New Tekken games usually come with a few big changes, but it looks like Tekken 8 will bring more than most, and it's shaping up to be a significant turning point for the series. Developer Bandai Namco's jaw-dropping Tekken 8 trailer wowed fans when it dropped in 2022, showing off a slew of improvements that set it well apart from previous games. In the trailer, series director Katsuhiro Harada teased new dynamic stage backgrounds and astonishing graphical fidelity showcased by seamless gameplay-to-cutscene transitions.
Tekken 8 also introduces the Heat System, a mechanic that adds new strategies and playstyles into the mix. Although the trailer gave fans some clues about where the series will be heading story-wise, it still left them with more questions than answers. Months after the trailer reveal, Harada further emphasized just how important Tekken 8 is going to be compared to its predecessors, even citing specific plot developments and game elements that the franchise hasn't revisited in a long time.
The Bitter Mishima Family Feud Could Come to an End
The Mishima family feud had always been a central plot point in the series, but the latest installment might finally bring this decades-long power struggle to a definitive conclusion. Tekken 8's story picks up roughly six months after the events of Tekken 7, according to an interview with Harada. The last game ended with one of the series' main antagonists, Kazuya Mishima, now fully in control of his Devil Gene powers, finally defeating his father Heihachi. The post-credits cutscene then shows Kazuya's guilt-ridden son Jin Kazama promising to put an end his father, who's now become hell-bent on wreaking havoc on the world.
While Jin came close to ending the feud himself on multiple occasions, he was ultimately unable to do so as he either couldn't control his Devil Gene powers or was interrupted by visions of his mother Jun, as seen in his Tekken 4 ending. Now, not only has Jun's return been confirmed for Tekken 8, Harada also reminded fans that she has the power to "neutralize the Devil Gene." This could be the key to curing the affliction that's been corrupting the family, possibly ending their bitter internal rivalry once and for all. Jin's Tekken 8 character trailer also shows the first time Jin is in full control of his Devil form, presumably with the help of Jun, which not only makes him capable of ending the feud but also perhaps the most powerful character in the series.
Tekken 8 Will Bring Iconic Characters Back Into the Action
Aside from Jin now being able to freely switch to his Devil form, Tekken 8 will be making other historic changes too. Harada revealed that the 3D models of returning characters have all been remade from scratch. This was to make Tekken 8 feel fresh and new, rather than simply a visual upgrade over the last game. It will also be the first time Jun will feature as a playable character in the series for almost 30 years. Additionally, fan-favorite Paul Phoenix will be sporting his iconic Tekken 4 hairstyle, something Harada noted only happens every four games in the series.
Given its history-defining plot, completely redesigned legacy characters, new game mechanics, and revamped dynamic environments, Tekken 8 is shaping up to be the most defining entry the series has had for a long time. With Kazuya's plans for world domination already underway, it's safe to say the stakes are much higher than before, making the eighth King of Iron Fist Tournament perhaps the most important one yet. There haven't been any characters revealed yet, so the hype for Tekken 8 can only get stronger from here -- but fortunately Tekken 8's release might be sooner than expected, so it looks like it won't be long before fans get to see more.