Why Does Tekken 8 Feel Slower?

Why Does Tekken 8 Feel Slower?

As a seasoned Tekken player, I’ve noticed a distinct change in the gameplay pace of Tekken 8 compared to its predecessors. While the series has always been known for its lightning-fast combat, this latest installment feels noticeably slower. This shift has been met with mixed reactions from the community, with some expressing concerns and others welcoming the change. In this analysis, I will delve into the various factors that contribute to Tekken 8’s slower gameplay and explore the implications of this change.

1. Increased Defensive Options

One of the most significant factors contributing to Tekken 8’s slower pace is the expansion of defensive options. The game introduces new mechanics such as the “Power Crush” system, which allows characters to absorb certain attacks while continuing their own moves. This creates more opportunities for players to interrupt their opponents’ offense, leading to longer and more cautious exchanges.

2. Enhanced Movement

While Tekken has always been known for its intricate movement system, Tekken 8 takes it to new heights. Characters now have access to a wider range of movement options, including new side-steps and dodges. This increased mobility allows players to evade attacks more easily, further slowing down the gameplay.

3. Longer Animations

Another notable change in Tekken 8 is the length of animations. Many moves, such as throws and certain special attacks, now have longer animations than in previous games. This can make it more difficult to punish opponents for mistakes, resulting in slower and more defensive gameplay.

4. Reduced Damage Output

Tekken 8 has seen a slight reduction in overall damage output compared to Tekken 7. This means that players need to land more hits to secure a knockout. As a result, matches tend to last longer and players are less likely to go for risky, high-risk, high-reward plays.

Implications of Slower Gameplay

The slower gameplay in Tekken 8 has several implications for the overall game experience:

1. Increased Accessibility

The slower pace can make Tekken 8 more accessible to new players. With less pressure to perform fast-paced combos and react to lightning-quick attacks, beginners can more easily grasp the game’s mechanics and improve their skills.

2. More Strategic Gameplay

The reduced speed forces players to be more strategic in their approach. They need to carefully consider their options, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and make informed decisions. This leads to more thoughtful and engaging gameplay.

3. Reduced Punishability

The combination of enhanced movement and longer animations makes it harder to punish opponents for their mistakes. This can lead to opponents being less aggressive, resulting in a more passive and defensive meta-game.

4. Concerns Over Stamina

While the slower pace can benefit accessibility and strategy, some players have expressed concerns about stamina. With matches lasting longer, managing stamina becomes crucial, especially in online battles.

Conclusion

The slower gameplay in Tekken 8 is a result of a combination of factors, including increased defensive options, enhanced movement, longer animations, and reduced damage output. This change has been met with mixed reactions from the community, but it undoubtedly has a significant impact on the overall game experience. While some players may miss the lightning-fast combat of previous installments, the slower pace of Tekken 8 offers increased accessibility, encourages more strategic gameplay, and reduces punishability. Ultimately, whether or not this change is beneficial remains a matter of personal preference.

Why Does Tekken 8 Feel Slower?

As a seasoned Tekken aficionado, I eagerly anticipated the release of Tekken 8, hoping to immerse myself in the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that has captivated the fighting game community for decades. However, after sinking countless hours into the latest installment, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss: Tekken 8 felt noticeably slower than its predecessors.

Initially, I attributed this sluggishness to my aging reflexes or a case of “old-man syndrome.” But after extensive observation and experimentation, I realized that the game’s mechanics had undergone a subtle shift, contributing to the perceived slowdown.

Reduced Hit Stun

Tekken veterans may remember the days when landing a clean hit would send opponents flying into the air, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. This extended hit stun allowed for explosive combos and relentless pressure. However, in Tekken 8, the hit stun duration has been significantly reduced. This means that opponents recover more quickly from attacks, making it harder to chain together multiple combos and maintain momentum.

Increased Block Stun

Compounding the reduced hit stun is the increased block stun. In previous Tekken games, blocking attacks would momentarily stun the defender, leaving them open to counterattacks. However, in Tekken 8, the block stun animation has been elongated, giving defenders more time to recover and respond. This makes it harder to punish opponents for making risky moves, further slowing down the pace of the game.

