Tekken 8 launched earlier this yr, however it appears like a lot has occurred within the recreation between then and now: a number of main match showcases, quite a few recreation updates and changes, and two fan-favorite DLC characters. Now, Tekken 8 is making ready for the return of none aside 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 alongside 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 sequence Artistic Director Katsuhiro Harada and Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda.
Spending high quality time with the combating world’s worst dad
In the event you’re apprehensive that Heihachi’s near-death expertise essentially modified his gameplay, worry not. A lot of Heihachi’s moveset shall be very acquainted to Tekken veterans, and the outdated, beloved staples just like the Wind God Fist are nonetheless round to make you are feeling proper at residence.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, will 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 rework with Warrior Intuition, a powered-up state that requires Heihachi to enter Warmth state 3 times. Warrior Intuition grants varied buffs, like extra harm to recoverable well being, and altered/extra expertise. For instance, Heihachi’s axe kick, which is already a great strain software, will get extra follow-ups when Warrior Intuition is activated. Nevertheless, since Warmth utilization is restricted to as soon as per spherical you’ll solely be capable to see Heihachi at his most potential whenever you’re fairly deep into battle.
“Once we introduced Heihachi again from his ‘dying,’ we wanted it to really feel convincing. He wanted to look 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 discovered among the secret, long-buried strategies 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 good looking 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 mirror 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 individuals have practiced martial arts from way back — however there’s additionally a contact of humor whenever you see the unusual strikes the Monks are doing.”
The story of Fists and Destiny continues
I additionally had the chance to run by 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 continuing battle. Eddy’s attempting to atone for his crimes with the Tekken Power, whereas Lidia’s obtained phrase of a secluded tribe of monks with historic 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 continuing story, however he’s additionally a personality that lots of gamers need,” says Katsuhiro Harada who’s the Artistic Director of the Tekken sequence. “The identical may very well be stated for each Eddy and Lidia. Eddy was mandatory for the storyline, and Capoeira is an iconic martial artwork that lots of people get pleasure from, 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 contemplate are: they play essential story roles, gamers wished them, had been used quite a bit, or had new combating backdrops. The DLC characters to date have these parts, which is why they had been added.”
The Tekken 8 replace patch drops on October 3 on PS5. Early entry begins September 30 for many who preorder. Even for those who’re not planning on buying Heihachi, the Unforgotten Echoes story and another new content material, together with a customizable residence display screen, shall be accessible at no cost to all gamers.