TEKKEN 8

The best Tekken to date proves that plenty of depth makes for a vibrant fighter, justifying its current-gen exclusivity to deliver a skull-thrasher that really feels like an evolution rather than a simple update.

73%Game Brain Score

gameplay, story

monetization, optimization

73% User Score Based on 27,144 reviews

Critic Score 88%Based on 65 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $27.85

Buy NowGet on Steam$69.99

About

"TEKKEN 8 is the latest installment in the popular fighting game franchise, featuring 32 redesigned characters and detailed graphics. The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional playable characters, early access, and various costume packs. Brace yourself for an intense fighting experience with this new generation of TEKKEN."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+10

73%

Audience ScoreBased on 27,144 reviews

gameplay831 positive mentions

monetization353 negative mentions

gameplay
2,590 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
62%
6%
The gameplay of Tekken 8 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fast-paced, aggressive mechanics and stunning visuals, while others criticize the introduction of the heat system and its impact on gameplay depth. Players appreciate the accessibility for newcomers and the engaging single-player modes, but express concerns over balance issues, the prevalence of forced 50/50 situations, and the monetization practices that overshadow the core experience. Overall, while the gameplay is seen as enjoyable and dynamic, it is marred by concerns about its direction and balance, leading to a divided community response.
- “Tekken 8 stands as a monumental achievement in the fighting game genre, seamlessly blending innovative mechanics with the series' rich legacy to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.”
- “The gameplay is fast-paced, fluid, and responsive, with a balance of offense and defense.”
- “With its stunning visuals, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and an expansive character roster, it sets a new standard for fighting games.”
- “The gameplay is a wholly different beast from 7.”
- “The gameplay is so aggressive that they decided to be aggressive with microtransactions as well.”
- “The gameplay has gone astray from impactful martial arts from old tekken to anime-ish fighting games.”
story
2,354 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
53%
4%
The story in Tekken 8 has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many praising its cinematic quality and engaging narrative that continues the long-standing Mishima saga. Players appreciate the blend of over-the-top action and emotional moments, although some criticize the pacing and reliance on familiar tropes. The inclusion of multiple story modes, such as the main campaign and character-specific episodes, alongside the arcade quest tutorial, has been highlighted as a significant improvement over previous installments, making it accessible for newcomers while still rewarding for long-time fans.
- “The expansive story mode delves deep into the intricate narratives of beloved characters, providing a compelling experience that enriches the Tekken universe.”
- “The story mode is a highlight, featuring a narrative that's both engaging and emotional, with well-produced cutscenes and believable character interactions.”
- “The story mode is fantastic, with high production value and a satisfying conclusion to the Mishima saga, making it a must-play for fans of the series.”
- “The story mode ending sucked; fighting Kazuya seven times in a row seemed like the devs got lazy towards the end and ruined what was turning out to be a great ending to the story. Skip chapter 12; you won't miss out on much.”
- “Namco failed miserably with their storytelling that they already retconned events within the first year of this game.”
- “The story is trash; all stories in this game are trash.”
monetization
1,498 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
70%
24%
The monetization model in Tekken 8 has drawn significant criticism for its aggressive and predatory practices, particularly the introduction of microtransactions and a battle pass shortly after launch, which many players feel was a deceptive move to avoid negative reviews. Players express frustration over the high cost of the game, combined with additional charges for previously free content, and the presence of in-game advertisements, which detracts from the overall experience. While some acknowledge the game's solid gameplay, the overwhelming focus on monetization has soured the community's perception and led to calls for a reevaluation of these practices.
- “Despite the monetization, the game is absolutely entertaining as hell.”
- “If you can get past the monetization policy in this game, it is one of the top fighting games of this generation.”
- “Although it has many issues regarding its in-game purchases, the overall experience of Tekken 8 is extremely rewarding and offers tons of content for you to chew through, with the multiplayer obviously taking up most of your time.”
- “The DLC and microtransactions are legitimately atrocious, and hopefully further seasons will rectify this issue.”
- “It is not a free-to-play game for this type of monetization scum.”
- “The monetization practices, balancing, and bugs are atrocious, stupid, horrible, and so many other bad adjectives.”
graphics
1,174 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
40%
2%
The graphics in Tekken 8 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual fidelity, showcasing detailed character models, vibrant environments, and smooth animations that elevate the overall gaming experience. Many players note that the game sets a new standard for the franchise and fighting games in general, particularly with its use of Unreal Engine 5, although some have reported issues with performance and automatic adjustments to lower graphics settings during online play. Overall, the visuals are considered a significant improvement over Tekken 7, contributing to a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience.
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning, with meticulously crafted character models, vibrant environments, and fluid animations that breathe life into every punch, kick, and combo.”
