Tekken 8 is a sensational sequel
It’s been frequently claimed that 2023 marked a renaissance for the fighting game genre, but more specifically, it was also a great year for solo fighting game players.
While the nature of the genre means that multiplayer often gets the spotlight, there are still fighting game players who prefer single-player – and you could forgive them for having felt like they were left behind in recent years. This changed with Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, which offered hefty solo modes, and is now continuing in 2024 with the release of Tekken 8.
Tekken 8 delivers the series’ greatest single-player package since its glory days on the original PlayStation. Furthermore, it’s easily the most fun we’ve had with a Tekken game since those days, with deeply satisfying combat, welcome new mechanics, and some genuinely stunning visuals. If you’re a fan of the series – new and old – you’re sure to find something here that reminds you why you fell in love with Tekken in the first place.
The latest instalment – the first in nine years – features three distinct modes specifically aimed at single-player gameplay. The most elaborate of these is its Story mode. While fairly brief – if you’re good you’ll beat it in 4-5 hours – it’s a delightfully ridiculous experience. It focuses, as ever, on the ongoing rivalry between Jin Kazama and his father Kazuya Mishima, but brings in other characters along the way (similar to how Mortal Kombat 1 does it).
What begins as a straightforward plot involving a new edition of the King of Iron Fist Tournament eventually descends (or, indeed, ascends) into pure anime-tier nonsense with mid-fight cutscenes, comically over-the-top action and moments of genuine punch-the-air awesomeness.
It even, without spoiling anything, throws in a curveball halfway through and completely changes the way the game is played for a while, which is a great touch.
Before taking on Story mode, it may be wiser to start with the Arcade Quest mode. This is another single-player
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