Game Information
Game Title: Tekken 8
Platforms:
- PC (Jan 25, 2024)
- PlayStation 5 (Jan 25, 2024)
- Xbox Series X/S (Jan 25, 2024)
Trailers:
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 90 average - 98% recommended - 63 reviews
Critic Reviews
AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 85 / 100
Featuring a wide variety of modes, impressive graphics and compelling sound, Tekken 8 distinguishes itself as a standout in the fighting game genre.
Atomix - Aldo López - Spanish - 90 / 100
It is an entry in the franchise that does not disappoint, on the contrary, it will delight both veterans and those who have never tried anything from the saga. If you were waiting for the game with complete enthusiasm, I am pleased to inform you that the purchase is a must, especially if you keep up to date with Tekken.
But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford - 9.5 / 10
Tekken 8 offers great gameplay through precise controls, gorgeous visuals, and audio that energizes the player.
CGMagazine - Khari Taylor - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 sets a new standard in the fighting game genre, brilliantly blending a vast array of characters, innovative gameplay, cutting-edge visuals, and user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for both series veterans and newcomers alike.
COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 93 / 100
Tekken 8’s focus on aggressive gameplay helps to make this the best entry in the franchise.
Cerealkillerz - Steve Brieller - German - 9 / 10
Tekken 8's presentation is brilliant and complements the intense, more offense-oriented gameplay perfectly. Another highlight is how the game tries to introduce beginners into Tekken and gives them several tools for self-improvement, like the replay tips. On the flipside, this support doesn't include intermediates which is a missed chance. Also, the single player modes are quite short. Overall Tekken 8 still takes our place as best fighting game of the current gen as the gameplay and presentation are superb.
Checkpoint Gaming - Omi Koulas - 8 / 10
TEKKEN 8 unleashes a storm of punches, blending chaotic Mishima drama with accessible combat changes. The short story, though dramatic, loses steam, but the Heat system and Special Style redefine the fight. Arcade Quest mode injects a needed charm, offering a nostalgic journey with opportunities to grow your fighting game skills. Visually stunning with a diverse soundtrack, the game achieves a balance between the familiar and the cutting-edge. Despite a stumble in the narrative, TEKKEN 8 delivers a knockout combo.
Cultured Vultures - Ashley Bates - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 appeals to both the casual and hardcore playerbase, with a great selection of modes, training tools and additional gameplay depth. 2024's fighting games are off to an excellent start.
Digital Trends - De'Angelo Epps - 4 / 5
Despite missing on a major mode, Tekken 8 is another great entry in one of the fighting genre’s best series. Whether you come for the story or just the core brawling, the team at Bandai Namco makes sure there’s something everyone can enjoy here. It’s a tight package that loads a lot of surprises into every corner and another fighting game that’s very much worth your time in a true golden age for the genre.
Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 4.5 / 5
Tekken 8 is, without a doubt, a highly polished gemstone of a fighting game, and it offers players the opportunity to demonstrate some truly elite skills through the aggressive, offensive-first focus on the combat system. But outside of the overly serious, hardcore fighting game community, it’s difficult to see this capturing the imagination of many.
Eurogamer - Lewis Parker - 5 / 5
Tekken 8 is a marked improvement over Tekken 7 and a perfectly executed balancing act, keeping older players happy while revealing its trademark freedom to newcomers.
Evilgamerz - Dutch - 8.5 / 10
With an excellent gaming year of 2023 behind us, with Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, among others, receiving great praise, the competition in the land of fighting games is enormous. But fortunately, Tekken 8 takes on that competition with ease. Despite the steep learning curve, Tekken's combat is as usual, with the new Heat feature introducing some extra aggression into the game. Moreover, the game contains enough content to keep you busy for a while. Once you're done with the relatively short story mode, there are the Character episodes, the Arcade Quest mode and the excellent Ghost Battles to keep you fighting. And if you feel like you're good enough, take a step into multiplayer. It remains to be seen how the battle pass will take shape and how new fighters will be introduced. But after an absence of almost 10 years, Tekken is back, and these are golden times for fans of the genre.
FandomWire - Adil Farooq - 10 / 10
Compared to previous entries, Online Mode is a huge improvement. The net code has been improved a lot since Tekken 7, and that was already evident in the previous tests that the game had. Ultimately, the greatest thing about Tekken 8 is that I can picture myself playing this game for years to come. Whether that be by myself, with my friends, family, or even a complete stranger, the fight will always keep bringing me back. Tekken 8 is a fighting game masterpiece and could even be a frontrunner for the best fighting game of all time.
