When Tekken 7 came out in 2015, the game peaked with an astounding amount of new players due to the new control layout as well as how amazing it looked. With that increase in the player base, Tekken continuously pumped new content and updates until finally, Tekken 8 was released on January 26, 2024.
Being a fan of the Tekken franchise since I was eight, I have to say that I love Tekken 8 and it’s by far the best one out of the Tekken series. But what makes it the best? After all, there are eleven Tekken games.
First, Tekken 8 uses Unreal Engine 5, becoming the first major fighting game to use this engine. Because of that, the game looks beautiful with near real-life graphics and amazing cutscenes as well. Fans of fighting games have been exceptionally pleased and are eager for more games with Unreal Engine 5.
The customization is no joke either. Many players have made close to picture-perfect outfits for characters from other game titles such as Ryu, 2B, and Scorpion. People have also made Drake outfits as well due to the “Taper Fade” hairstyle. All of these were made on the first day of the game being playable, so I’m personally excited for what’s to come after bigger creativity and more options come out.
The gameplay is also nothing to scoff at. Many people usually drift away from new fighting games because they believe they’re all the same thing: same controls, same characters, same story. However, that is not the case with Tekken. Every game attempts and succeeds with changing up how it’s played. Adding new mechanics like the new heat system which aims to make the game a lot more aggressive and increase combo potential. The game also introduced new characters like Victor and Reina and gave updated move sets to old characters to keep them fresh.
In conclusion, Tekken might be the best fighting game that will be released this year, despite coming out in January. Words cannot describe how great this game is. I hope more fighting games follow in Tekken 8’s footsteps and learn how to make innovative gameplay. Although Tekken 8 has only been out for a month, I’m so excited for Tekken 9’s release.
