Tekken 8 has been hotly anticipated since it was revealed, and now we finally have a firm release date to pin down. At Gamescom 2023, a new trailer confirmed that the game will launch on January 26, 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG_gUIaRQ8I

Accompanying the release date, Tekken 8 producer Katsuhiro Harada teased a new mode called Arcade Quest. The trailer footage shows players making a custom avatar to bring into a virtual arcade, though we didn't see much more than that. We can confirm Arcade Mode is strictly a single player mode, so we know that much at least.

Additionally, the presentation noted that we'll see "all new gameplay that actually has some AI kind of infused learning aspects to it". Those words are as interesting as they are vague. Will we train characters as we advance through Arcade Quest? Your guess is as good as mine.

Also, while not a specific highlight of the trailer, our own Zoey "The Yellow Dart" Handley pointed out that Yoshimitsu makes his Tekken 8 debut here. As someone who mostly grew up with Soulcalibur, I always love to see him.

We'll learn more about everything Tekken 8 offers when it launches on January 26, 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The post Tekken 8 unveils Arcade Quest mode and January 26 release date appeared first on Destructoid.

Katsuhiro Harada, the director of Tekken 8 and long-time veteran of the series, has responded to what he refers to as "silly threats." In a recent tweet, he hits back at online trolls with a pretty lengthy statement about what harassment leads to.

In a recent post on Twitter, Harada decided to give his take on the threats that have been coming his way online. One such example comes from a no-named user who says they will hit the director "with a Burning Hammer" (a move used by Tekken wrestler King) if Tekken 8 doesn't feature Eddy Gordo.

https://twitter.com/Harada_TEKKEN/status/1689456340564111361

Harada makes it clear that, serious or not, such threats affect he and "everyone at FGC" (fighting game community). In a three-point post, he outlines what comments like these leads to. Number one being that security is bumped up, which "increases operating costs and increases the burden on the players" who attend.

Motivation also decreases

He goes on to say that "company founders, board members, and lawyers 'Don't like to be intimidated'," and that he does not "adopt the views of those who use 'We' when expressing their opinions," as though such people represent all fans.

The end result is that studios simply have no motivation to carry on making games when threats are being made. Tekken 8 is highly anticipated, and the last thing fans want or need is for the team to not want to keep working on it.

Yet still people persist. Immediately below Harada's tweet, one user says they will be spending their money elsewhere because companies like Bandai Namco easily forget the "narrow demographic who, mostly, go out of their way to afford" a "luxury product." Harada's response to this is a bit more... direct. So, as he's said before, don't ask him for shit.

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The highly anticipated Tekken 8 recently caused a stir among fans when they noticed that the End User License Agreement on Steam made mention of the controversial anti-tamper software Denuvo. Fortunately, game director Katsuhiro Harada took to Twitter to announce he has “no plans to introduce Denuvo or anything else.”

https://twitter.com/Harada_TEKKEN/status/1688677772116504576

According to Harada, the mention of Denuvo is likely because the EULA is a copy of Tekken 7’s. Although Harada’s Tweet isn’t a definitive confirmation that Tekken 8 won't use the anti-tamper software, it is a good sign.

[caption id="attachment_394394" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Tekken 8 could avoid some of Tekken 7’s problems

Developers use Denuvo to prevent (or at least stall) games from being cracked and pirated. Ideally, it shouldn't affect gameplay. Nevertheless, both players and developers have previously complained about the anti-tamper software, with some developers eventually removing it from their games. Denuvo has acknowledged the negative press, though the issues surrounding it continue.

Tekken 7 was well recieved when it released in 2015. However, it did suffer from frame rate drops and other performance issues on PC. Harada attributed this to the game’s anti-tamper software, which happened to be Denuvo. This naturally explains why fans felt upset about the mention of Denuvo in Tekken 8's EULA, and why Harada is so adamant on avoiding it.

https://twitter.com/Harada_TEKKEN/status/984835707209375744

Though Harada has suggested players “sit quietly”, impatient fans have been exploiting the Closed Network Test to play beyond the test period. Tekken 8 will release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, though it has yet to receive a release date.

The post Tekken 8 won’t have Denuvo, according to Katsuhiro Harada appeared first on Destructoid.

Evo is a major event for fighting game tournaments and news. This year, we've seen updates announced for some of the biggest games in the genre, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1. There's even a brief teaser for SNK's next bout. Here's all the news at Evo 2023 you should know about.

[caption id="attachment_395265" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Capcom[/caption]

Street Fighter 6 x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

After a musical performance of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song, Capcom announced a new crossover for Street Fighter 6. Starting August 8, there will be four skins for your custom characters based on the radical reptiles, pizza-riffic emotes, new titles, stamps, mobile wallpaper, and camera frames. This bit of EVO 2023 news was one of the highlights of the show for me.

https://youtu.be/TY-k6jYzXtg

A.K.I. joins the battle in Street Fighter 6

Capcom also teased its next Street Fighter 6 character, A.K.I. She looks twisted, and poisons your custom character in the trailer. No gameplay was shown, but we do know she'll be available sometime this Fall.

[caption id="attachment_395269" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via Mortal Kombat YouTube channel[/caption]

Ashrah, Havik, and Reptile are in Mortal Kombat 1

Three new characters were announced in a stellar Mortal Kombat 1 trailer. You'll be able to play as Ashrah, Havik, and Reptile when the game arrives on September 19, 2023. Ashrah is a surprising choice, as she hasn't been in the series since the PS2 game Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. Regardless, she looks like she fits in with her brutal Fatality. Sareena is also coming back, but as a Kameo fighter this time around.

[caption id="attachment_395273" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via arcsystemworks YouTube channel[/caption]

Johnny returns in Guilty Gear Strive's Season Pass 3

Shirtless and ready to strike his foes, Johnny returns as the first character of Guilty Gear Strive's Season Pass 3. He swings his katana with a quickening pace, and also unleashes cards, even turning people into them and slashing them up when the opportunity arises. He'll be available to play on August 24.

Season Pass 3 will include one more character in 2023 and an additional two in 2024. It will also come with two more stages, more color variants for your characters, and two extra colors for the Season 3 characters.

Arc System Works also confirmed that the game's reached 2.5 million players, making Guilty Gear Strive a huge success for the studio.

https://youtu.be/cTyy0kgQ8Ug

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves hypes up the crowd

After The King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown getting acclaim from fans and critics alike, the Fatal Fury series is returning with City of the Wolves. Not much was announced, but there was a little teaser by SNK, showcasing Terry and Rock Howard in the game. The graphics seem to be an upgrade too, with more visual details and improved lighting.

No release date has been given, but SNK fittingly said it is "furiously in development."

[caption id="attachment_395281" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via SNK OFFICIAL YouTube channel[/caption]

The King of Fighters XV adds Najd and Duo Lon, and KOF XIII gets a re-release date

On August 8, Najd will be available as a DLC character in The King of Fighters XV. Duo Lon will then follow her sometime this Autumn, which starts on September 23 and ends on December 21.

Additionally, The King of Fighters XIII Global Match will hit PS4 and Switch on November 16 with rollback netcode.

https://youtu.be/30GpU_0A8Rg

Raven and Azucena join the Tekken 8 roster

Fan favorite character Raven and the coffee-obsessed newcomer Azucena are a part of the Tekken 8 roster. Raven is using his shadow skills that might remind you of Naruto's Shadow Clone Jutsu. Meanwhile, Azucena has an intriguing dodge feature with some tasty counters shown off in the trailer. Tekken 8 still has no release date attached.