GAMES.CH - Sven Raabe - German - 90%
The brutal battles have never felt so good, and the new Heat system adds a new tactical twist to the fights that needs to be used wisely.
GGRecon - Dave McAdam - 5 / 5
It almost feels clinical to say, like it's a technicality, but this is the best Tekken game I have ever played. Tekken 7 was the best, and this one is better. It gives you more of everything, bigger, louder, and better. I don't say that with one ounce of begrudgery, I am wholeheartedly in love with Tekken 8. It earns the top spot by being undeniably brilliant.
Game Informer - Marcus Stewart - 8.3 / 10
As a complete package, Tekken 8 doesn’t reach the heights of recent rivals like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1. But when the match begins, and you’re exploiting openings to unleash flashy combo strings and air juggles, it remains a thrilling, if very familiar, one-on-one experience.
GamePro - David Molke - German - 88 / 100
Tekken 8 is back with impressive graphics, improved combat system and cool modes, but a bit poor for pure single-player fans.
GameSpot - Jason Fanelli - 8 / 10
A new aggressive fighting system and a healthy cast of characters make Tekken 8 pack a powerful punch.
Gameblog - French - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 offers a suitable playground for both novices and purists of the saga. Set to last, the game sets the bar very high, corrects the defaults of the previous game and greatly improves the experience. We can't wait to see how Bandai Namco will follow up in the coming months/years. A must-have for any lovers of fighting games that respects. You will not regret it.
Gamer Guides - Chris Moyse - 83 / 100
Tekken returns to the ring with a powerful new engine that sees The King of Iron Fist Tournament looking, sounding, and performing at its most majestic. Gameplay still forgoes evolution in favor of tradition, resulting in progress that is mostly skin-deep. Regardless, Tekken 8 remains a blast to play, set to keep competitive hype fires burning throughout 2024 and beyond.
GamesRadar+ - Oscar Taylor-Kent - 5 / 5
Tekken 8 has a depth to it that can feel overwhelming. But it's also a game that doesn't force you to take it all in at once.
GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 is a shot in the arm for the series, advancing the story while offering addictive combat, exceptional presentation and a suite of features to attract new and experienced players.
Generación Xbox - Gabriel Fuentes - Spanish - 87 / 100
Bandai Namco's new installment has that magic of a select few that makes you fall in love with a formula repeated for 30 years with just a few adjustments, but that not only doesn't get tiring, but feels renewed and motivates you to enjoy it.
God is a Geek - Chris White - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 is a welcome return for the series, with a fighting style that feels fresh through its aggressive combat, and plethora of modes.
Hobby Consolas - Daniel Quesada - Spanish - 89 / 100
Tekken 8 offers a successful update to the formula of the franchise by showing a powerful performance and an array of game modes that satisfy both expert players and newcomers.
IGN - Ronny Barrier - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 is an incredible evolution for the series, with tons of single player content, an excellent suite of training tools, a great online experience, and exciting new mechanics that make Tekken more dynamic than ever.
IGN Korea - Donghun Lee - Korean - 9 / 10
The main focus of the game’s concept heavily promotes aggressiveness. So the low-risk, high-return situations have been reduced and with the addition of the Heat system, this drives players to be in reach even more, but let’s not forget that a fighting game also requires precise spacing thus making it virtually similar from its predecessor. There have been some short-cut action buttons for beginner players and plenty of content to teach the understanding of how a fighting game may be played. Of all the Tekken series in the past, this one is definitely the most beginner friendly and have designed their system in order to narrow its gap, with the hopes of keeping both the returning players as well as providing convenience to the newcomers.
IGN Spain - Mario Seijas - Spanish - 9 / 10
Tekken knows where it's coming from, and we love where it's going. The new mechanics build on a more than established foundation, and add a special flavor that will be enjoyed by newcomers and veterans alike. The Heat System is a hit, and the new arcade modes are more than welcome. A Tekken to play for thousands of hours.
INVEN - Jaihoon Jeong - Korean - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 has progressed in every aspect compared to its predecessors, from the overall narrative and direction to the depth of the system and user convenience. It is a fighting game that can provide ample enjoyment not only for long-time fans but also for new users
Kakuchopurei - Alleef Ashaari - 80 / 100
It's hard to change things too much for a fighting game franchise, but Tekken 8 ultimately does feel like a major improvement over Tekken 7. The amazing next-gen visuals, the cinematic story mode, and the new mechanics make the gameplay more fun and exciting; they're all that will make Tekken 8 a more memorable entry in the franchise. Will be as iconic of a game as Tekken 3 or Tekken 5? Only time will tell but it sure does look like it.