- “Tekken 8 is a beautifully designed game, showcasing fantastic graphics that bring each character and environment to life.”
- “With its stunning visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, diverse character roster, and a wealth of content, it sets a new standard for the fighting game genre and cements its place as a timeless classic.”
- “Using a 900€ PC and still struggling to run it with decent graphics.”
- “Game keeps lowering graphics after a match..only happened after the current patch..if this is some kind of fix for lag whatsoever, then it's a really bad fix.”
- “I can run the game at ultra graphics with a smooth 100 fps but after 1 match it sets my graphics to low saying that there was some sort of frame drop (when there wasn't) and honestly makes the game unplayable.”
music
599 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
54%
2%
The music in "Tekken 8" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its diverse and dynamic soundtrack that includes rock, techno, and orchestral elements. The standout feature is the jukebox mode, which allows players to customize the game's music by selecting tracks from previous Tekken titles, enhancing the nostalgic experience. While some players feel the new soundtrack doesn't quite match the memorable quality of earlier entries, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's engaging atmosphere and enjoyment.
- “The soundtrack is the best I've heard in a game.”
- “The music is phenomenal, and the game is pretty good too.”
- “The soundtrack perfectly captures the spirit of Tekken and the presentation speaks for itself.”
- “The soundtrack still isn't stellar as Tekken 5's and/or Tag 2, but still a good step away from Tekken 7's wubwubwub.”
- “The only downside I can think of for this game is the music doesn't have enough variety, but you can change soundtracks and even customize the music option via the jukebox option in the game.”
- “The music in Tekken 8 is horrible too.”
optimization
320 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
55%
30%
The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end PCs. Despite some users experiencing smooth gameplay, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, particularly for PC, leading to a frustrating experience during online matches where performance can be affected by opponents' hardware. Overall, significant improvements in optimization are urgently needed to enhance the gaming experience.
- “Best modern competitive fighting game out there, next to no optimization or performance issues, absolutely phenomenal.”
- “The engine is fantastic and the game is greatly optimized which was a huge concern prior to release given most games nowadays release broken to try and appease investors for releasing in a timely manner on a skeleton crew.”
- “Graphics are amazing, but is optimized well enough that with enough processing power you should be able to smoothly sail in terms of frames.”
- “If the game ran well it would have been really fun; however, it is really poorly optimized.”
- “I bought the game last week and started playing, but it came with so many problems. I have been trying to fix the game on my laptop, which meets the requirements for running it properly, but it's stuttering so much that I can't even play. I have tried different methods to stop the stuttering for seven days, but to no avail. Right now, it's not playable at all.”
- “The optimization of several portions of this game are atrocious.”
humor
190 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in Tekken 8 is described as a mix of intentional and unintentional comedy, with players enjoying the quirky character designs, over-the-top storylines, and amusing gameplay mechanics. Many find the game’s absurdity and character interactions to be genuinely funny, while others highlight the community's toxic behavior and the game's monetization issues as sources of dark humor. Overall, the game is seen as a lighthearted experience that can lead to many laugh-out-loud moments, despite its flaws.
- “I like the corny characters, as it gives it an unintentionally funny charm, but I love it.”
- “The story mode is epic; I'm a big fan of the stages, cutscenes, music, and the story itself which is hilariously over the top, right in line with Tekken's style.”
- “The character episodes are soulful, often hilarious, and are great introductions to the characters for those unfamiliar with them.”
- “It's not funny to see particles all over your screen getting mashed by a console player that deals 90+ damage with each combo.”
- “A few months in, there's just so much microtransaction content, and it's not funny anymore.”
- “Get with the times; the joke is not only unfunny but also incorrect.”
stability
103 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
82%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and connection issues, particularly in online modes. While some users note that the game runs well on certain hardware configurations, many experience frequent crashes, lag spikes, and inconsistent gameplay, leading to frustration and a sense that the game is unfinished. Overall, the stability issues significantly detract from the gaming experience, with many players expressing hope for future patches to address these problems.
- “The game runs great, has a fantastic soundtrack, and features rollback netcode which is solid. I had no issues playing online, and there is a story mode for casual players to keep them entertained, along with a feature-rich practice mode.”
- “I was hesitant going into this, especially on PC after the disaster of a launch Mortal Kombat 1 had, but suffice to say, I was shocked to finally see a complete fighting game that has everything available to the player from customization to bonus content, and to top it all off, it runs great on my PC.”
- “The game runs great, the online was mostly fluid during my play session, and it seems like the game has a bunch of nifty little features to play around with that will allow newer players to get better and grasp a deeper understanding of the game as they play.”
- “Horrible online experience with non-stop lags and glitches.”
- “However, lately I'm hit with more and more glitches such as connection with opponents dropping out on the loading screen and often a black screen on the home screen, basically unable to open the game.”