[caption id="attachment_395287" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via RIot Games' YouTube channel[/caption]

League of Legends fighting game Project L adds Yasuo

The in-development 2v2 fighter Project L is adding the champion Yasuo into the mix. His move set includes a far-reaching sword and quick attacks in the air. He can also release tornados and wind walls against his opponents.

"He can outplay with mix-ups, he can go to the air for really technical combos, play defense with his wind wall, or honestly just win neutral with his huge normals," said lead champion designer Alex Jaffe. Sadly, no release date for Project L was announced amid all the news at Evo 2023.

https://youtu.be/GYIOUxYBukw?t=354

Plankton is a new character in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

The tiny Plankton from Bikini Bottom is joining the bout in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 in a mech. He has all sorts of weaponry to fight off the likes of Aang, Reptar, and Spongebob SquarePants. He, alongside Squidward, will be a part of the main roster when the game launches later this year.

https://youtu.be/2Dc4F_fC0nc?t=42

Killer Instinct is getting a huge update

Cult-favorite Killer Instinct is getting a major update from Xbox Game Studios and Iron Galaxy for the first time in years. It will include better matchmaking, a balance update, and all-new 4K support on Xbox Series X|S. It will be coming this Fall. Now that Iron Galaxy and Xbox are working together on this, perhaps talk of a sequel could arise between the two companies after Rumbleverse's shutdown in February.

https://youtu.be/m55Ju_OmSvU

Under Night In-Birth 2 Sys:Celes is bringing "Dramatic Stylish 2D Fighting Action" in 2024

After more than ten years and many versions, Under Night In-Birth is getting a sequel. It will be launching early next year for the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Sorry, Xbox fans. Additionally, there will be rollback netcode.

Arc System Works says there will be "completely redesigned visuals" and "even more playable characters to be added" down the line. The trailer's description also touts that there will be "new moves and new battle systems" that further evolve the battle in Under Night In-Birth 2 Sys:Celes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbI26Ehde3g

GranBlue Fantasy Versus: Rising gets a release date

The release date for the sequel Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is November 30, as announced at Evo. As the festive season begins, we'll be battling it out as Gran and other characters in a three-part story and a new mode called Grand Bruise. Additionally, there is crossplay and rollback netcode available in this new version of the game. More characters are available too, including Anila, Grimnir, Nier, and Siegfried.

https://youtu.be/yKUH3zTNWMk

Maypul comes to Rivals 2

Finally, the fox-like combatant Maypul joins the Smash-like Rivals 2. She brings three different plants with her to the battle, including Lily, Terry, and Poppy. She'll also be the fastest character in the game. Maypul's combos look thrilling in the trailer itself. The game launches sometime next year.

That's it for Evo 2023 news cycle. Which fighting games are you most looking forward to next year, and will you be playing as Michelangelo in Street Fighter 6's avatar battles?

The post All the fighting game news from EVO 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Tekken 8 was originally announced in 2022, and a Closed Network Test was recently released on multiple platforms in July. To the dismay of the developers, some gamers have since cracked the CNT to play it in unintended ways. Bandai Namco is warning players against playing Tekken 8's cracked CNT, and those caught could face consequences.

[caption id="attachment_392950" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Be patient or risk a ban

Players with the cracked CNT can not only play the game offline, but continue to play it beyond the test period. In a Twitter post, Bandai Namco warned that this violates its Terms of Service and the Tekken World Tour's Code of Conduct.

https://twitter.com/BNEesports/status/1685978121948770305

Unauthorized access to the CNT could result in a ban from the upcoming Tekken World Tour and other official tournaments. In other words, competitive players may want to heed this warning. It is understandable why developers would emphasis this penalty in particular. Those playing the cracked version would have a headstart on practice, which could affect the results of official tournaments.

This isn't the only problem the CNT has caused, as it has also resulted in Tekken 8's partial roster leaking. Though Bandai Namco has officially announced 16 characters, the leak reveals a longer list of playable fighters.

It has certainly been a good time for fighting game fans. Street Fighter 6 launched to critical acclaim in June, and Mortal Kombat 1 will launch on September 19. Bandai Namco has not yet revealed a release date for Tekken 8.

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Each Tekken in the series is usually a landmark for console generations, with its spectacular graphics and superb game design, and that's certainly the case with Tekken 8. With its stunning lighting, entertaining new Heat system, and crisp netcode, this entry is certainly going in the right direction with its closed network test. Get your fists ready if another test or the full game arrives soon. There are many reasons why I can't wait for the next battle.

[caption id="attachment_394395" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

The next evolution of Tekken

The Tekken series has stepped it up again with its thrilling combat system. It keeps evolving, with each game adding a new compelling element; this time, it's the Heat system. The Heat Timer heightens the attack power of your character and enables you to chip damage away from foes even if they're blocking. You can only use it once per round, but it is key to your survival. Heat Smashes can be activated during the timer, letting you perform a flashy, yet powerful attack. It takes around a fifth of your opponent's health. The Heat System ups the stakes as it runs out, and the other player desperately blocks incoming strikes for around 10-15 seconds.

That's not all about the Heat system, however. There are certain moves—like Jin's Heat Engager—that activate the timer automatically within a combo. Button mashers may hate this, but if you use it strategically, these moves can be effective at disrupting your foe's reign-of-terror combos. Another way to stop your foe from attacking is a Power Crush. It's a counter that's utilized to stop yourself from getting juggled. Rage Arts are also back and are flashy as ever.

Tekken 8 feels great to play with all-new moves and combos to initiate on your opponent. In the excellent training mode, you can get used to the precise timing with every strike if you want to link a combo. Tekken 8 shows awesome bread-and-butter combos to perform on your enemies, and you can watch a video demo with the inputs on the screen. Combo challenges can also be shown through the UI, so you can reference them quickly. It's an approachable game for newbies who want to become intermediate players online.

How is the Tekken 8 netcode?

Despite Tekken 8 likely being many months away from release, the netcode during the alpha seems to be a success. Many games ran smoothly, as if the other player was sitting next to me in a local tourney. However, I did encounter a somewhat laggy game, despite there being five bars on my competitor.

[caption id="attachment_394396" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Damn, Tekken 8 is pretty

If you look at the trailers, you may believe there isn't a huge jump in graphical quality. Think again. Once you're playing it on a PS5, it's absolutely stunning. The facial animations of characters like Lee Chaolan are astonishing as he exaggerates his mouth and eyes. Additionally, you can see the intense hatred in Kazuya's face through his eyes on the main menu; it's actually haunting whenever you boot up the game.

The environments are filled to the brim with detail. The puddles in the New York stage reflect the lights from Times Square's advertisements, and the lighting from the neon signs stands out sharply on screen. You can even see the haze of smoke in the distance, and the crackling of the earth beneath your competitor's feet. The action is all in a wonderful 60 frames per second as well. You could name it as one of this generation's prettiest titles. Thank goodness there isn't a PS4 or Xbox One version holding it back.

As each battle continues, you'll see the sweat pouring from the characters as they desperately fight to win. Paul's sleeve breaks apart as he readies up his Rage Art and it remains that way for the rest of the match. Bandai Namco seems to pulling out all of the stops to make this as stunning as it can be.

