Recent reviews by Esam

As a long-time Tekken fan, I had high hopes for Tekken 8, but unfortunately, it feels like the developers completely ignored the community’s feedback and doubled down on everything we didn’t want.

One of the biggest issues is how aggressively they’ve pushed 50/50 mix-ups. Instead of refining the neutral game or adding more defensive tools, they’ve made mix-ups even stronger, forcing players into constant guessing situations with little room for intelligent counterplay. We asked for better defensive options, but they gave us the opposite.

To make matters worse, plus-frame moves leading directly into stances have further ruined the flow of the game. It makes dealing with pressure feel suffocating, removing opportunities for counterplay and rewarding blind aggression over thoughtful spacing and timing. This isn’t the Tekken we love—it’s a chaotic, momentum-heavy mess that prioritizes flashy offense at the expense of skillful defense.

It’s frustrating to see Bandai Namco disregard the feedback from dedicated players who have supported the series for years. Tekken 8 could have been a true evolution of the franchise, but instead, it’s a game that alienates the core fanbase in favor of mindless aggression.

If you enjoy constant pressure with little room to breathe, this might be for you. But for those of us who love Tekken for its depth and strategic play, this feels like a massive step backward. Save your money and don't buy this season pass

Final Verdict: Disappointed.