Tekken 8 is out (Yet another game release I am missing out on because the PS5 still hasn't materialized for me. yay...) and I have completely forgotten about the other reveals so my impression on the last few base roster characters:
So like Kuma, she has some of Hehachi's moves (Makes sense as he did train her in addition to Kuma), but she also has some of Xioayu's moves so she doesn't appear to be an entire copy/paste of Kuma (Something that da bears have basically had throughout their entire existence in the series). Seems like she'll much more fun to play and won't just be the classic case of "Kuma clone, spam time". Also, that Rage art. Once again (as is the case with Kuma), pure Tekken goodness.
While many were too busy hating her, I had alot of fun with her very funky moveset so this looks like they've upped the ante with her this time around. Some neat tools to use. I also love that they've given her saws that won't be affected by regional censorship (Take that, overreactive old people). Design is a neat little glow up too (though the little hat bothers me a tiny bit for some reason). And wow, Soccer kicking her own head into her opponent and exploding. I am gonna have a hard time deciding who has THE nuttiest Rage art of the roster because there have been quite some spectacularly our there ones on display.
Always found Zafina difficult to really use, her move set has never quite gelled with me for while until recently and it seems like there is gonna just abit more of a learning curve but now with free purple hand powers. Story wise, I love that they have really leaned into Azazel's power being restrained by her (Unsuccessfully I might add) instead of just pretending Azazel didn't exist. Design is pretty solid too. Definitely has one of the coolest looking Rage arts, leans heavily into Darkseid territory (If you've played Injustice 2, you know what I mean).
While I do agree with many that Lee being in an armor suit is quite an abrupt pivot, it also feels on brand with his Eccentric personality. Move wise, I do dig some of the added touches and flare they've given him (Its Lee, why would you not do it?), And I love how his Rage Art includes a Combot Grenade. Gonna have to get used to not hearing him saying "Excellent" for the first time but he does say "Marvelous" with the same delivery so its not a complete loss.
And finally, the character I was getting tired of (despite how fun they ended up making him in Tekken 7). As I mentioned before when the story trailer was revealed, I was annoyed to see him again on the roster at first but then saw how he has a important part to play. Seeing him in this trailer, they've actually managed to make me like him again (Didn't think that would happen). While looks wise he's still Jin but with grey skin and Horns and wings (Now with the Hot topic October collection), they've made his character and voice so much better. He actually sounds like his own person and not just edgy Jin, in fact he kinda reminds me of Dio from JJBA voice wise for some reason. Moveset looks even more fun then before with some of the tools he has now. And that rage art is spectacular, love how it has the very chains that are theme in Tekken 8 (Seemingly emphasizing his roll even more in the story). Gonna be funny if this ends up being the last game he appears because damn, for once I actually don't hate for the first time in a long while
So enough with my rambling about yet another awesome looking game I can't play right now, enjoy Tekken 8 y'all. Will be watching from the sidelines.