Another neat factor of the game is the unique intros for rivalries in Tekken 8. When friends Lee and Paul face each other, they cross fists, breaking apart the glass under them in the Arena. It looks similar to how each Tekken trailer begins. This addition is a nice touch for long-time fans and adds further intensity to the fight ahead. The same happens with Jin and Kazuya as well.

Tone down the distracting music

Tekken 8's soundtrack is more like something you'd hear on a dance floor than an arena. The dubstep is obnoxious and distracting for some of the tracks included in this closed test, especially in the Urban Square stage. However, there is a standout banger for the Yakushima stage. It feels like a more rounded composition with gorgeous strings, stunning vocals, and a pumping backbeat that keeps the song moving forward. That's until the final round creeps in, and there's a blast of incessant dubstep within an otherwise great track. If this trend continues into the full game, I'm prepared to lower the music volume to 0 and put on my own playlist.

The electronic composition for the Arena stage is also decent but, in my opinion, goes way too hard with the bass. So far there are no tracks that come close to bangers like "Heat Haze Shadow" or "Infinite Azure" from Tekken 7 or Tekken 5's "Moonlit Wilderness."

Tekken 8's stellar so far

Bandai Namco hasn't pulled its punches with Tekken 8. Every character is animated incredibly well, and the action feels fluid, even more so than in Tekken 7. The new mechanics like the Heat Timer adds to the formula, creating a more fast-paced fighter that will be thrilling to watch at EVO and other tournaments. The music is a somewhat letdown as it's gone way too hard on the electronic and dubstep from past entries, but Tekken 8 is a promising fighting game I can't wait to get my hands on.

The post Hands-on: Tekken 8 seems ready for the next battle appeared first on Destructoid.

The Evo 2023 Friday Showcase appears to be shaping up to be quite the spectacle. In a post on the Evo website, the full schedule for day one of Evo 2023 has been revealed.

The fun starts at 10:00 a.m. with what Evo calls a surprise-filled panel featuring Arc System Works. The developers are absolute monsters—in a good way—when it comes to fighting games, responsible for the Guilty Gear franchise and the popular 2022 release DNF Duel.

At 12:30 p.m., a surprise developer will go on-stage for an "exciting announcement." No details yet, but the blog say it's a first look at a special reveal. Evo co-founder Seth Killian will host an interview with Street Fighter pro MenaRD, discussing their history with the Street Fighter franchise.

Hidden Variable Studios will then show off what's next for Skullgirls at 1:10 p.m. At 1:45 p.m. we'll get a look at the upcoming Rivals of Aether 2 followed by a rapid-fire reel of indie fighting game trailers at 2:00 p.m.

Rounding out the first part of the showcase is a look at Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3's history at Evo. This looks like it's going to be a blast, especially with the host, UMVC3 Evo champion Justin Wong.

Those interested in seeing the full schedule for Evo 2023 can check it out here.

Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Killer Instinct, and Mortal Kombat 11

At 3;00 p.m. Capcom will take the stage with a Street Fighter 6 developer panel. I'm sure there will be a focus on the recently released Rashid as well as what we can look forward to in the future for SF6.

Next up, Bandai Namco will show off the upcoming Tekken 8. T8 will also be playable at Bandai Namco's booth through Evo 2023, so be sure to swing by and check it out.

As the Friday Showcase winds down, four of the best players in Killer Instinct history will face off. The KI 10-Year Anniversary Invitational will have the players compete in a special exhibition to celebrate a decade of KI.

Finally, Mortal Kombat 11 will get a proper final chapter at Evo. MK11U will be the first Top 6 of Evo 2023 as it closes out Day 1 of the event.

The post Evo 2023 Friday Showcase will have news, updates, and surprises appeared first on Destructoid.

The exorcist enters the ring

Bandai Namco has just unveiled the next fighter returning for Tekken 8. Coming back after his introduction in Tekken 7 is Claudio Serafino, the closest we'll ever get to an Italian Final Fantasy protagonist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSFaTCoVJ2I

Who is this literal godsend?

Claudio is the greatest exorcist in the world and de facto leader of the Archers of Sirius, an order of exorcists that I assume has been KO'ing demons for centuries. He entered Tekken lore in Tekken 7 as Heihachi Mishima contacted his group to get help against Devil Kazuya. Claudio reluctantly joined Heiachi's organization, but his tenure with Mishima Zaibatsu comes to a close by the end of the game as Heihachi believes he's finally gotten rid of Kazuya.

While we don't know anything about the plot of Tekken 8, we do know Kazuya is still very unsurprisingly alive in it, so Claudio's service may become of use to Heichachi once again.

But really, how will Claudio play?

For the most part, Claudio is a well-rounded character. What makes Claudio special is "Starburst". That's Claudio's unique stance that he can enter once he lands certain hits. Starburst arms him with an array of empowered single moves and combos that turn him into a fearsome enemy. The trailer shows off some of Claudio's moves and an unbelievably cool Mortal Kombat-esque arena.

The character doesn't seem to have gone through many technical changes. Still, his combos are now adorned by animation effects that look straight out of Final Fantasy. The trailer concludes with Claudio absolutely obliterating poor Bryan Fury with a mystical arrow seemingly capable of murdering the devil himself. That's not just for the video — it's just his regular special move.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. Bandai Namco expects it to launch in late 2023 or early 2024. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for Hwoarang, Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Ling Xiayou, Asuka Kazama, Leroy Smith, and Lili Rochefort.

The post Here’s our first big look at Tekken 8’s sexy exorcist Claudio appeared first on Destructoid.

It'll be extremely limited

Bandai Namco announced today that fans can now sign up (right here) for the limited Tekken 8 Closed Network Test. The announcement indicates participants will be chosen based on a first-come, first-served basis, but also mentions it will be a very limited test.

While all platforms will have access to the Closed Network Test from July 28th at 10AM until July 31st at 9AM CEST, Playstation 5 participants only will get an extra weekend from July 21st at 10AM until July 24th at 9AM CEST. Those playing on a console will not require an online subscription service (like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold) to participate in the test.

In anticipation of the test, Bandai Namco released a new trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh5udl01YXc

If you were lucky enough to play in the closed alpha tests in March, you will notice an all-new "Heat" battle system has been implemented based on feedback from the alpha. This new system removes the old "Heat Energy" mechanic and adds a whole new element to the action.

All playable characters will have a new "Heat Smash" command for use with the new system.

[caption id="attachment_385624" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Bandai Namco[/caption]

The July closed network test will have all currently announced content - here's a recap and where to sign up

For the first time, you will be able to play as any of the 16 announced characters, including the recently revealed Bryan Fury. You will also be able to face off on all five revealed stages: Urban Square, Yakushima, Rebel Hangar, Sanctum and Arena. The Closed Network Test will feature online head-to-head ranked matches and cross-platform matchmaking.

Not only does Tekken 8 look like a lot of fun, but the new Heat battle system also sounds interesting. The recently released Street Fighter 6 has been consuming a lot of my time lately, but who can't make a little room in their schedule to practice Nina?

Again, the signup link is right here!

The post Sign up for a chance to join the limited July Tekken 8 Closed Network Test appeared first on Destructoid.

The Man who Laughs

Bandai Namco has revealed yet another veteran fighter headed to the roster of its upcoming sequel, Tekken 8 — And following on from the fun 'n' games of Lili Rochefort and Asuka Kazama, this newest trailer brings a whole lot more darkness, fear, and pain, with the return of psychopathic mercenary Bryan Fury!

