[Console Games] Tekken 8 Hands-on Preview Shows Evolved Core Fighting Systems That Bring The Heat

[[Depo] @ Cselites.com]

When Tekken 8 was revealed, my first thought was, "What could Bandai Namco possibly do to make another Tekken feel new?" That's not an indictment of the series, but rather a testament to how great Tekken 7 has been for the past eight years (or six years if we're talking about its console release). Tekken 7 is a pillar of the fighting game community for a reason; it's the most refined the 3D fighter has ever been, and there's just nothing quite like some good-ass Tekken.

Even so, there's always room to evolve, and after getting a few hours of hands-on time with a preview build of Tekken 8, it became immediately clear how it can take the franchise in a bold new direction. It still has its diverse set of characters, each with their own unique fighting style and deep moveset, and it's even prettier thanks to improved visual fidelity and eye-catching flourishes that are made possible by the latest generation of consoles. That freshness I'm talking about, however, lies primarily in the core gameplay mechanics, specifically the Heat system and Special Style, as well as smaller changes that reward aggressive play.

The Heat system represents a fundamental change to Tekken's gameplay. It's a brand-new gameplay mechanic for every fighter on the Tekken 8 roster that, at any point, once per round, allows you to activate Heat to access new attacks, open opportunities for sick combos, and enhance your character's core moveset. Think of it as another meter that can create an advantage for you by allowing you to be more offensive in your approach; however, the intricacies of using the Heat system effectively is where the game gets more technical.

Heat Burst is an attack executed by a single button press that activates your Heat state and adds one stock to your Heat gauge. If the attack hits, you get a flashy little move that opens up a combo opportunity, and even on block, it at least staggers your opponent briefly. But you also have Heat Engagers, which are more complex, character-specific moves that also activate Heat and add two stocks to your gauge.

You can follow up Heat Engagers with a Heat Dash (consuming one Heat stock), which will send your character running towards the opponent, giving you the chance to start a big combo. If the Heat Engager is blocked, you can still use a Heat Dash to close the gap and keep applying pressure. Lastly, there is the Heat Smash; regardless of how much Heat and stock you have left, it will deplete the rest of the meter in exchange for a powerful attack akin to a super or EX move seen in other fighting games.

 

Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tekken-8-hands-on-preview-shows-evolved-core-fighting-systems-that-bring-the-heat/1100-6512772/