LevelUp - Ulises Contreras - Spanish - 9 / 10
With a great cast of characters and refined gameplay, TEKKEN 8 builds upon the foundations of the previous game to create a thrilling and satisfying experience that excels in almost every aspect. Undoubtedly, it's a really fun and fascinating game that raises the bar for fighting games to another level and both newcomers and longtime fans will enjoy it.
MondoXbox - Andrea Giuliani - Italian - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 greatly improves its proven formula: the Heat system manages to make every fight faster and adrenalinic rewarding a more aggressive style, while studying every move and training become essential parts of the experience. Bandai Namco's new game affirms itself as the new king of 3D fighters, thanks to the solid and deep gameplay that made this series unique and timeless.
Multiplayer First - Paulmichael Contreras - 9.5 / 10
Tekken 8 joins a full roster of fighting games, and competes with the best of them. Naturally, as we couldn’t take the game online during our review period, it remains to be seen how effective Bandai Namco and Akira were at implementing rollback netcode. All Tekken fans should buy Tekken 8 without hesitation, and most fighting game fans will find something to like as well. Though the year may have just started, Tekken 8 will probably compete for fighting game of the year and barring any surprises, should be the runaway winner.
One More Game - Chris Garcia - Buy
Tekken 8 makes the wait worth it by successfully introducing new systems that make sense and improve both the player's and spectator's points of view with explosive action. Newcomers will appreciate the thoughtful onboarding process while giving veteran and pro players a deep combat system to sink hundreds of hours into.
It feels like Tekken 8 has successfully taken the step to the next level, releasing an installment that's not just a simple iteration but with significant updates and changes that make it feel fresh and fun. Time will tell if the team can successfully support it the way they have with Tekken 7, but this is an extremely solid launch experience that's certainly ready for the big stage.
PC Gamer - Mollie Taylor - 89 / 100
The best Tekken game in years, let down only by its struggling netcode and aged customisation.
PCGamesN - Christian Vaz - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 improves on its predecessor with a complete graphics overhaul, drastically improved netcode, and a robust base game package featuring 32 characters and 16 stages. With DLC fighters already in the pipeline, there's more than enough content to keep fighting game fans packing punches for the foreseeable future.
PSX Brasil - Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho - Portuguese - 95 / 100
Tekken 8 is a natural evolution of a fantastic series.
Paste Magazine - Elijah Gonzalez - 8.8 / 10
Tekken 8 may not be a sea-change sequel, but it hones what came before, reducing pain points for newcomers without reducing the complexity that makes this series special.
PlayStation Universe - Michael Harradence - 9.5 / 10
Tekken 8 is a fantastic entry in the long-running franchise and a fitting celebration of its 30-year history. With a varied roster packed with unique move sets, the addition of the Heat system and recoverable health gauge, plus a huge variety of modes, Tekken 8 is unmissable for both newcomers and fans alike.
Polygon - Patrick Gill - Unscored
There is a lot to love here. Satisfying mechanics, gorgeous combat animation, flashy presentation, and a killer soundtrack. That said, I don’t know if my own excitement will be enough to win over friends who are on the fence about the unremarkable story, incomplete tutorialization, and aesthetically dubious roster.
PowerUp! - Adam Mathew - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 is a hugely entertaining powerhouse of a sequel that’s been well worth the wait. What else is there left to say other than get [your wallet] ready for the next battle?
Press Start - Matthew Zimmari - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 shows just how easy it is for a long-running franchise to remain fresh and relevant, while still offering a familiar experience to established fans. An engaging Story Mode coupled with Character Episodes keeps the narrative running, while Arcade Quest and Tekken Ball gives newcomers the opportunity to learn the ropes. While some fans may not like that their favourite character is missing from the roster, Tekken 8 fills the gaps with fresh new faces and the hint of more characters on the horizon. It's time to get ready for the next battle!
Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 is a modern fighting game masterclass. It doesn't skimp on single-player modes, its online offering is robust, and it's a serious visual spectacle. But most importantly, the battles are brilliant; accessible yet deeply technical, and supremely satisfying to be a part of - perhaps more so than ever before. There's no fighting game series quite like Tekken, and Tekken 8 is the franchise at its bombastic best.
Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Brendan Caldwell - Unscored
It's a lot like Tekken 7, but angrier.
SECTOR.sk - Matúš Štrba - Slovak - 9 / 10
But Tekken 8 could be the best after the legendary third instalment. The focus on aggressive gameplay will appeal to a part of the audience. I also praise the game's openness to completely new players, who can quickly and easily get into the game thanks to the new system. I have to praise the amount of content, the very well functioning online, the extensive character appearance editor and also the huge gallery where you can unlock art, videos and other things. It's a real treat for fans and a great way to introduce newcomers to a series they'll love.