Making his debut in 1997's Tekken 3, Bryan Fury is a former Hong Kong Interpol agent who was killed in a shootout, also involving celebrated detective Lei Wu-Long. Fury's corpse was rushed to the laboratory of the moral-free Dr. Abel, who wished to experiment on reanimated bodies for the purpose of future warfare. Now essentially a reanimated half-cyborg, Bryan's mind is all but completely lost, creating a sociopathic weapon capable of incredible destruction without as much as a raised eyebrow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA0cwK2V4og

Fury's new trailer reveals that our favourite zombie's hard-hunting punches and trademark backfists are in full effect, along with his capabilities for superhuman feats of strength, defying the power of his Actually Alive brethren. Of course, Fury's penchant for maniacal laughter rings through the entire trailer, because if you can't have a good ol' chuckle when you're dead, when can you?

Bryan Fury's trailer was, unfortunately, leaked a little ahead of schedule, upsetting Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada. But the preview finally got its official debut at the climax of this weekend's Combo Breaker tournament in Illinois, where the madman's return was welcome by the Tekken faithful.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for  Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Ling Xiayou, Asuka Kazama, Leroy Smith, Lili Rochefort, and Hwoarang.

The post The maniacal Bryan Fury is next to join the Tekken 8 roster appeared first on Destructoid.

Just for kicks

Bandai Namco has unveiled the next veteran warrior returning for the studio's upcoming fighter Tekken 8 — And returning to The King of Iron Fist Tournament is the hard-kickin', hard-riding taekwondo expert Hwoarang!

Hailing from South Korea and making his debut in 1997's Tekken 3, Hwoarang was initially established as a major player, set to be the Ken to Jin Kazama's Ryu and the successor of the aging Baek Doo San. Hwoarang, though disciplined in his martial arts studies, is generally depicted as a smart-mouthed, bad-boy biker, though he has shown loyalty, courage, and dedication to both his craft and to his friends and peers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAvVdlrHAKA

The Tekken 8 iteration of Hwoarang, as showcased in the above trailer, sees the return of his trademark red hair, which was dyed black in Tekken 7, additionally, Hwoarang has lost his eye patch, suggesting that the sight has returned in his left eye following an incident in which he was caught up in a botched assassination attempt on his rival, Jin Kazama. While Unreal 5 allows for a more mature visual appearance, the fighter's arrogance remains firmly rooted in his past appearances.

He's pretty damn hot, is what I'm saying.

In the ring, we get to see Hwoarang show off his flashy and deceptive kicking combos, unevenly paced to cause confusion and anticipation in the opponent. Hwoarang battles Nina Williams in a military complex, before knocking seven shades of Shinola out of Jin Kazama in an underground cave, a new stage that features several scene transitions. Hwoarang's super sees him send his foe sky-high with a series of kicks, before bringing them crashing back down to earth with a devastation axe kick.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for  Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Ling Xiayou, Asuka Kazama, Leroy Smith, and Lili Rochefort.

The post Hwoarang is the next fighter returning for Tekken 8 appeared first on Destructoid.

Git Reddy Fur...

While we don't have an exact release date for Bandai Namco's flashy-looking scrapper Tekken 8, (with the good money pointing to spring 2024), that hasn't stopped the publisher from throwing the levers on the hype engine, having already released over 10 dynamic character trailers, spotlighting the heroes and villains who are getting in gear for the next King of Iron Fist Tournament.

Since its inception way back in 1994, the Tekken universe has grown at an alarming rate, with somewhere in the region of 90 characters — should you choose to include all Jacks, all descendants, and guest stars. As such, there is quite the roster to choose from when putting together each new sequel, and while Tekken 8 is already filling up the ranks with fan favorites such as Ling Xiayou, Asuka Kazama, Lili Rochefort, King, and Leroy Smith, there are still many familiar faces, old and new, unaccounted for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p07h8qIsUd4

My main squeeze, Lili, has already made the cut, and she's frankly the only Tekken character I have any real degree of competency with. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't also like to see characters such as Master Raven, Lidia Sobieska, and Anna Williams (imagine those fashions in Unreal 5) join the party. And, of course, there's always room for one of the franchise's finest creations, The Absolute Menace, Lucky Chloe.

But let's hear from you in our beloved community, who are you eagerly hoping will step back into the ring, the lab, and the bowling alley this time around? Are you waiting on a classic such as Julia Chang or Lei WuLong, an oddity such as Mokujin or Dr. Boskonovitch, or even one of the latter-day stars such as Katarina Alves or Fahkumram? Whoever you wanna see, tell us all about it!

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024.

The post Which characters do you want to see make the cut for Tekken 8? appeared first on Destructoid.

The moment of victory, J'adore!

Bandai Namco has pushed out another character trailer for its upcoming fighting sequel Tekken 8, showcasing another veteran roster member ready to step back into the Iron Fist Tournament — And you better practice your curtsy, bucko, as its none other than the melee millionaire herself, Lili Rochefort!

As you can see from the new trailer, Lili returns with all the grace, beauty, and smug self-confidence that we've come to know and love from the Rochefort Enterprises heiress, who is sporting an absolutely darling new outfit, complete with a frilled dress, leather waistcoat, and a brand new pair of boots, all of which still fits with her iconic Goth Lolita vibe. Perhaps more notably, our lady appears to have adopted a new feline friend, Salt, who accompanies her to the stage of battle.

Can't believe Lili became a cat person, maybe she does care about others after all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GUy7HAUqCE&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

Regarding the action itself, we can see that Lili's balletic, dance-like punch and kick strings are present and correct, along with her acrobatic corkscrew attacks. The trailer also emphasizes her swift backspins, a key element of Lili's offensive, which allow her to deftly avoid incoming attacks before immediately following up with a counter. The trailer ends with Lili once again frustrating her longtime rival, Asuka Kazama, before celebrating with Salt, who looks frankly like he doesn't give two catnips.

While I'll never claim to be a great Tekken player, Lili is my girl and is easily the character I'm best with. While I had no doubt in my mind that she would return for the new sequel, it's nice to see the confirmation, and I absolutely love her new look... and kitty.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for  Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Ling Xiayou, Asuka Kazama, and Leroy Smith.

The post Lili is back in Tekken 8, and she’s brought a furry new friend appeared first on Destructoid.

Harada answers fan questions about new sequel

Katsuhiro Harada, the long-time producer of Bandai Namco's Tekken, took to Twitter this weekend to answer fan questions regarding the attractive-looking sequel, Tekken 8 — As part of the impromptu back-and-forth, Harada essentially confirmed that the scrapper would feature both rollback netcode, as well as crossplay support, a first for the popular fight franchise.

According to Harada, crossplay between platforms is something that the producer has already pushed for in the past, but various issues between platform publishers had kept this from becoming a reality. It seems, however, that Tekken 8 will indeed allow players on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X to battle it out against each other, which is always a huge boon for any fighting game community.

https://twitter.com/Harada_TEKKEN/status/1644917275621990401?s=20

Elsewhere in the online conversation, Harada said that Tekken 8 would feature rollback netcode, though it should be noted that current release Tekken 7 also features said technology, but struggles in an online capacity. One would hope that the sequel will see the online elements overhauled for stronger and smoother response. Harada also suggests that Tekken 8 might have a larger launch roster than "Capcom-sama", hinting that the new sequel will surpass Street Fighter 6's count of 18 World Warriors. When asked about a possible beta, the producer noted that the title was still in its alpha testing phase.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for  Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Ling Xiayou, Asuka Kazama, and Leroy Smith.

