Tekken 8, the latest installment in the long-running fighting game franchise, promises to deliver an epic conclusion to the Mishima saga and take the series to new heights. The game is scheduled to be released in 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The Roots of Tekken
The Tekken franchise originated in 1994 with the release of the first Tekken game in arcades. Developed by Namco, the game quickly gained popularity for its innovative 3D fighting system, which allowed players to move their characters freely around the arena. Tekken also featured a diverse cast of characters with unique fighting styles, each with their own motivations and backstories.
The Mishima Saga
The central storyline of the Tekken series revolves around the Mishima family, a wealthy and powerful clan that has been torn apart by greed and power struggles. The patriarch of the family, Heihachi Mishima, is a ruthless businessman and martial arts master who seeks to control the world. His son, Kazuya Mishima, is a skilled fighter who seeks revenge against his father for the death of his mother.
The conflict between Heihachi and Kazuya has driven the events of the Tekken series, leading to numerous battles and alliances. Other members of the Mishima family, including Kazuya’s son, Jin Kazama, have also become entangled in the conflict, adding complexity to the story.
The Evolution of Tekken
Over the years, the Tekken series has evolved significantly. The graphics have become more realistic, the fighting system has become more refined, and the roster of characters has expanded. Tekken 8 is set to continue this trend, with new gameplay mechanics, a larger character roster, and a story mode that is said to be the most ambitious in the series’ history.
Tekken 8: The Next Chapter
Tekken 8 will pick up where Tekken 7 left off, with the world in chaos following the events of the King of Iron Fist Tournament. Kazuya Mishima has taken control of the G Corporation and is using its resources to build an army of powerful warriors. Jin Kazama, who defeated Kazuya in the previous tournament, must now find a way to stop his father and prevent him from destroying the world.
Tekken 8 will feature a new roster of characters, including newcomers like Lidia Sobieska, a Polish kickboxer, and Kunimitsu II, the daughter of the original Kunimitsu. The game will also introduce a new gameplay mechanic called the Rage Art, a powerful move that can be activated when a character’s health is low.
The Future of Tekken
With Tekken 8, Bandai Namco is aiming to create the most epic and satisfying Tekken game to date. The game promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the Mishima saga, introduce new characters and gameplay mechanics, and push the boundaries of the fighting game genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Tekken or a newcomer to the series, Tekken 8 is sure to have something for you when it releases in 2023.
What Is The History Of Tekken 8?
As a veteran of the Tekken fighting game series, I’m thrilled to delve into the rich history of its latest installment, Tekken 8. Strap in and let’s take a journey through the iconic battles, characters, and storylines that have shaped this legendary franchise.
The Roots: Tekken (1994)
Tekken emerged in the arcades in 1994, introducing the world to its innovative 3D combat system and unforgettable characters. The story revolved around a global martial arts tournament known as The King of Iron Fist Tournament, organized by the ruthless businessman Heihachi Mishima. The tournament attracted fighters from all corners of the globe, including the fiery martial artist Kazuya Mishima, the nimble and graceful Nina Williams, and the enigmatic martial arts master Paul Phoenix.
The Mishima Saga: Tekken 2 (1995)
The second installment, Tekken 2, expanded on the original story, introducing new fighters and deepening the relationships between the existing cast. The plot focused on Kazuya’s quest to confront his father, Heihachi, and claim control of the Mishima Zaibatsu, a powerful corporation involved in the tournament. The game also introduced the concept of Devil Gene, a supernatural force that manifested in Kazuya and his son, Jin Kazama, leading to intense and visually stunning battles.
The Rise of Jin: Tekken 3 (1997)
Tekken 3 marked a turning point for the series. It introduced Jin Kazama, a half-Japanese, half-Korean fighter who emerged as the central figure in the Tekken universe. The story delved into Jin’s journey to control the Devil Gene, confront his grandfather Heihachi, and unravel the secrets of his lineage. The game featured a stunning roster of characters, including the agile Ling Xiaoyu, the enigmatic Hwoarang, and the monstrous Ogre.
The Fourth King of Iron Fist Tournament: Tekken 4 (2001)
Tekken 4 shifted the focus to Jin’s struggle against the power of the Devil Gene and his search for his missing mother, Jun Kazama. The tournament became a platform for Jin to confront his inner demons, as well as powerful adversaries such as the ancient martial artist Feng Wei and the mysterious Raven. The game introduced the popular “Tekken Force” mode, where players could fight their way through hordes of enemies in a dynamic battle system.
Clash of Generations: Tekken 5 (2004)
Tekken 5 presented a compelling narrative centered around the conflicts between generations of fighters. Jin, now consumed by the Devil Gene, became the main antagonist, while his allies and newfound rivals attempted to stop his destructive path. The game introduced new characters such as Asuka Kazama, Lee Chaolan, and the enigmatic Devil Jin, who became a formidable force in the tournament.
