After a wait of more than 8 years since its predecessor, Tekken 8 is finally approaching its official release. This time, the game utilizes the renowned Unreal Engine 5, and the trailers have certainly fueled our excitement with promises of remarkable visual enhancements and the introduction of the all-new Heat system. We at Gamicsoft had the opportunity to participate in the Closed Network Test (CNT) for PlayStation 5 over the past weekend. Though the CNT only granted access to Ranked Matches for us testers, the gameplay experience left us genuinely enthusiastic about what lies ahead in the full release of the game.
The Rage system made its debut in Tekken 6 and has since remained a core feature in subsequent installments, including Tekken 8. When your character's health is low, the Rage system grants a damage boost, offering a chance for a dramatic comeback. The previous game introduced two powerful techniques unique to the Rage state: Rage Arts, devastating attacks that could only be unleashed while Raging, and Rage Drives, enhanced versions of standard moves.
In Tekken 8, Rage Drives have been removed, but a noteworthy enhancement is the adoption of a universal command (forward diagonal down + both punches or R2) for all characters' Rage Arts. This change benefits players who use multiple fighters, as they no longer need to memorize distinct inputs for each character's Rage Art. The streamlined gameplay experience is definitely good news for veterans that love using various fighters, all without compromising competitive fairness.
Talk about streamlined experience, Tekken 8 also introduces the Special Style controller input builds upon the Easy Combo and Assist features from Tekken 7. This new mechanic allows you to effortlessly execute recommended moves and combos based on the characters that you’re using. By simply pressing L1, the Special Style can be toggled on or off during gameplay.
When Special Style is active, the game assists players by automatically executing recommended moves or combos for the selected character based on the buttons pressed. This means you no longer need to invest time and effort into memorizing and practicing complex commands. Instead, you can focus on exploring each character and their unique playstyles to find the one that suits you best. For players new to the series or fighting games in general, it's a fantastic addition that encourages players to experiment and enjoy the diverse roster of fighters without feeling overwhelmed by intricate command inputs.
However, even before the beta test, players raised concerns about facing opponents who rely on auto-comboing using the Special Style in the Ranked lobby, especially when they themselves have spent years honing their command inputs and combos. During the CNT held over the past weekend, I can confirm that the Special Style could be used in Ranked Matches, and that it definitely made newcomer’s gameplay easier than it should be when facing off against seasoned veterans.
As of now, whether the system will be still be featured in Ranked Matches during the official release is yet to be known. With its potential to create an imbalance between players who prefer the traditional manual inputs and those who opt for the automated assistance, the developers may take into account the community's feedback and experiences from the beta test to decide whether or not to retain the Special Style feature in Ranked Matches.
On the other hand, the Heat system takes the center stage as a fresh addition to the Tekken series. When triggered, the fighter enters an empowered state for approximately 10 seconds, presenting a window for aggressive and powerful attacks. This heightened state is visually represented by striking blue flames enveloping the fighter and a depleting gauge located beneath the health bar. Interestingly, while in the heat state, attacks inflict chip damage even if blocked, allowing you to put extra offensive pressure on opponents.
You have the freedom to Heat up your fighter whenever you desire by simply pressing R1, an action known as the Heat Burst. Alternatively, the Heat state can also be activated automatically when using a Heat Engager, typically associated with each character's signature moves. While in the Heat state, you gain the ability to unleash a formidable attack called the Heat Smash, also performed by pressing R1, which seems to serve as a substitute for the previous game's Rage Drive. In this case, however, the Heat gauge will deplete, and your fighter will revert to their normal state.
In my opinion, the Tekken 8 team have fulfilled their promise to emphasize the theme of "aggressiveness" in the game, thanks to the brand new Heat system, as well as the Recoverable Gauge mechanic, which grants players a gauge that gradually replenishes their health every time their attacks successfully hit or get blocked. Alongside the Heat system, Tekken 8 encourages players to adopt a relentless offensive strategy, actively seeking and capitalizing on any vulnerabilities in their opponents' defense. The result is a series of explosive and captivating matches that I believe will elevate the excitement of upcoming Tekken tournaments to new heights.
Overall, Tekken 8’s closed network test shed light on some exciting gameplay that fans could seriously make fans anticipate the full game’s release. Despite frequently finding myself in one-sided matches against veteran players (well, it’s a limited closed beta after all), I still thoroughly enjoyed the game's enhanced visuals, exhilarating sound effects, and intense combat. It's undoubtedly a sequel worth looking forward to.
And that concludes Lluvia’s gameplay impression of Tekken 8 during the recent Closed Network Test for PlayStation 5.