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The S-Tier Terror is Back

Bandai Namco, still on a seemingly unstoppable marketing drive, has released another new character trailer for its flashy-looking fighter Tekken 8 — This time around, we focus on the enviable style and undeniable power of one of the series' most recent addition: grandmaster Leroy Smith.

Having made his debut as a Tekken 7 DLC character, Smith is still a relative newcomer to the Tekken franchise. Turning heads immediately with his slick style and cool-as-a-cucumber attitude, Leroy would make his presence felt in double-quick time, becoming one of the most dangerous characters on the roster and a frequent winner on the game's competitive circuit. Leroy has developed a mastery of the high-speed kung-fu form, Wing Chun, which allows him to move with quiet grace and precision, before suddenly unleashing rapid, lightning-like blows on his opponent's noodle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvL5Rh6M4lM&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

As a child, Leroy grew up mired in the violence of 1980s New York, where gang warfare, complete with integration by crooked cops and politicians would see the young fighter lose his entire family. Brutally injured, and guided by little else but fate, Leroy traveled the world, searching for enlightenment and inner peace while honing his bewildering fighting abilities. Decades later, Leroy returned to America, aiming to stamp out all forms of injustice and corruption wherever it may lay — a path that ultimately leads him to the doors of the Mishima Zaibatsu.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for  Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Ling Xiayou, and Asuka Kazama.

The post The ‘Grandmaster of Drip’ Leroy Smith returns in Tekken 8 appeared first on Destructoid.

The battling biking babe is back

With the release of the Jun Kazama trailer, Tekken fans thought that maybe Bandai Namco might go a little quiet on the Tekken 8 character reveals for a few months — But instead, the studio has actually tripled down, offering up not one, not two, but three new reveals in the seven days since!

Leading the pack — at least in the minds of many franchise fans — is top-tier ass-kicker Asuka Kazama!

Miss Kazama made her debut back in 2005's Tekken 5, where she immediately won over the hearts of fans with her cutie-pie looks, stoic spirit, and take-no-shit, never-say-die attitude. Something of a more distant relative to the Kazama/Mishima bloodline, Kazama spends her days as a hilariously self-appointed "pacifist vigilante", who tends to break up/prevent street fights by, well, kicking the shit out of everyone and then demanding that they all make up.

The hot-headed, high-spirited teenager has developed something of a fierce rivalry with her school chum and fellow Tekkenite Lili Rochefort, who has superbly mastered the fine art of pushing our girl's buttons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p07h8qIsUd4&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

Asuka looks as lovely as ever, and is seen sporting a neat summery take on her traditional school uniform, complete with pageboy cap, pink necktie, and cute Victorian boots. Of course, this sweet demeanor belies her indomitable striking power, and we can see this demonstrated in Asuka's distinct blend of Karate and Aikido — frequently disrupting her opponent's balance before laying in with short, powerful blows. Of course, once all of the fightin' and feudin' is done with, our Champion of the Peace is all ready to deliver a stern lecture on the finer points of social behavior.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for  Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, and Ling Xiayou.

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The phoenix rises

That was fast. Bandai Namco has dropped yet another trailer for Tekken 8, this one focusing on Ling Xiaoyu. Ling was previously unannounced for the game, so this trailer is a big reveal for her. I’m mostly just surprised that this happened so quickly after Jun Kazama capped off the reveal trailers for their already-revealed cast.

This maybe shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Ling Xiaoyu was introduced way back in Tekken 3 and has been in every entry since. She initially wanted to win enough money to build her own amusement park but eventually got wrapped up in the family drama of the Kazama family.

https://youtu.be/vTd2XeL4ygQ

The trailer shows Ling Xiaoyu kicking her winged slippers at Nina Williams and King, who commenters have pointed out were her foes in the Tekken: Bloodline anime. Much of the time, she’s wearing her trademark smile right up until she gets mad and nukes King’s well-developed abs.

Ling Xiaoyu gets the spotlight after the previously shown characters: Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, Kazuya Mishima, and Jun Kazama. Bandai Namco hasn’t said how large the roster is going to be, exactly, but they’ve certainly got a brisk pace going on with these trailers.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024.

The post Ling Xiaoyu doesn’t lose focus in the latest Tekken 8 trailer appeared first on Destructoid.

Beating the end of conflict into faces

Bandai Namco has dropped their latest character trailer for Tekken 8. This one focuses on Jun Kazama, as she complains about violence while unloading on her family.

Jun Kazama was featured in Tekken 2 and the non-canon Tag Tournament games. She went missing at the beginning of Tekken 3’s narrative, so her return has been a long time coming. She’s the mother of Jin Kazuma, who she had with Kazuya Mishima.

She shows up in some flowing silks which, like the wardrobe of some other characters, seem far too nice to actually fight in. She seems to be some sort of Disney Princess, as nature just loves her, though that might be to highlight her peaceful nature. Despite her disgust with conflict, she’s depicted as showing no hesitation in beating the stuffing out of her son.

https://youtu.be/oLKmcOp_PlM

With Jun Kazama, Bandai Namco has given a highlight trailer for all announced characters, including the previous ones: Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, Jack-8, Lars Alexandersson, and Kazuya Mishima. Will they announce others? Maybe. We’re still a year out from its targeted launch window.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch late in 2023 or early 2024.

The post Jun Kazama unleashes hope on her enemies’ faces in latest Tekken 8 trailer appeared first on Destructoid.

You DO know Jack

You know the name, and you could've predicted the number — Bandai Namco has released another character trailer for its great-looking fighter Tekken 8, this time focusing on the return of one of the franchise's longest-"living" characters: the destructive battle droid, Jack-8.

Jack, as Tekken fans will be fully aware, is essentially the name of numerous characters in the Tekken series, essentially depicted as newly upgraded versions of the original Mishima Zaibatsu robo-soldier. While each successive game has seen Jack's visual style and overall sense of technical reliability improve, the character has consistently been a heavy power hitter, taking down his opponents with huge, clubbing blows and an increasingly ridiculous range of weaponry and firepower. Let's take a look at Jack-8.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b4MyA6wPJI&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

From this first glance, Tekken 8's Jack-8 model looks incredibly — dare I say — "Cyber", somehow sporting a more futuristic design while still being oddly archaic in design. Still, despite his new look, our favorite metal man is still more than capable of flattening the opposition with the aforementioned haymakers and axhandles — given an extra boost in the form of explosive detonations on impact. To call it a day, Jack-8 calls in a ridiculously oversized energy cannon, wiping out the enemy, (and almost himself), with a devastating beam of raw power, not dissimilar to Iron Man's Proton Cannon from Marvel vs. Capcom.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch in 2023. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, and Lars Alexandersson. We only need see the returning Jun Kazama and the opening salvo of the sequel's roster is complete.

The post Jack-8, the ‘High Tech Annihilator’, dominates in Tekken 8 trailer appeared first on Destructoid.

His shins will lead us to a better tomorrow

Bandai Namco has dropped us a hot fresh trailer today showing off the amazing coat and metal shinguards of Lars Alexandersson. Lars made his debut in Tekken 6, and has been touting his self-righteous sense of justice ever since.

