5 things I learned about Tekken 8 during its Closed Network Test

The Tekken 8 Closed Network Test is over after two weekend sessions to try the game’s online connectivity and crossplay. It was also the perfect opportunity for players to try out the game Bandai Namco has been working on. I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in both sessions and I learned a few things about a game I haven’t actively played in a long time.

New and returning players will enjoy the Heat and Rage systems

I’m not going to beat around the bush — the last time I actively played Tekken was during the Tekken 5 days, and to come back with a new version of the fighting game now with Rage Arts and the new Heat system made it feel like I’m coming back at the right time.

Rage Arts are these flashy moves that can be used as a last-ditch effort for a major comeback while the Heat system can be used as either a quick and easy damage for beginners or a combo extender for veterans. Either system didn’t feel intimidating but inviting for someone like me. They were even entertaining at times as it makes Tekken more cinematic as each character has their own unique take on either mechanic. New players and returning players can lean on either one as it gives you a tool to fight back as you learn the ins and outs of the character you want to main.

The connection can be a hit or miss

The Closed Network Test had two functions, a test for the community to really get a feel of the game Bandai Namco is developing, and to see if their online functions as intended, especially with crossplay enabled.

Hopefully, they gathered enough data as from where I was standing, it needs a bit of work as matches can be a hit or miss despite seeing the connecting being either 4-5 bars, suggesting good connectivity with the player you’re about to face.

On the first weekend, where it was only between PS5 players, the connection was a bit smoother but still experienced the occasional lag so bad either player would just hang the towel by making the opposing player beat them up for free to get it over with. During the second weekend where crossplay was enabled, it was worse but matches were more frequent. The good thing is disconnects never happened during my time with this version of the game, it was just the constant lag that ruined matches.

Veteran players feel right at home

When matches are smooth, the game feels great, and it looks like veteran Tekken players felt right at home even on day one as each player I fought had their bread and butter combos ironed out and at the ready as it felt like they’ve been playing this game for years.

This makes me feel like most of the characters didn’t have a significant change in their play style that veterans were able to adapt quickly and simply add the new additions. Even the new Heat gauge was being implemented.

Players did report that the damage output felt a bit off with some hitting too hard or too little. Balancing issues that I think Bandai Namco will likely address in the future. This is a test session for connectivity, not if the game is balanced after all.

Visual improvements across the board

Visually, the game overall looks fantastic and busy. Character models are more detailed and defined while the stages featured in the Closed Network Test didn’t feel static but more alive.

Tekken 8 felt busier with all the effects this time around as we do have two systems now. Rage Arts which gives this red aura glow, then the Heat system which gives a blue aura glow when activated. You top that off with the usual effects from character moves and it can look busy or distracting for some players.

You have all the tools to get the basics down

In the Closed Network Test, all we could do is go into training mode while we wait for a Ranked match, which is the perfect time to learn the characters available in the test. With me being a returning player, there’s a lot to brush up on and thankfully the tools available were enough to get me started.

The move list was properly displayed and we had sample combos and challenge combos to really see the potential of each character. You can even display a sample combo on the screen if you want to work on it. Nothing new but much appreciated. There were even sample combos utilizing the Heat system, showing what you can do with it.

Naturally, these combos are not the best combos one could do but a great stepping stone toward it. Some of the training mode features were disabled but it felt enough to even make newcomers get a grasp of how a character fights. From settings I saw that were disabled, players will have more tools to really hone their craft once Tekken 8 comes out.

Based on what I’ve played, Tekken 8 is shaping up quite nicely as a fighting game, at least from the perspective of someone coming back. There are definitely some issues they need to address in terms of connectivity as crossplay will be a vital feature for the game. Hopefully, with the feedback they received during both tests, they have enough data to make the right adjustments to make online matches a smooth experience.

Tekken 8 currently has no release date and with us now in August, it’s now unlikely we’ll see it release this year. The fighting game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

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