Tekken 8 is available now as a partial demo for PlayStation 5. The download provides a sample of several game modes and battle stages ahead of launch on January 26th, 2024. The free version also includes four playable characters Jin, Kazuya, Paul, and Nina. Xbox Series X/S and PC gamers will get a chance to preview the game starting December 21st. Moreover, Bandai Namco released the official story trailer, bringing to the fore the main story of Tekken 8, titled ‘The Dark Awakens’.
After Heihachi’s defeat in Tekken 7, grandson Jin Kazama, faces off in defiance of his father and G Corporation leader Kazuya Mishima. Contrary to previous installments, nearly every character in the line-up makes an appearance in the story. Along with an introduction to new characters, legendary fighters King, Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, and Nina Williams make their return to the roster. For the first time in over 25 years, Jin’s mother, Jun Kazama joins canon and returns as a playable character.
Jun Kazama Returns to Canon
According to lore, Jun Kazama raised Jin alone after failing to save her husband Kazuya from the devil’s influence. Jin presumed her death after she was attacked by an Ogre when he was 15 years old. Jun Kazama subsequently had cameos in every mainline story though her official status has remained as “missing”. Jun has not canonically returned as a playable character since Tekken 2 in 1995.
Left: Jun Kazama, Tekken 2 (1995), Right: Jun Kazama, Tekken 8 (2024)
Tekken 8 is also introducing a new gameplay mechanic that provides reward for offensive fighting strategies. The new metered “Heat System” tracks and builds ‘Heat’ for players to gain access to special moves and enhances abilities unique to each character. Tekken staples such as “Rage Arts” and character signature moves will patently make an appearance as well.
All content available in the Tekken 8 demo:
- “The Dark Awakens”, Chapter 1
- Demo version of ARCADE QUEST, Chapter 1
- SUPER GHOST BATTLE
- VERSUS Mode – with Jin, Kazuya, Paul & Nina as playable characters. Available stages are URBAN SQUARE (Nighttime version), YAKUSHIMA and SANCTUM
- Gallery of highlighted cutscenes from TEKKEN to TEKKEN 7
Source: www.tekken.com