- “The game's launch was awful, so buggy, with FPS drops and slow motion while fighting.”
grinding
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
10%
87%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the extensive time required to progress, particularly in ranked modes. Critics highlight that the grind can feel tedious and unfun, especially for those with less skill, while some appreciate the practice modes that help alleviate some of the monotony. Overall, the consensus suggests that while grinding is a core part of the experience, it can become overwhelming and detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “You'll see various cosmetic items locked at first, but they're bought with in-game currency or unlocked via single-player progression. Unlike other games, it's not grindy at all; you get millions of currency just by doing the various story modes available.”
- “Tekken is a grindy game and for someone with pretty bad motor skills it took me forever to get my combos together, not to mention actually using them in an online match.”
- “Ranked is quite unfun, and even if it wasn't, grinding solo in a game where it takes almost a thousand hours to be considered 'decent' and start playing the game as it was intended is frustrating, intimidating, and just plain not worth it.”
- “I don't want to dedicate all of my free time to grinding away just to unlock items that were cut from the base game.”
emotional
59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game has elicited a wide range of responses, with many players expressing deep connections to the storyline and character arcs, particularly highlighting moments that evoke genuine feelings of joy, sadness, and nostalgia. While some players appreciate the heartfelt narrative and engaging battles, others feel disillusioned by the game's direction and corporate greed, leading to a sense of disappointment and emotional detachment. Overall, the game successfully delivers impactful emotional experiences, though it also faces criticism for its monetization strategies and competitive mechanics that detract from the enjoyment for some long-time fans.
- “I love this game, but Jun's ending made me cry. Very nice, great.”
- “The story mode is a highlight, featuring a narrative that's both engaging and emotional, with well-produced cutscenes and believable character interactions.”
- “The emotional showdown between Kazuya and Jin captures the complex father-son dynamic, weaving a narrative of deep hatred and shame.”
character development
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
43%
7%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals and detailed character designs, while others criticize certain designs as lazy or over-the-top. Customization options are generally seen as an improvement, enhancing player engagement, but some players feel that the character development lacks depth and stakes in the narrative. Overall, while the character designs are often highlighted as a strong point, opinions vary on their execution and impact on gameplay.
- “However, the game itself is exceptional and clearly a lot of thought was put into the character designs.”
- “Great character designs, great roster, genius addition with the heat system, all topped off with my new favorite story mode in a fighting game to date.”
- “I definitely recommend it if you like fighting games, want to get into a fighting game, and you want to see some fun character designs and get into such a confusing storyline that finally has wrapped up a long-running arc.”
- “The character designs are over-the-top and ridiculous, making it hard to take any of them seriously.”
- “No real character development, no real stakes.”
- “60% of the character designs are literal slop; they decided flashy and anime made more sense over logical and balanced.”
replayability
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
51%
8%
Tekken 8 offers exceptional replayability through its diverse character customization, engaging story modes, and various gameplay options, including ghost battles and multiple game modes. Players appreciate the depth and variety, which cater to both casual and hardcore gamers, ensuring that there is always something new to explore. Despite some concerns over monetization, the overall consensus is that the game provides a rich and enjoyable experience that encourages repeated play.
- “The game has a lot of content and replay value, as well as a deep and engaging story.”
- “The deep customization options let players create a fighter that feels unique to them, adding to the replay value and appeal of the game.”
- “Tekken 8 provides many options and depth for any fan of the genre and with many modes to enjoy, it has some pretty epic replay value.”
- “The story mode is entertaining, and single-player content offers plenty of replay value.”
- “This is the only fighting game I love, but without survival mode, the replayability drops dramatically.”
- “Many interesting game modes and challenges add variety and almost endless replayability.”
atmosphere
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
27%
20%
The atmosphere in the game is generally praised for its vibrant and immersive stages, complemented by fitting music and sound effects that enhance the combat experience. However, some players note a shift towards a more toxic environment, suggesting that while the visuals and overall ambiance are strong, the game still requires balancing to maintain its positive atmosphere. Overall, the combination of graphics, sound, and stage design contributes to a captivating yet occasionally inconsistent atmosphere.
- “The stages are vibrant and immersive, each with its own unique atmosphere that adds depth to the fights.”
- “The sound in particular is great - a blocked quick jab might sound a bit mid, but most hits sound like a damn gunshot and add a heck of a lot to the atmosphere.”
- “Great graphics, fantastic atmosphere during combat, nice pumping music.”
- “They need to fix this game; it's still playable but has a toxic atmosphere.”
- “The sound in particular is great - a blocked quick jab might sound a bit mediocre, but most hits sound like a gunshot and add a lot to the atmosphere.”
- “Atmosphere/story: ⭐⭐⭐”