Is Tekken 8 Only 8 Characters?

Is Tekken 8 Only 8 Characters?

As a seasoned Tekken aficionado, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of Tekken 8. With each new iteration of the franchise, the roster expands, introducing us to a diverse cast of fighters with unique abilities and playstyles. However, rumors have been circulating that Tekken 8 will buck this trend by featuring a limited roster of only eight characters. Let’s delve into the evidence and examine the validity of this claim.

The Official Announcement

Bandai Namco, the developer of Tekken, has remained tight-lipped about the roster size in Tekken 8. The most recent official announcement, showcasing gameplay footage and a new character reveal, did not provide any concrete information regarding the total number of fighters. This has fueled speculation and left fans anxiously waiting for further updates.

Gameplay Footage Analysis

The gameplay footage released thus far offers some tantalizing clues. It features eight playable characters: Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, King, Lars Alexandersson, Jack-8, and the newcomer, Kunimitsu II. However, it’s important to note that gameplay footage is often subject to change and may not reflect the final roster size.

Historical Context

Historically, Tekken games have featured an increasing number of characters with each installment. Tekken 1 had 8 characters, Tekken 2 had 25, Tekken 3 had 23, Tekken 4 had 23, Tekken 5 had 32, Tekken 6 had 39, and Tekken 7 had 54. Based on this pattern, it seems unlikely that Tekken 8 would take a step backward and reduce the roster size to only 8 characters.

Fan Reaction and Speculation

The possibility of a limited roster in Tekken 8 has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some argue that a smaller roster would allow for more focus on character balance and gameplay depth. Others believe that a reduced roster would limit player choice and make the game less replayable.

Development Time

Tekken games typically have a long development cycle, and Tekken 8 is no exception. The game has been in development for several years, and Bandai Namco has likely had ample time to create a substantial roster of characters. Reducing the roster size to just 8 characters would seem like an unusual decision at this stage of development.

Conclusion

While the possibility remains that Tekken 8 could feature a roster of only 8 characters, I believe it is highly unlikely. The historical trend, gameplay footage analysis, fan reaction, and development time all point to a roster size that is much larger. Bandai Namco has yet to officially confirm the roster size, but I am confident that Tekken 8 will deliver an impressive cast of fighters when it releases in the future.

Is Tekken 8 Only 8 Characters?

The Answer: Not Quite

When Tekken 8 was initially revealed, it showcased only 8 playable characters, leading some to speculate that the entire roster would be limited to this small number. However, Bandai Namco has since clarified that this is not the case.

The Confirmed Roster

As of my last update, Tekken 8 features a confirmed roster of 12 characters:

• Kazuya Mishima
• Jin Kazama
• King
• Paul Phoenix
• Marshall Law
• Lars Alexandersson
• Jack-8
• Nina Williams
• Asuka Kazama
• Jun Kazama
• Lucky Chloe
• Bob

Additional Characters

Bandai Namco has hinted that Tekken 8 will feature over 20 characters, including both returning veterans and newcomers. This suggests that we can expect at least 8 additional characters beyond the 12 confirmed so far.

DLC Possibilities

Tekken 7 released a significant amount of DLC characters, and it’s likely that Tekken 8 will follow suit. This opens up the potential for even more characters to be introduced post-launch.

Evidence from Previous Games

Historically, Tekken games have featured large rosters. Tekken 7 launched with 36 characters, while Tekken 6 had a whopping 44. It’s unlikely that Bandai Namco would suddenly downsize the roster to just 8 characters.

Conclusion

While Tekken 8 initially showcased only 8 playable characters, it’s clear that the full roster will be significantly larger. Bandai Namco has confirmed that over 20 characters are planned, and it’s likely that even more will be added via DLC. Therefore, the answer to the question “Is Tekken 8 Only 8 Characters?” is a resounding no.

Is Tekken 8 Only 8 Characters?

As a veteran Tekken player, I’ll shed light on the roster situation for the upcoming Tekken 8. While it’s true that the initial reveal of the game showcased only 8 playable characters, this is just a fraction of the characters we can expect in the full release.

Tekken has a long-standing reputation for having a vast roster of diverse fighters, and Tekken 8 will be no exception. Here’s why I’m confident that the game will eventually feature a much larger character selection:

1. Tekken’s Legacy of Roster Expansion:

Throughout the series’ history, Tekken games have consistently expanded their character rosters through updates and expansions. For instance, Tekken 7 launched with 20 characters but gradually grew to over 50 thanks to DLC and Season Passes.

2. Harada’s Comments:

Katsuhiro Harada, the series director, has hinted that Tekken 8’s roster will be “very large.” In an interview, he stated that while the game will have fewer characters at launch, there are several others that are already in development and will be added later.

3. Data Mining and Leaks:

Data mining of the Tekken 8 beta and leaks have revealed character files for multiple characters that were not included in the initial reveal, including fan favorites such as Nina Williams, Lars Alexandersson, and more.

4. Marketing Strategy:

It’s common practice for fighting game developers to gradually reveal their roster over time to maintain hype and interest. By showcasing only 8 characters initially, Bandai Namco can create a buzz and keep players engaged as they eagerly anticipate future character announcements.

5. Technical Limitations:

With the leap to Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 has undergone a major graphical overhaul. This advancement may require additional development time for character models and animations, leading Bandai Namco to prioritize a smaller roster for the initial release.

Conclusion:

While it’s initially disheartening to see only 8 characters in Tekken 8, I strongly believe that this is not the final roster size. Tekken has a rich history of roster expansion, and there is ample evidence, including official statements, leaks, and industry practices, to suggest that Tekken 8 will follow suit. With a “very large” roster promised by Harada, I’m confident that the game will eventually offer a diverse and satisfying character selection.