Tekken 8 launched earlier this 12 months, but it surely seems like a lot has occurred within the sport between then and now: a number of main match showcases, quite a few sport updates and changes, and two fan-favorite DLC characters. Now, Tekken 8 is making ready for the return of none apart from Heihachi Mishima, unkillable like a cockroach and desirous to reclaim the title of Mishima clan overlord.
Bandai Namco gave us a sneak peek on the upcoming model 1.08, which launches on October 3 on PS5, that provides Heihachi as a playable character together with a brand-new stage and a brand new set of story fights and cinematics persevering with the Tekken 8 saga. We additionally chatted with Tekken collection Inventive Director Katsuhiro Harada and Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda.
Spending high quality time with the preventing world’s worst dad
If you happen to’re anxious that Heihachi’s near-death expertise basically modified his gameplay, worry not. A lot of Heihachi’s moveset will likely be very acquainted to Tekken veterans, and the previous, beloved staples just like the Wind God Fist are nonetheless round to make you are feeling proper at residence.
That’s to not say that he doesn’t have any new tips. Two new stances, Thunder God and Wind God, could be entered into at sure factors and permit him to make use of some highly effective new strikes. And that’s not all: Heihachi may remodel with Warrior Intuition, a powered-up state that requires Heihachi to enter Warmth state 3 times. Warrior Intuition grants numerous buffs, like extra injury to recoverable well being, and altered/extra expertise. For instance, Heihachi’s axe kick, which is already a superb stress software, will get extra follow-ups when Warrior Intuition is activated. Nonetheless, since Warmth utilization is restricted to as soon as per spherical you’ll solely be capable to see Heihachi at his most potential once you’re fairly deep into battle.
“After we introduced Heihachi again from his ‘loss of life,’ we wanted it to really feel convincing. He wanted to appear highly effective if he was in a position to survive. I wished a brand new gameplay mechanic to hyperlink into the story. The Tekken Monks, which debut within the new story content material, are additionally linked to Heihachi. We wished him to really feel like he’d realized among the secret, long-buried methods of the Mishima Model,” states Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda.
Heihachi additionally comes with a brand-new stage, the Genmaji Temple, a secluded hideaway amongst a ravishing forest the place the Tekken Monks practice across the clock. Each daytime and nightfall variants of the extent can be found to struggle on.
“We wished the stage to be a centerpiece for Heihachi’s return,” Ikeda continues. “We wished the stage to replicate Japanese stylistic tastes, just like the falling leaves indicating the shift from autumn to winter. However since it’s a coaching floor, we wished to hammer residence that it’s a spot the place folks have practiced martial arts from way back — however there’s additionally a contact of humor once you see the unusual strikes the Monks are doing.”
The story of Fists and Destiny continues
I additionally had the chance to run by means of the brand new story content material being added within the subsequent replace. This episode, titled Unforgotten Echoes, focuses on Eddy, Lidia, and Yoshimitsu coming collectively within the midst of the continued battle. Eddy’s making an attempt to atone for his crimes with the Tekken Power, whereas Lidia’s acquired phrase of a secluded tribe of monks with historical ties to the Mishima clan. After they journey to the Genmaji Temple, the trio encounter a really sudden however very acquainted face.
“Heihachi is essential for the continued story, however he’s additionally a personality that a number of gamers need,” says Katsuhiro Harada who’s the Inventive Director of the Tekken collection. “The identical may very well be stated for each Eddy and Lidia. Eddy was obligatory for the storyline, and Capoeira is an iconic martial artwork that lots of people take pleasure in, so we wished to incorporate him. After which Lidia was added on the finish of Tekken 7. She makes use of karate and proved to be extraordinarily in style. So the elements we take into account are: they play essential story roles, gamers wished them, have been used lots, or had new preventing backdrops. The DLC characters to this point have these components, which is why they have been added.”
The Tekken 8 replace patch drops on October 3 on PS5. Early entry begins September 30 for individuals who preorder. Even in the event you’re not planning on buying Heihachi, the Unforgotten Echoes story and another new content material, together with a customizable residence display, will likely be obtainable totally free to all gamers.
