treat for dedicated fans.
Jin's redemption is a pivotal element in the narrative, yet "The Dark Awakens" also casts a brilliant spotlight on Tekken 8's three newcomers: Reina, Victor, and Azucena. These characters stand out as some of the most impressive additions to the Tekken roster, excelling in both their distinctive movesets and vibrant personalities. Reina, in particular, steals the spotlight with a refreshing twist on Heihachi's mechanics, positioning her as a dynamic character poised to lead Tekken into the future. However, the absence of Bob and Christie is noted and missed.
Beyond the main campaign, Tekken 8's significant single-player content comes in the form of Arcade Quest. This mode allows players to craft their own avatar and navigate through themed arcades to partake in the Tekken World Tour. Unlike some of the series' prior single-player modes such as Tekken Force or Scenario Campaign, Arcade Quest maintains the core one-on-one fighting gameplay loop found throughout the rest of the game.
Arcade Quest also serves as a showcase for the upgraded character customization options, providing even more choices than those offered in Tekken 7.
While it may lack the variety of some previous modes, Arcade Quest compensates by serving as a crucial training ground for newcomers to the series. Each arcade introduces new tools to teach players aspects like punishing attacks or executing combos. Although less subtle than Street Fighter 6's World Tour mode in its tutorial approach, Arcade Quest is still appreciated, particularly considering the complexity of Tekken for those not familiar with its intricacies beyond button mashing.
For seasoned players, Arcade Quest might not offer much beyond around five hours of single-player fights and a charming narrative emphasizing that there's no "right" way to play Tekken.
While the joy of playing more Tekken 8 is undeniable, it's disappointing that the only substantial single-player mode outside the campaign caters primarily to newcomers and doesn't introduce variations to the core mechanics. The absence of another unique single-player mode feels like a missed opportunity, especially for solo players seeking activities beyond completing Character Episodes, even though online battles remain endlessly entertaining. It's worth noting that Tekken Ball doesn't quite fulfill this gap.
On a positive note, Tekken 8's Character Episodes, though brief, represent a significant improvement over Tekken 7's, injecting a considerable amount of personality into each storyline instead of merely showcasing battles between characters.
Despite Arcade Quest falling short of the strength found in previous single-player Tekken modes, its commendable effort to demystify one of the genre's more intricate series adds value. The decision to prioritize accessibility over additional single-player content seems justified in the long run. Ultimately, Tekken 8 stands as one of the series' finest entries, boasting a memorable single-player campaign, stellar roster additions, and a compelling focus on aggressive and fast-paced gameplay. Tekken has made a triumphant return and is as formidable as ever.
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