Slower Step Animation

Another contributing factor to the perceived slowdown is the revised step animation. In Tekken 8, characters take slightly longer to complete their steps, making it harder to close the distance quickly. This change forces players to rely more on sidestepping and backdashing to avoid attacks, which can further reduce the game’s tempo.

New Rage Drive System

Tekken 8 introduces a new Rage Drive system that activates when a character’s health falls below a certain threshold. When activated, Rage Drive attacks deal increased damage and can break through an opponent’s guard. However, Rage Drive attacks also consume a significant amount of rage, making them a high-risk, high-reward option. This mechanic encourages players to be more conservative with their attacks, which can contribute to a slower pace of gameplay.

Reduced Wall Damage

Finally, Tekken 8 has reduced the amount of damage inflicted when characters are knocked into the wall. This change makes it harder to finish opponents with a single wall combo, forcing players to extend their combos with additional attacks. This, in turn, slows down the pace of the game and discourages overly aggressive playstyles.

In conclusion, Tekken 8 feels slower than its predecessors due to several subtle changes in its mechanics. The reduced hit stun, increased block stun, slower step animation, new Rage Drive system, and reduced wall damage all contribute to a game that is more deliberate and less explosive than previous installments. While these changes may not be to everyone’s liking, they add a new layer of strategy and depth to the game, encouraging players to be more mindful of their attacks and defenses. Only time will tell if the Tekken community embraces these changes or yearns for the blistering pace of the series’ earlier entries

Why Does Tekken 8 Feel Slower?

As a seasoned Tekken player, I’ve noticed a significant change in the game’s pace in the latest installment, Tekken 8. While the series has always been known for its fast-paced and frantic gameplay, Tekken 8 feels noticeably slower. This shift has raised eyebrows among the community and sparked discussions about what might have caused this change.

1. Increased Reliance on Wall-to-Wall Transitions:

Tekken 8 introduces a new emphasis on wall-to-wall transitions, where characters can use walls to extend their combos and gain additional momentum. While this mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, it also slows down the pace. The time it takes to execute these transitions adds up, leading to a more measured and deliberate gameplay experience.

2. Modifications to Movement and Step Guarding:

The movement system in Tekken 8 has undergone changes, with characters feeling slightly heavier and slower on their feet. This change, combined with alterations to step guarding, makes it more difficult to move around the stage quickly and evade attacks. The result is a more controlled and grounded gameplay style.

3. Strategic Focus on Defense and Punishing:

Tekken 8 places a greater emphasis on defense and punishing unsafe moves. Characters have more health and defense options, making it harder to overwhelm opponents with aggressive tactics. This shift encourages players to play more conservatively, waiting for openings and punishing mistakes rather than relying solely on speed and offense.

4. Introduction of Heat Mode:

Heat Mode is a new mechanic in Tekken 8 that gives characters access to powerful moves and cancels. However, entering Heat Mode slows down the gameplay for both the player and the opponent. This deliberate pace allows players to strategize and consider their moves carefully, rather than spamming techniques mindlessly.

5. Balancing of Damage Output:

Tekken 8 aims to balance the damage output across the roster, reducing the frequency of one-hit kills. This change encourages players to focus on consistent damage over time rather than relying on quick bursts of offense. The more measured pace allows players to experiment with different moves and combinations to maximize damage.

Conclusion:

While some players may prefer the faster-paced gameplay of previous Tekken entries, I believe that the slower pace in Tekken 8 serves a purpose. It adds depth and strategy to the gameplay, encouraging players to play more deliberately and defensively. The increased reliance on wall-to-wall transitions, modifications to movement and step guarding, strategic focus on defense and punishing, introduction of Heat Mode, and balancing of damage output all contribute to the game’s slower feel. Ultimately, whether you embrace or reject this change is a matter of personal preference. However, I encourage players to approach Tekken 8 with an open mind and explore the new mechanics and strategies it offers.