The illegitimate son of series veteran Heihachi Mishima, I’m not seeing the resemblance. He’s the leader of a rebel splinter group of the Tekken Force, Yggdrasil, and has been one of the main protagonists for both Tekken 6 and Tekken 7. Given his headlining status, he was pretty much a total shoo-in for the newest iteration.

https://youtu.be/gIt9kFe5QX4

The trailer shows Lars throwing down against big cyborg, Jack-8, as well as his half-brother and fellow coat-haver Kazuma Mishima. To highlight his skill of fighting in a long coat, he’s shown effortlessly dispatching the competition using all manner of glowing kicks. His choice of fancy white clothing shows his confidence, not only in his fighting ability but also in his eating ability. True bravery.

Lars Alexandersson joins Bandai Namco’s growing collection of character trailers that have previously covered Jin Kazama, Marshall Law, Nina Williams, King, Paul Phoenix, and Kazuya Mishima. That leaves Jun Kazama and Jack-8 still needing their spotlights.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch in early 2024.

The post Lars Alexandersson brings his dangerous shinguards to Tekken 8 appeared first on Destructoid.

Bow to the King

There are many great characters in the Tekken series, but few as recognizable as King. The jaguar-masked wrestler has been a staple of Tekken since the series' beginning, delivering high-flying, devastating destruction. And King is looking absolutely fantastic in the latest Tekken 8 gameplay trailer.

Bandai Namco has been gradually spotlight each Tekken 8 combatant with a gameplay trailer of their own, and King is the newest one in the arena. What more do I need to say? It's King. He's got powerful punches, leaping kicks, and chain combos with grapples that seem like they do some real, real damage. I spied a taunt of some kind as well, with King baring his chest, daring the opponent to take a swing and find out what happens. The result? Not good for them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OII3DNh4iaE

There's something electric about the way King plays that's just fun to watch. I'm normally not a grappler player, but King feels a bit more acrobatic than his throw-happy counterparts in games like Guilty Gear or Street Fighter. In the trailer, we can see the new Paul, with much less hair product than usual, getting absolutely demolished by King's knee. It's fantastic.

Whether it's talking it up on the mic or delivering devastating destruction, King always brings it. If there's one constant in Tekken, as even characters like Jin start to change and adapt for Story Purposes, I'm glad it's King.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. No firm release date or window's been locked in yet.

Related: All Characters Confirmed for Tekken 8 on PrimaGames

The post King brings the pain in new Tekken 8 gameplay trailer appeared first on Destructoid.

WA-TAAAA!

Bandai Namco, having only just recently released a trailer for Paul Phoenix, has swiftly followed up with a new character spotlight for his buddy Marshall Law, who is now officially announced for the roster of the fantastic-looking Gen 9 fighter Tekken 8.

Marshall Law is a Tekken OG, having made his debut in the original 1994 iteration of the legendary franchise. While he would eventually be usurped by his lookalike son, Forrest, Marshall Law has continued to make his presence known throughout the series, and will step back into the ring for Tekken 8 — a little older, a little more weathered, but no less the highly skilled martial arts master. As spritely as he ever was, the new trailer sees Law laying down his namesake, tragic leather pants in tow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j1BEga_BIM&t=16s&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

Marshall Law's freeform martial arts skills — a variant of the Jeet Kune Do style developed by Bruce Lee — are bolstered with the use of a pair of nunchaku, allowing him to put a fresh hurting on his hapless opponent with his notoriously deceptive combo strings. Law's array of blistering strikes is in full effect, as well as his acrobatic flip kicks, but we're yet to see any sign of his iconic "Run Up Your Opponent and Do a Moonsault" grab — I'm sure it's in the mix. Law ends the battle with his super, which features a twin nunchaku combo followed up with an Enter the Dragon chest stomp. Rough day for Mr. Phoenix.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch in 2023. Once you've watched Marshall Law do his thing, then be sure to check out the previous trailers for Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Nina Williams, and Paul Phoenix.

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2023 is heating up!

The 2023 fighting games lineup is heating up as we enter a new generation for the genre. The big guns like Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat 12, and Tekken 8 are all on the horizon.

There are also some anime adaptations and indie titles to keep an eye on, as well. Here are all the upcoming 2023 fighting games, and a peek into what's after that.

[caption id="attachment_368318" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Capcom[/caption]

Street Fighter 6

Let's start with the king of fighting games, Capcom. The Japanese developer/publisher is launching Street Fighter 6 on June 2. Capcom has promised "the next evolution of Street Fighter" and from the trailers so far, it's hard to deny that. It has stunning graphics, a rollback netcode system, a big story mode to explore, and new commentators based on the FGC personalities we know around the world. The new characters like Kimberly and Jamie also look unique and add a new twist to the formula. After a disappointing Street Fighter 5, Capcom seems to have learned its lesson as SF6 seems jam-packed with content available to play from day one.

[caption id="attachment_368339" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via AEW and THQ Nordic[/caption]

AEW Fight Forever

WWE 2K23 is already out (or about to be, by the time you may read this), but AEW Fight Forever hopes it can carve its own niche in the market. Rather than going for a simulation-like focus, AEW Fight Forever is going all in on the arcade-style gameplay we know from the Nintendo 64/PlayStation era.  It will have all sorts of modes as well, including Single, Tag Team, 3-way, 4-way, Ladder, Casino Battle Royale, Falls Count Anywhere, Unsanctioned Lights Out, and Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch. There's also a "deep career mode," according to the Steam page. This game is also developed by Yuke's, the studio behind the WWE video game series for decades before Visual Concepts took over. No release date has been set, but it will likely come out in 2023.

[caption id="attachment_367086" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Bandai Namco[/caption]

Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi

The long-awaited sequel to the Budokai Tenkaichi series is coming almost two decades later. There is a small teaser for the game that was released, and the graphics look true to the anime. Not much more can be said, other than that Bandai Namco is working on it. You just need to know the new Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi will likely be a 3D arena battler, dissimilar to the 2D Dragon Ball FighterZ. No release date is out yet, but it would be great on the list of 2023 fighting games.

[caption id="attachment_368336" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Kwalee[/caption]

Die by the Blade

Seemingly taking inspiration from Bushido Blade and the Deadliest Warrior fighting games, Die by the Blade has no health bars. Instead, you need to place a critical strike to finish off an enemy. Just one hit can finish off a fight. That rush of every hit mattering will likely make fighting game players excited. There will also be parrying and dodging in the game, elevating the stakes. The game is set in a unique environment, blending the traditional samurai era and cyberpunk together. Die by the Blade is set to release sometime this year. This fighting game will be out in 2023.

Garou: Mark of the Wolves sequel / New Fatal Fury

[caption id="attachment_368343" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via SNK OFFICIAL's YouTube Channel[/caption]

A new game in the Fatal Fury franchise was announced back in August 2022, but no news has arisen since. We do know Rock Howard will be featured in the game, but no other details have been announced other than it being a new Fatal Fury or a sequel to cult-classic Garou: Mark of the Wolves. No release date has been provided as of the time of writing, but SNK's recent offerings like The King of Fighters XV and Samurai Shodown show promise.

Mortal Kombat 12

Like Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi, few details are known at the time of writing about Mortal Kombat 12. However, during an investor call, it was revealed that Mortal Kombat 12 will be released in 2023. "And there's lots more to come, including the highly-anticipated Mortal Kombat 12 and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, games also set for release this year with ambitious launch projections," said Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. It's possible we could hear more news for MK12 at E3 or during Summer Games Fest.

