Highlights
- Bandai Namco unveiled gameplay footage of Kuma in Tekken 8, generating excitement before the game’s January 2024 release.
- Kuma, a beloved character in the Tekken series, is known for its slow speed and limited reach but has a charismatic nature.
- Tekken 8 will feature 32 playable characters at launch, including newcomers Victor Chevalier, Azucena Ortiz, and Reina, adding variety to the game.
Bandai Namco has recently unveiled its first gameplay video featuring Kuma, one of the 32 playable characters who will be available for Tekken 8 at launch. Tekken 8 will be released in January 2024, and these gameplay reveals are keeping fans excited before the launch.
The first Kuma appeared in Tekken 1 and 2. After its death due to old age, the fighter was replaced by its son “Kuma 2,” who has been featured in all Tekken games since then. Both characters were villain Heihachi Mishima’s bodyguards, and Kuma 2 had a rivalry with Paul Phoenix. While some players may consider Kuma to be among the weakest Tekken characters due to its slow speed and limited reach, it’s safe to say that the bear is a beloved character due to its charismatic nature.
All New Characters Coming to Tekken 8 Explained
There are only a few newcomers debuting in Tekken 8, and they are all set to be memorable additions to the fighting franchise.
In the newly revealed gameplay video, it’s possible to get a first glimpse of how Kuma will fight in Tekken 8. The character has quite a funny presentation, in which Kuma slaps enemies using a huge salmon, and proposes to Panda in marriage, only to be rejected. Like other characters, Kuma received a revamped look for Tekken 8. The bear fighter now wears a jean jacket and a red bandana. Gameplay-wise, Kuma seems to be following his previous style, with devastating, but short-ranged and slow attacks. The bear has some new moves, though, including a hilarious salmon missile that is used against Panda at the end of the clip.
All Characters Confirmed For Tekken 8 So Far
- Alisa Bosconovich
- Asuka Kazama
- Azucena Ortiz
- Bryan Fury
- Claudio Serafino
- Devil Jin
- Feng Wei
- Hwoarang
- Jack-8
- Jin Kazama
- Jun Kazama
- Kazuya Mishima
- King
- Kuma
- Lars Alexandersson
- Lee Chaolan
- Leo Kliesen
- Leroy Smith
- Lili
- Ling Xiaoyu
- Marshall Law
- Nina Williams
- Panda
- Paul Phoenix
- Raven
- Reina
- Sergei Dragunov
- Shaheen
- Steve Fox
- Victor Chevalier
- Yoshimitsu
- Zafina
Tekken 8 will have 32 playable characters at launch, including Kuma and its love interest Panda. While most of the game’s characters are returning from previous entries, Tekken 8 will feature three new fighters. These newcomers include the French Navy officer Victor Chevalier, the rich MMA fighter Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo, and Reina, a mysterious woman who appears to have ties with the Mishima family. Hopefully, these new fighters will have unique fighting styles which will add more variety to the game.
Apart from the initial characters, Tekken 8 will also have fighters who can only be acquired by purchasing DLC. Earlier this month, a leak revealed the possible Tekken 8 DLC characters, hinting that Roger, Xiao Meng, Armor King, and Eddy Gordo would be available as part of the game’s Year 1 Pass. As this is unconfirmed information, players should take the leaks with a grain of salt.
Tekken 8
Bandai Namco’s Tekken 8 will be the franchise’s debut entry on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and the fighting game is built in Unreal Engine 5. The story revolves around Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama’s relationship.
- