Tekken 8: PS5 Review

Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Arika
Published by Bandai Namco Studios
Platform: PS5

The latest entry into the Tekken fighting series is as overblown as you'd expect - but is all the better for it.

Not really veering away from the usual blend of kicking and punching, the game is a little more aggressive than previous entries but is totally accessible for those who've never picked up one of the prior games. Of course, it's obligatory to say that if you have a familiarity with the game's prior entrants, you'll get a little more from some of the subtleties but also from the narrative in the main story.

In short, the story focuses on the ongoing tensions and conflict between Jin Kazama and antagonist Kazuya Mishima who has revealed his devil form and wrought down destruction on New York. From then on, it's a series of battles, encounters and fights to the death as the different characters face off.

Tekken 8 looks incredible.

Every single crunch of the bones resounds during the conflict, and there are constant explosions of colour pertinent to each character when certain moves are triggered. The game's mechanics have changed little in terms of what's expected but the final result is thrilling, easily accessible and endlessly playable.

With the introduction of a system to reward those who fight aggressively rather than defend selectively, Tekken is catering for those who want to progress in the game. The new Heat system changes properties of attacks and can do more for restoring health and regeneration.

It's an interesting way to change up the gameplay and the player's attitude but Tekken 8 wants to reward those who play the game with the necessary pace and skill.

With a deep and varied roster, Tekken's commitment to its characters is more than admirable - it's downright impressive. With some 32 playable characters and each one of them feeling like well-defined entrants into the genre, there's much for new and old players to engage with.

An arcade quest mode, Tekken Ball and also multiplayer round off a very impressive 3D fighter that's up there as one of the best in the genre. 

Tekken 8 should be appreciated by fans of its genre - but more than that, it should be owned by those who haven't dabbled in the games before. From stellar graphics to easy to learn moves, this is how fight games should be done.