[caption id="attachment_368347" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Bandai Namco[/caption]

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

Bandai Namco will be remastering all of the Ultimate Ninja Storm games into one package when Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections releases sometime this year. There will be a massive character roster when it releases with over 124 fighters, letting you match Naruto with the likes of his son Boruto, Sasuke, Kiba, Konan, and many others. The collection will have the highlights of the entire story of the series in game form, so you can follow through with the campaign in one complete set.

[caption id="attachment_368341" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via PQube[/caption]

Pocket Bravery

Pocket Bravery might be one of the biggest fighting game surprises of this year. The sprite-based graphics are animated in an impressively fluid way, and the gameplay itself requires some training to master. It has exciting special moves and a surprising amount of depth for an indie title such as this. Each stage starts off with an engaging cinematic and then as each round passes, the scenery changes. For example, you're on top of the Empire State Building on the New York stage, and the time of day passes from day to night. It's a neat touch, and you'll be left analyzing every piece of the stage to see what's changed. Pocket Bravery is slated for 2023, and there's a Steam demo for those intrigued. If the demo is anything to go by, you don't want to skip Pocket Bravery.

[caption id="attachment_368333" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via Riot Games' YouTube Channel[/caption]

Project L

A League of Legends tag-style fighting game is in the works. It will bring the beloved characters over to the 2D fighting realm, and so far, Project L looks slick. "Gameplay with quick, fluid movement is important to us," said game director Shaun Rivera. The developer also wants you to enjoy the game "right away" but it also wants you to spend time mastering the systems on offer. Characters like Ecco look promising because they're dashing all over the map, using their quickness to their advantage. Meanwhile, Darius seems to be a slower, heavier character that wields a massive axe with massive reach. No release date has been given for Project L yet, but we do know it will be free-to-play like Riot Games' other titles League of Legends and Valorant. Hopefully, it's going to be on the list for upcoming 2023 fighting games.

[caption id="attachment_368335" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Resistance 204X

If you ever wondered what would happen if you blend Nidhogg with fighting game mechanics, you get Resistance 204X. This game by Julio Quiroz is oozing with potential. The combat feels clean with plenty of flashing on-screen references to fighting game mechanics like cross-ups, smooth animation, and a standout Jet Set Radio-esque art style. Each character has their own moveset to offer as you try to get to the other side of the arena. Don't get too greedy with your distance, however, as your opponent can land on top of you in an instant. This is one of the most promising indie fighting games to come on the near horizon. Like many other games on this list, there isn't a definitive release date, but at the time of writing, there is a playtest you can take part in through Steam.

[caption id="attachment_368320" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Bandai Namco[/caption]

Tekken 8

What we do know is that Tekken 8 will be launching on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Yes, it's ditching prior-generation hardware, so you know this fighting game will be packing some gorgeous visuals. The graphics have been elevated, and the story seems to have also. Heihachi is seemingly no more, and the series is now set on the rivalry between Kazuya and Jin. Maybe Kazuya will throw Jin into a raging river instead of a volcano; who knows? Unfortunately, no official release date has been given, but it's possible we could see Tekken 8 in late 2023 or early 2024.

[caption id="attachment_368342" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Steel City Interactive[/caption]

Undisputed

Those missing the Fight Night series may want to get their gloves ready, because Undisputed is due this year. The game is currently in Early Access and currently holds a Mostly Positive rating on Steam. The game seems to be the ultimate boxing simulator. It touts "revolutionary footwork mechanics" so you can float like a butterfly, and throw over 60 different punches from "multiple angles and directions." You can also fake a punch to trap your opponent. Talking about "stinging like a bee," you can play as the legendary Muhammad Ali, in addition to Sugar Ray Robinson, Tyson Fury, and over 50 licensed boxers. Female boxers like Katie Taylor and Natasha Jonas are also featured in Undisputed. You can check out the Early Access version of the game now, but publisher Steel City Interactive says it will release the full game "when [it feels] it's ready."

[caption id="attachment_368600" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Team Fray / McLeodGaming[/caption]

Fraymakers

No one has cracked the code when it comes to a Smash Bros-like crossover game for indie characters. (Indie Pogo excluded as it's not a traditional platform fighter.) However, Fraymakers may be the one to finally break the curse. The developer of Super Smash Flash 2 is on the project alongside Team Fray. So far, the roster has varied movesets that pay great tribute to the characters of their original games. For example, Octodad has long-reaching attacks with his tentacles, while Welltaro from Downwell uses his rocket boots for traversal. It's currently in Steam Early Access and is slated to release in approximately two years.

The post 13 fighting games to look forward to in 2023 & beyond appeared first on Destructoid.

Poppin' wheelies AND heads

Bandai Namco has released a new character trailer for its visually stunning fighter Tekken 8, which remains in development for PC and Gen 9 consoles — This newest preview focuses on one of the long-running franchise's veteran fighters, Paul Phoenix, though perhaps not as we have seen him before.

While clearly the same hot-tempered, road-ripping biker of previous releases, Tekken 8's Paul seems to be leaning far more into his "nomadic drifter" status, trading in his tattered gi for a barely-held-together set of biker leathers, an unkempt, oily beard, and what appears to be a bit more bulk on his towering frame. Perhaps most notably of all, his famous stovepipe flattop has become little more than a floppy fringe, limply dangling over our boy's face. He looks a fucking mess, frankly, but I'm here for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCOWceM2nZo&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

Never judge a book by its cover, however, as the trailer still sees Mr. Phoenix laying down his wall-breaking, rib-crushing ways — still a master of incredibly powerful, single-strike punches and body checks. Phoenix also seems perhaps happier and more confident than he has in recent years, where the franchise has treated him as something of a joke character. Well, it looks like perhaps the comedy is over, and Paul has a punchline for you located right at the end of his balled-up fist.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch in 2023. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, and Nina Williams.

The post Paul Phoenix is letting it all go in new Tekken 8 trailer appeared first on Destructoid.

Devils and angel wings

Bandai Namco dropped a new trailer for Tekken 8 this morning, spotlighting another key character in the universe, Jin Kazama. The latest Tekken 8 teaser is all about the longtime series lead and his moves, both new and old.

As Jin says in his new character trailer, "strength isn't everything." But he is looking pretty dang strong in the Tekken 8 engine. It looks like Jin is incorporating his devil powers within his usual fighting style for some devastating hits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkJQZ2Cz9-s

It's an interesting look for Jin that looks even better in the Tekken 8 arena. Tekken has usually impressed with its graphics, and that's held true for everything we've seen so far of the next entry in the series. Everything from the electric punches and slow-motion zoom-ins to Jin's best "One-Winged Angel" pose looks fantastic already.

Fist meets fate

Bandai has been drip-feeding out more and more characters from Tekken 8, though we've mostly seen the usual suspects. Trailers have spotlighted other mainstays like Kazuya Mishima and Nina Williams.

Still, even the familiar can be exciting when it looks as solid as Tekken 8 does. It's hard to get a gameplay gauge just from video, but it's looking like the next year or so could be a big one for fighting games. Street Fighter 6 is on the horizon, Project L is in development, and apparently Mortal Kombat 12 is happening too.

Tekken 8 still doesn't have a firm launch locked in, but it could be quite a time for fans of virtual scrappin' as all these new combatants enter the ring.

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'Enough of this Farce'

Bandai Namco has released its first character trailer for fantastic looking fighter Tekken 8 — And, perhaps as it should be, the first combatant to step into the King of Iron Fist Tournament is Tekken's original protagonist, the nefarious Kazuya Mishima.

