Tekken 8 Gameplay Mechanics Detailed, Nina Williams Confirmed

Bandai Namco released a detailed 36-minute video explaining Tekken 8’s gameplay mechanics as there’s a new Rage system, a Recovery gauge to think about, and a Heat system that opens new opportunities for attacks and advantages. Bandai also announced Nina Williams, releasing a new video showcasing her in action. 

Bandai took its time explaining the new system as it’s a different game with the use of the Heat system, a mechanic that needs to be activated to enhance specific moves of a character. The initial activation of the Heat system will have two functions: Heat Burst and Heat Engager. Whichever you use will determine if you will have one or two Heat Energy when your character’s Heat is activated. Consuming one Heat Energy will allow you to use Heat Dash or Heat Smash, both that puts the attacker in an advantageous position to execute or extend a combo.

When you activate your Heat gauge, the character will have the bonus effects for 10 seconds, but the decrease of the timer can pause the timer for a brief moment by attacking their opponent, either blocked or it connecting.

The other big change is the addition of the Recovery gauge. When a player blocks, the chip damage will reduce the total life and create a white gauge based on the life lost. That amount of life in the Recovery gauge acts similar to Tekken Tag’s ‘red gauge’, but the only difference is the Recovery gauge in Tekken 8 does not recover over time.

Staying idle or hanging back will not recover life from the Recovery gauge. You only recover life when you press attack your enemy, either for chip damage or actually hitting them. Attacking will give you back life from the Recovery gauge, encouraging players to press on the attack instead of going for the defensive. 

It’s an interesting change and the video above explains the new additions rather well. They also mention two controller styles: Special Style and Arcade Style, Special being the more beginner friendly style while the Arcade is the traditional way the Tekken has played the series for years.

Nina Williams’ new look

We also get the stealth assassin Nina Williams sporting a new look and outfit, and equipped with pistols primed and ready for when you can connect with heir Rage Art. 

Tekken 8 currently has no release date but will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (through Steam).

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