Tekken 8 to use Unreal Engine 5 while bringing in some new mechanics.
Tekken is the longest-running 3D fighting game franchise. The game series has been around for 29 years and is the holder of the Guinness Book of World Records title for the longest-running video game storyline. There are, however, changes taking place with Tekken 8. For the first time, the game is not being released as an arcade cabinet prior to its release and will instead be built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5.
The concept and direction of battle are one of the main driving forces for Tekken 8. The Developers of Bandai Namco want the players to feel a mix of power and destruction while still delivering the excitement that Tekken is known for. However, it will have streamlined options and more difficult expansions catering to casual and hardcore players alike.
The rage system in Tekken 8 will be automatically triggered once a player’s health is at a low level. This state allows a player to pull off the Rage Art or a one-shot move that can make or break a match. This isn’t the only change to come for the health gauge in Tekken 8 though.
Bandai Namco have included a new Recoverable Gauge in Tekken 8. This gauge comes into effect when a player blocks a certain heavy or aerial combo attack, which will in turn create a transparent layer that extends over the health gauge as health that can be earned back. This is very similar to what was seen in the Tekken Tag series. Unfortunately, the health isn’t recovered over time but by hitting or guarding attacks.
Naturally, backing this aggressive design is the Heat System. While the Rage State has the characters dawned in red, the Heat System provides a white aura around the character. Though the Heat State can only be activated once per round and only for 10 seconds, this is to keep the combos and hits coming while overwhelming the defender with enhanced attacks and specialized Heat Energy moves.
Tekken 8 will have two control types: The traditional Arcade style, which allows for a high degree of freedom with the ability to pull off more advanced moves, and the Special Style. This style is aimed more a casual play, as each button will have a recommended move and combo depending on the character. These actions will change based on the state of the character.
The Tekken series has always been able to keep the core moves for its legacy characters while at the same time expanding on their sets, making the latest games more approachable for longtime veterans of the series and for new players. Sadly there is no set release date yet for Tekken 8. The game is planned to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S & X, and PC.
