Boasting an impressive roster on launch and through DLC so far,Tekken 8includes many of the iconic faces of the series who have been around for decades. Despite embracing new fighters and returning legends alike, however, numerous fighters who were key members of earlier entries are conspicuously absent. Their chances at getting added through DLC inTekken 8are up in the air, leaving these characters as nostalgic relics of the past for the time being.
An archetypal pattern of replacement has always defined the revolving door of characters precedingJack-8 inTekken 8, so this iterative robot concept has basically been the same fighter in every mainline title. The same could be said for the likes of Kuma, a successor who has taken up the same mantle and shares a fighting style with their predecessor. Outside these and story-exclusives though, there are some notable throwback omissions inT8.
Several Characters From the Original Tekken Have Been Left Behind
Remnants of Kazuya’s Generation
Multiple foundational fighters from the earliest era of the series have found themselves not included inT8, even though most of them got toappear asTekken 7DLC. While it’s somewhat understandable that Armor King, Anna, and Kunimitsu might be left out in favor of their current analogs, fighting styles like those of Ganryu and Wang could genuinely bring fresh gameplay to the table. It’s initially confusing to differentiate P-Jack from his numbered counterparts, but this iteration of the character is one specific robot who isn’t replaced in each sequel.
Some of Tekken 2’s Oddball Picks Are Excluded From T8
Mostly Underrated Tekken Fighters Who Haven’t Appeared in Years
Reaffirming the franchise’s identity through adding a quirkier layer to the world,T2brought about the fan-favorite animal boxers that the series is known for. Alex the raptor and Roger the kangaroo are still recognizable icons despite not appearing sinceTekken Tag Tournament 2, and Angel occupies an uncanny area of her own that Angel Jin has only evoked. Lei is the only one with a recent appearance due to his spot in the previous mainline game, whileBaek and Bruce areTekken 8DLC contendersdue to growing nostalgic popularity.
Missing Fighters From Jin Kazama’s New Generation and Beyond
Several Post-Timeskip Characters Have Yet to Return
The leap forward marked byTekken 3was a major point of advancement, but now being over 25-years-old easily makes its cast considered legacy fighters. Like P-Jack, Gun Jack set himself apart by being an established character instead of a mass-produced model with the number three in his name. Doctor B. and Mokujin acted as more of a joke and mimic character respectively, continuing the goofy tone that still exists in the current entry. Ogre remains a popular DLC request despite his disconnection toT8’s scenario, but the return of boss characters in fighting games tends to be uncommon.
BeforeT5essentially marked a new era for the series,Tekken 4represented a transitional phase that could earn it the moniker of the last “classic” title in the franchise for the time being. With Christie breathing new, graceful life into Capoeira and Marduk bringing an even harder edge to the games, it’s fair to say that they were defining fighters of their time. Since the vast majority of those introduced afterward have made it intoTekken 8’s base roster, the missing characters ofT4are the last bastion of the franchise’s days.
Tekken 8
WHERE TO PLAY
Tekken 8 brings the fight to the latest generation of consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Feel the power of every hit in Tekken 8, the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. Utilising the power and realism of Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games by taking full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles. Ground-breaking new features, breathtakingly detailed character models and dramatic environments make this one of the most visually stunning and immersive titles in the genre yet. Tekken 8 picks up after the gruesome battle that ended in Heihachi Mishima’s defeat in Tekken 7, focusing on a new rivalry, pitting father against son as Jin Kazama stands in defiance against Kazuya Mishima in a city-shattering face-to-face showdown.