Fate of the World: Tekken 6 (2007)
Tekken 6 escalated the global conflicts within the series. Jin’s destructive campaign brought him into direct conflict with the Azazel, an ancient and malevolent entity, threatening the world with annihilation. The story intertwined the fates of various characters, including Lars Alexandersson, the leader of a rebellion against the Mishima Zaibatsu, and Alisa Bosconovitch, a humanoid robot with a heart of gold.
A New Chapter: Tekken 7 (2015)
Tekken 7 marked a return to the origins of the series, focusing on the rivalry between Kazuya and Heihachi Mishima. The game explored the consequences of Jin’s actions in Tekken 6 and delved into the mysteries surrounding the Devil Gene. It introduced new characters such as Akuma from the Street Fighter series, Lucky Chloe, and Shaheen, representing a diverse range of fighting styles.
The King of Iron Fist Tournament 8: Tekken 8 (2023)
Now, with the announcement of Tekken 8, the legendary fighting game series is poised to unveil its next chapter. While details remain scarce, Katsuhiro Harada, the game’s director, has promised a significant evolution in both gameplay and story. The game is set to feature new characters, refined combat mechanics, and a gripping narrative that will continue the epic saga of the Mishima clan and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
As the hype builds for Tekken 8, one thing is certain: it will undoubtedly deliver an exhilarating experience, pushing the boundaries of the fighting game genre and captivating fans around the world. The legacy of Tekken continues to thrive, with each installment promising unforgettable battles, intriguing characters, and a world steeped in martial arts, family feuds, and the eternal quest for power.
What Is The History Of Tekken 8?
Tekken 8, the latest installment in the legendary fighting game series, is a culmination of decades of innovation and storytelling. Its roots can be traced back to the original Tekken, which debuted in arcades in 1994.
Genesis: Tekken (1994)
The first Tekken introduced us to a cast of diverse fighters, each with their own unique fighting styles and motivations. The story revolved around a martial arts tournament known as “The King of Iron Fist Tournament,” hosted by the enigmatic Heihachi Mishima. The tournament was a battleground for power and revenge, and it set the stage for the ongoing conflict between Heihachi, his son Kazuya, and their descendants.
Rise of the Zaibatsu: Tekken 2 (1995)
Tekken 2 expanded the cast and introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the “Rage System” and “Tekken Force” mode. The story continued the feud between Heihachi and Kazuya, with Kazuya ultimately seizing control of the Mishima Zaibatsu, a powerful corporation that played a pivotal role in the series.
Revenge of the Phoenix: Tekken 3 (1997)
Tekken 3 introduced the enigmatic Jin Kazama, the son of Kazuya and Jun Kazama. The story focused on Jin’s quest for revenge against Heihachi, who had killed Jun during the events of Tekken 2. Tekken 3 also introduced new characters, such as Eddy Gordo and Mokujin, and expanded on the lore of the series.
Divine Wind: Tekken 4 (2001)
Tekken 4 marked a shift in the story, with Jin emerging as the central protagonist. The narrative explored Jin’s struggle with the Devil Gene, a curse inherited from his father. The tournament became a battleground for control of the gene, and new characters were introduced, including Steve Fox and Craig Marduk.
The Curse of the Bloodline: Tekken 5 (2004)
Tekken 5 continued the story of Jin’s battle against the Devil Gene, and it expanded on the history of the Mishima family. The tournament was also used as a way to determine who would inherit the leadership of the Mishima Zaibatsu. New characters included Asuka Kazama and Lili Rochefort.
Conflict and Betrayal: Tekken 6 (2007)
Tekken 6 concluded the original storyline of the series, with Jin finally facing off against Azazel, an ancient evil that had been responsible for the Mishima family’s curse. New characters included Lars Alexandersson and Alisa Bosconovitch, and the game featured a complex narrative with multiple endings.
A New Era: Tekken 7 (2017)
Tekken 7 marked a return to the original gameplay and story of the series. The game featured a new cast, including Katarina Alves and Lucky Chloe, and it revisited the rivalry between Heihachi, Kazuya, and Jin. The story focused on the aftermath of Tekken 6 and explored the consequences of Azazel’s defeat.
The Next Chapter: Tekken 8 (2023)
Tekken 8 is the latest installment in the series, and it promises to take the franchise to new heights. The game is currently in development, and details about the story, gameplay, and characters are still under wraps. However, with the legacy of the series behind it, Tekken 8 is poised to continue the tradition of intense fighting and epic storytelling that has made the Tekken franchise one of the most beloved fighting games of all time.