The flashy, no-nonsense trailer sees the former Mishima Zaibatsu head going to work on his offspring and long-time rival Jin Kazama, laying in the spine-bending leg sweeps and spin kicks that wowed arcade goers way back in 1994. Decked to the nines in a slick suit and alligator skin coat, Kazuya utilizes extended chains and impactful single strikes to knock his boy seven ways 'till Sunday, ultimately calling upon the terrifying Devil Gene in order to get the job done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFAMYW2POBw&t=96s&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

In addition to the Kazuya showcase, the new trailer also shows off a stunning Times Square-style battleground, awash in neon signage, theater marquees, and nightlife. The new trailer is a super showcase of the power behind Tekken 8's Gen-9-only technology, with amazing particle effects and dazzling, crisp colors. The trailer feels like a statement of intent, assuring fans that they're about to get a taste of Tekken like never before, propelling the long-life franchise into the new year and beyond.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X with an expected 2024 release date.

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What happened, Miss Williams?

It's a good time to be a fan of fighting games and a good day for those who love their sexy silent assassins. Nina Willaims, star of Death by Degrees and also a Tekken mainstay, got her first solo trailer for the upcoming release of Tekken 8. Nina, sister of fellow fighter Anna Williams, sports an unforgettable look this time around, and I honestly can't take my eyes off of her. The last Tekken game that I played was Tekken Tag Tournament 2 for the Wii U and she was definitely one of my most played characters. Given her history with the series, I don't think there was ever a danger of Nina not appearing in Tekken 8, but I'm glad I didn't have to wait too long to get her confirmed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3sAt0JbqNs

The reveal of Nina Williams for Tekken 8 follows previous trailers for the upcoming fighter that have confirmed other returning favorites. Other fighters set to appear in this highly anticipated sequel include:

• Marshall Law
• Paul Phoenix
• King
• Lars Alexandersson
• Jin Kazama
• Devil Jin
• Jun Kazama
• Kazuya Mishima
• Jack-8

Nina's trailer was just one of a few notable pieces of Tekken news today. To ready players for Tekken 8, Executive Director Katsuhiro Harada and Director Kohei Ikeda presented an in-depth look at some of the new systems that'll be introduced in the game, including the new Rage System and a detailed look at the Heat System that was previously announced. The video, posted below, also confirms Tekken 8 will include an optional simplified control scheme that combines the Easy Combo and Assist features from Tekken 7. Bandai Namco also confirmed the Tekken World Tour 2023 would return this year with Tekken 7 and the entire tournament would be fully offline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v47u-_LZOE

Tekken 8 is still without a set release date, but when the game does arrive, you'll be able to pick it up for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.

The post Nina Williams comes guns ablazin’ into Tekken 8 appeared first on Destructoid.

There's ALWAYS The Next Battle

Bandai Namco has proudly announced that Tekken 7, one of the longest-life fighting games of all time, has smashed past an amazing 10 million sales. The announcement was made on the official Tekken Twitter, accompanied by an image of the entire cast at a very confusing dinner party, where people seem to float in mid-air, perspective is for the weak, and Kazumi brought a tiger.

Tekken 7 initially launched in Japanese arcades in the spring of 2015 (yep), before the expanded and rebalanced Fated Retribution hit the coin-op market one year later. This edition of the game would launch on PC and consoles worldwide in the summer of 2017 as simply Tekken 7. Since launch, the development has rolled out a lengthy series of DLC updates, bringing with them new modes, mechanics, balance tweaks, stages, and, of course, characters.

https://twitter.com/TEKKEN/status/1601913640554319874?s=20&t=RFFQrIZKZ3QP1HrAzds1sw

Tekken 7 has also been renowned for its surprising list of guest stars, which include Fatal Fury's Geese Howard, Street Fighter's Akuma, Final Fantasy pretty boy Noctis, and the baseball bat-swinging Negan of Netflix series The Walking Dead. Tekken 7 has also introduced several all-new stars, including the terrifying Fahkumran, Polish prime minister Lidia Sobeiska, the tournament-dominating Leeroy Smith, and — how could we forget — the divisive and simply amazing Lucky Chloe.

At The Game Awards last week, Bandai Namco offered up a new trailer for the incoming Tekken 8, which will see Jin Kazama step toe-to-toe with a Devil-infused Kazuya Mishima. While we are yet to see a full fight in action, developers have suggested that Tekken 8 will be an incredibly aggressive title, which has some fans nervously fidgeting, determined to get a handle on exactly what mechanics will come into play for The King of Iron Fist Tournament's grand return.

Tekken 8 is in development now for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X.

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Fist Meets Fate

Tekken fans got a fresh new look at Bandai Namco's exciting new fighter Tekken 8 during last night's Game Awards festivities. A new trailer offered up new hints on the sequel's highly dramatic narrative, while also sneaking in glimpses of several combatants returning to The King of Iron Fist Tournament.

The preview sees Kazuya Mishima, now fully possessed by the Devil gene, running amok throughout the planet, raining destruction down on its populace. Standing against him will be the newly-reformed Jin Kazama, charged with the blood in his veins and the spirit of his deceased mother in his heart. The preview is a pretty melodramatic affair, as one would expect from the Tekken franchise — but I'll be darned if it didn't make the Tekken 8 storyline look like a pretty cataclysmic affair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tXTWVncFP4&t=77s&ab_channel=BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica

In addition to the plot details, the trailer also featured some returning Tekken acolytes, including the fiery pro-wrestler, King, the man-mountain android Jack, Bruce-Lee-alike Marshall Law, his running buddy Paul Phoenix and the far-too-handsome-to-be-a-special agent Lars. We also catch a sneak peek at Jun Kazama herself, suggesting that she too will be making her return to the ring. All of this was rendered in dazzling current-gen technology, offering visual splendor yet to be seen in the long-running series. It's looking good. Damn good.

Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5. PC, and Xbox Series X.

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Flashy fighter to strut its stuff

Bandai Namco has officially confirmed that the next iteration of its flagship fighting franchise is getting to make an appearance at The Game Awards 2022 — Tekken 8, clumsily/sort-of revealed during EVO earlier this year, will be on deck this Thursday to show off more of its UE 5-based pugilism.

A short teaser, posted to Twitter by the publisher, features the sequel's red-hot, chain-based logo, followed by the hashtag "#Savethed8", alongside a "12/08/22" stamp — conveniently the day of The Game Awards.

Tekken 8 was first hinted at/revealed during a confusing segment at the end of the Tekken leg of EVO 2022. Following a presentation that did not, in fact, reveal Tekken 8 at all, the hosts were instructed to basically "go crazy" as if they had just seen a major reveal — leaving viewers scratching in their heads as to what was so dang exciting. The situation was cleared up at the Sony State of Play presentation in September, where Bandai Namco officially announced the sequel along with an impressive first trailer.

https://twitter.com/TEKKEN/status/1598739581381349394?s=20&t=arkfL9EHBOU4UWpdS71Y7g

Tekken 8, the latest entry in a franchise dating right back to PlayStation's launch days, will utilize the power of Unreal Engine 5, presenting character models and effects unlike those seen in the series to date. Bandai Namco has already noted that the new fighter is being built for PC and current-gen platforms PS5 and Xbox Series X only, suggesting that some pretty hefty hardware will be required for those running local tournaments. Onnly two characters have been officially revealed to date, Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama, but we can probably expect more combatants to be revealed this Thursday.

Tekken 8 is in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. The Game Awards kicks off December 8.

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