TEST Tekken 8: the perfect recipe between tradition and modernity

Who doesn’t know Tekken Today ? The license of Bandai Namco has known through generations and thrilled players around the world. The franchise is back with a tantalizing new opus, Tekken 8, which is enough to titillate testosterone aficionados. We spent many hours on this production… Fashion History, Arcadeeverything goes, it’s time to talk to you about it.

Truly unbelievable.

Before getting to the heart of the matter regarding content and handling, let’s talk about the graphics. Let’s not beat around the bush, this eighth episode is simply divine. The first point that tickled our fancy: the modeling of the characters. The title takes another step forward by showing off well-groomed bodies. The pores of the skin, the deformation of the muscles, the realization of the hair, it’s to die for. In addition, when a protagonist increases his strength tenfold, large veins appear on the biceps, face, hands, chest… It’s truly incredible.

Then, the settings are spectacular! The team did a huge job in the environments to thrill us. Textures are crisp and flashy, and the light effects are well done. Plus, the backgrounds are lively, there’s always something happening around. Another very nice attraction: deterioration of elements. Indeed, when a fighter falls, cracks appear on the ground and do not disappear ; by this mean that the tiles do not reform after a few seconds. Even better, the title remembers the destruction of the surrounding area for future clashes. Also note that certain land boundaries can be exploded to make way for a new frame. Gorgeous ! Slightly disturbing point, the difference in treatment between cutscenes and moments in-game. In fact, the cutscenes are pleasant and well-designed videos which contrast with some “chatter” using the game engine, exposing an ultra-clear image. Either way, it’s beautiful. The transition is just unsettling.

And in terms of sound, what does that mean? Bandai Namco continues to offer dubbing depending on the nationality of the character, our esgourdes delight in various talents. Something more than appreciable, the arrival of Vincent Cassel in the casting. And for good reason, the famous French actor lends his voice to a new face, Victor Chevalier. Without surprise, the celebrity plays to perfection to bring both a chic and badass side to this new colossus. Concerning the music, different themes are proposed. We go through electro, rock and, from time to time, epic tones to make us vibrate during an important phase. In short, you will have understood, the ears are feasting on all sides.

It must be said that handling Tekken has evolved over the years. We were treated to dynamic, more calm games, some based on anticipation… This Tekken 8 does it have what it takes to satisfy fans of the genre? Clearly, yes. The firm has managed to preserve the spirit of Tekken by bringing something new to gameplay.

The gameplay is suitable for everyone, a real joy!

So, if you are a regular of the series, you will easily and quickly find your bearings. Who says new experiences, says new explosive mechanics to bring a little more spice to the clashes. In addition to the energy gauge, a bar called “Heat Time” joins the party. When the latter is consumed, the offensives which are linked to Heat may be worn. THE Heat ? Heat Dash, Heat Engage, Heat Smashto put it simply, our character is angry, his muscles are inflated, and take advantage of a big advantage to massacre everything that moves. During these (small) awakenings, we can create an opening and chain our opponent properly so as not to give him any respite.

Another point, when we approach death, the mode Rage activates automatically and increases the power of our attacks. In other words, the game gives us the chance and the possibility to turn the tide and gain the upper hand. Furthermore, during these phases and by tapping several keys simultaneously, we can initiate the Rage Art, a unique and devastating technique that reduces a large part of the opponent’s vitality. But that’s not all, it is possible to regain a bit of life. How ? By performing an aerial combo or parrying a blow. Of course, each protagonist has their own fighting styleit’s up to you to choose the one that suits you in order to master it to perfection with these new commands!

The Japanese giant wants to reach as many players as possible by offering two types of order: Arcade And Special. The first is a classic handling, where we must carry out various and varied manipulations to trigger more or less formidable attacks; a great classic in short. The second is more accessible and allows you to combine attacks in order to achieve combos more easily and automatically. This style is mostly for people who struggle with somewhat demanding fighting gamesbut who still want to embark on this experience. But whether it’s experts or newcomers, Tekken 8 accompanies us so that we can find our own balance and way of playing. THE gameplay is suitable for everyone, a real joy!

Tekken 8 is not stingy with content. A great classic, like Arcade, Versus, Training, To play onlineTHE Ranked Gameshangs around. But when it comes to big fashions, what is there to really get your teeth into? Enough to spend hours and hours in front of your screen…

Once launched, we do not see the time passing.

To start we have Historywith the title The Dark Awakens. Here we have to complete 15 chapters where we follow the new odyssey of Jin Kazama and his comrades, facing the vile Kazuya Mishima. The story is gripping and plunges us into a world prey to chaos. We discover new faces, and advance through various colorful and destroyed levels. There are not only fights, certain passages exhibit QTYwhile others force us to complete scenes worthy of a Beat’em all. It’s very entertainingand it takes between 3 and 4 hours (depending on your level) to reach the end of the tunnel.

During this adventure, there are gray areas on the picture concerning several characters. To learn a little more about them, we can jump into Episodea mode where we must eliminate 5 opponents to have some additional details. Enough to have fun without the hassle. Additionally, old content from Tekken 3 makes his comeback, Tekken Ball. The principle is simple, we must bring our enemy to the ground with… a balloon. It’s funny, comical and hilarious. Once started, we don’t see time passing.

Do you want more ? So welcome to Arcade Quest. Initially, we need to create our little avatar. Next, we travel to various virtual arcades, in order to familiarize ourselves with Tekken 8. We join a gang, face various adversaries, in short, it’s cute and crazy. But that’s not all because by progressing in this mode we can unlock Super Ghost Battle, an old feature that is enough to turn your brain. And for good reason, AI learns our movements as we go along in order to resemble us as much as possible. After a while, our opponent becomes a mirror and performs our favorite sequences. The goal here is to improve in order to understand how we play and how others (on the Web) perceive us. A good idea for those who plan to fully engage in this production.

Throughout our trials and adventures, we obtain virtual money. Used to? Obtain illustrations, or even accessories for our personalized character. Finally, a corner Jukebox is accessible and allows you to listen to chants from the different Tekken. Something to relax a little before getting back into the ring…

Bandai Namco feeds the players as it should. Modes galore, 32 playable characters, an electric atmosphere, crazy handling, old modes modernized, how can you not fall in love with this Tekken 8 ? Honestly, if you love fighting games, it’s impossible to miss this video game masterpiece. A must-see, for sure!

You can buy Tekken 8 on:

Tested on PlayStation 5.