Summary
After over 8 years of the previous version’s reign,Tekken 8is set to update the iconic 3D fighting franchise into the newest generation of gaming. The latest entry in the prolific Bandai Namco series from creator Katsuhiro Harada, it comes in the wake of several other high-profile updates to some of the most popular games of the genre. While the longevity and competitive viability ofTekken 7set a new standard for 3D fighters throughout recent years in the eyes of many players, the offense-focused gameplay adjustments toTekken 8have the potential to elevate the intensity of the series even further.
While the latestTekkenwill come with predictable changes to its roster and character movesets, the introduction of a brand-new mechanic is the real innovation it brings to the table. Known as the Heat System,Tekken 8’s signature feature has redefined its combat in a way that is both more complex and accessible when compared to the preexisting Rage mechanic. In an interview withGamerBraves, Harada highlighted the intentions behind this change:
“The Heat System is more about the individual characters and how to make them the most entertaining to play. For example, you look at your average player, not esports or anything, just the average person who likes Tekken, they have a favorite character right? It’s more about focusing on that one experience of your favorite character. We’re making it so that the characteristics of that fighter really stand out and are enhanced to make for a much more pleasurable experience”.
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What is Heat?
Located underneath the player’s health, Heat is represented by a blue bar that is full at the beginning of each round. Entering theHeat Statewill buff the properties of certain moves depending on the character, while also making all attacks do chip damage to a blocking opponent. This chip damage will appear as recoverable white health, however, and the opponent can regain it by quickly doing damage of their own. In order to enter into the Heat State and spend Heat, players need to execute one of two specific commands.
Heat Burst
The most immediately accessible form of Heat usage, Heat Burst is performed by pressing 2+3 (Or a button like R1 on PlayStation as a shortcut) and acts as a smashing attack that can give an advantage over the opponent and be used mid-combo. Using Heart Burst will put the player into the Heat State for 10 seconds, during which the meter will drain until it is expended for the rest of the round.
Heat Engager
A more technical maneuver, each character has different sets of moves that are capable of acting as a Heat Engager (For example, one ofJin Kazama’s, “Median Line Destruction”, is triggered by inputting 1+2). While a Heat Burst can be performed freely, a Heat Engager is triggered while the opponent is already being hit. If the Heat Engager attack lands, the player will rush toward the opponent and benefit from a frame advantage as they enter into Heat State. When triggering Heat State from a Heat Engager, its duration will last for a full 15 seconds before the meter completely drains.
Using Heat
Heat Dash
Tekken 8’s Heat Systemfurther allows players to choose one of two different commands that will consume all remaining Heat while in Heat State. If a Heat Engager move is used while the player is already in Heat State, then further inputting forward during the attack will cause a Heat Dash to occur. This will cause the player to rush toward the opponent again at the cost of all remaining Heat, essentially functioning as a pure combo extension tool.
Heat Smash
The replacement forTekken 7’s Rage Drive mechanic, Heat Smash now exists as a sort of super move tool alongside the returningRage Arts. By repeating the input for a Heat Burst (2+3) while already in Heat State, players will execute an enhanced attack that deals massive damage. Upon committing to a Heat Smash, all remaining Heat will be expended.
Tekken 8
WHERE TO PLAY
Tekken 8 brings the fight to the latest generation of consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Feel the power of every hit in Tekken 8, the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. Utilising the power and realism of Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games by taking full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles. Ground-breaking new features, breathtakingly detailed character models and dramatic environments make this one of the most visually stunning and immersive titles in the genre yet. Tekken 8 picks up after the gruesome battle that ended in Heihachi Mishima’s defeat in Tekken 7, focusing on a new rivalry, pitting father against son as Jin Kazama stands in defiance against Kazuya Mishima in a city-shattering face-to-face showdown.