Saudi Gamer - عبد الله الباشان - Arabic - 10 / 10
Tekken 8 is the ultimate form of the veteran franchise that will make every Tekken player and fan proud of how much Bandai Namco have achieved with this masterpiece
Shacknews - TJ Denzer - 10 / 10
Between the Heat System, Special Style controls, a healthy roster and more, Tekken 8 has set the stage for a glorious new era of the fighting franchise.
Siliconera - Joel Couture - 9 / 10
There's a wealth of wonderful fighting to be had in Tekken 8, and it's a fantastic place to take your first steps into Tekken.
Spaziogames - Silvio Mazzitelli - Italian - 9.2 / 10
To put it simply, this is the best Tekken ever.
Stevivor - Steve Wright - 7 / 10
Tekken 8 will surely impress fans but I struggled to connect with it like I have Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6. There's no denying it's a feast for the senses and is full of stuff to do... but if you're like me and haven't found Tekken memorable despite playing it across many years and many platforms, that's unlikely to change here.
The Game Crater - Chris Melnyk - 9 / 10
Whether you're a fresh face to the genre or returning to settle old grudges, Tekken 8 is absolutely for you and easily the most robust fighting game of the year.
The Outerhaven Productions - Karl Smart - 4.5 / 5
Tekken 8 is a solid outing for the Unreal 5 engine, using it to improve the already impressive graphics we had with Tekken 7. The gameplay is solid with a lot of modes for you to play for hours on end. However, PC users should be warned that their version may have frame rate issues. If these issues are patched, then Tekken 8 will be the best fighting game on the market.
TheSixthAxis - Nick Petrasiti - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 has started 2024 off with a bang, proving once again why this fighting series is great! It's maybe not quite as newcomer friendly as Street Fighter 6, but has a bevy of modes and new tweaks that means it's going in the right direction to be a game for all players, old and new, and will only get better over time.
Tom's Hardware Italia - Giulia Serena - Italian - 9 / 10
Bandai Namco has succeeded in achieving its goal: Tekken 8 oozes next-gen from every pore (or rather, pixel). From the completely overhauled characters to the more cinematic settings than ever before, via the spectacular story footage, every frame has been taken care of to the finest detail, resulting in an impressive piece of work.
Twisted Voxel - Salal Awan - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessor, Tekken 7, by delivering a refined fighting experience with new features like the Heat Gauge. It sets new standards in visual quality, single-player content, and character customization, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience that is both visually stunning and rich in gameplay variety.
VG247 - Connor Makar - 5 / 5
Tekken 8 is a faster, hyper, and fuller package than before. A must-grab for fighting enthusiasts.
VGC - Chris Scullion - 5 / 5
Tekken 8 is a sensational sequel. With a renewed emphasis on single-player modes and a new Heat mechanic which ensures fights are more frenetic, it's up there with Tekken 3 as one of the most exciting high points in the series.
VideoGamer - Alex Raisbeck - 10 / 10
Tekken 8 is the ultimate Tekken game. A glossy veneer of modernity encases a strong foundation that builds upon its predecessors to great success. In every regard, Tekken 8 matches and surpasses the very best that the series, and the fighting game genre as a whole, has to offer.
Wccftech - Francesco De Meo - 9 / 10
Featuring cutting-edge visuals for fighting games and exceptional learning tools, Tekken 8 stands out as one of the best releases in the fighting game genre over the last few years.
Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 90%
More than the sum of its parts and some really quite magnificent visuals, Tekken 8 is a truly terrific fighting game, which, in the midst of a resurgence for the genre, is quite something. After thirty years, Tekken 8 proves there's a lot of life left in the series yet.
XboxEra - Genghis Husameddin - 9.5 / 10
TEKKEN 8 is an outstanding fighting game. An extremely strong 3D fighter with lots of offline content, strong core mechanics, and all around a fun and stylish game. TEKKEN continues to show the world why it's the winner of the Iron Fist Tournament.
ZTGD - Ken McKown - 9 / 10
Tekken 8 is an outstanding entry into the series with a ton of content for both online and offline players. This is how you pack a game with enough content to keep players invested. The plethora of modes, customization, and superb game play create a package that any fan of the genre should not miss.
Zoomg - Arais Nazarian - Persian - 9 / 10
Bandai Namco brings all its experience in creating the fighting games to Tekken 8 and result is simply amazing. High paced and fun gameplay with great characters is combined with beautiful visuals and enjoyable music. overall Tekken 8 is a great fighting game.
