Sneak Peek: Tekken 8 Story Mode Launched Before January 26 Release

In the opening moments of Tekken 8’s story mode, I found myself cheering at the screen as Jin Kazama sprouted wings, levitated cars with his mind, and delivered a bone-crushing body slam through a towering skyscraper. It was clear that this game was embracing the over-the-top absurdity that made Tekken 3 so beloved. Tekken 8 is a wild ride that pays homage to the series’ roots, and it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss.

The story mode of Tekken 8 follows Jin Kazama’s quest to take down his father, Kazuya Mishima, who is once again hosting a tournament to find the world’s greatest fighter. Competitors from all corners of the globe will battle it out, and those who fail will face dire consequences unless Jin can put a stop to his father’s machinations. Along the way, Jin must also rediscover his own devilish powers. There is much more to this story, but it’s one that you’ll want to uncover for yourself. And don’t worry if you’re not up to date with the previous games – Tekken 8 offers short videos to catch you up on the main plot.

The roster of Tekken 8 features a mix of 32 familiar and new characters. The Mishima family is out in full force, with plenty of antics between Paul Phoenix and Marshall Law. Kuma and Yoshimitsu are here to deliver their trademark squeezes and slashes. Additionally, Tekken 8 introduces exciting new fighters like Azucena, a Peruvian MMA fighter, Victor Chevalier, the leader of the UN independent forces, and Reina, who has mysterious ties to the Mishima family’s fighting style. It’s a perfect blend of familiar faces and fresh additions that seamlessly fit into Tekken 8’s explosive narrative. Each playable fighter also has their own Character Episode, a series of five fights that offer a glimpse into what they’ve been up to during the events of Tekken 8. These episodes capture the delightful silliness that characterized earlier Tekken games and are a joy to experience. I won’t spoil any of them, but I highly recommend checking out Law’s episode for a taste of the wackiness.

Stepping back into the fighting arena can be intimidating, especially for those who haven’t played Tekken in a while. However, Tekken 8’s controls are designed to be intuitive and comfortable for all players. As someone who hadn’t played in a long time, I found myself quickly getting back into the groove with Jin’s familiar moves and combos. But if you’re completely new to the game or prefer a simpler control scheme, the Special Style Mode is there to support you. With the press of a button, you can switch to a more accessible control style that allows your character to perform powerful moves without the need for complex button combinations. It’s a fantastic addition that enhances accessibility and welcomes players of all skill levels.

While Tekken 8 offers a robust single-player experience, it’s the multiplayer and competitive modes that will truly captivate many players. The online area feels like a game within a game, where you create a custom cartoon avatar before entering an online plaza. Here, you’ll find Arcade Quest, a blend of tutorial and challenge that pits you against increasingly difficult computer-controlled opponents. The new Super Ghost Battle mode is also a standout feature, allowing you to fight against an AI opponent that mimics your playstyle, helping you improve your skills. Tekken has always had a strong multiplayer scene, and these additions make it even more enticing for newcomers to dive into online play. When you’re ready to take on the world, you can head to the arcade machines for simple player-versus-player matches. It’s a sleek and interactive system that replicates the feeling of being in a real arcade, complete with the ability to spectate other battles and customize your avatar and fighters between matches.

And let’s not forget the return of a fan-favorite mode – Tekken Ball. First introduced in Tekken 3, this mini-game challenges you to defeat your opponent by hitting a large ball towards them using your regular moves. It’s a nostalgic inclusion that adds yet another layer of fun to Tekken 8.

The Tekken team has truly outdone themselves with this installment. It’s a game that caters to both dedicated fans and those who may have stepped away from the series. The electrifying crescendo of Jin’s theme from Tekken 3 in one particular story mode battle serves as a powerful reminder that Tekken 8 welcomes all players with open arms. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Tekken 8 is an electrifying experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Fist Meets Fate on January 26. Pre-order Tekken 8 now for PC, Playstation 5, and XBOX Series X|S.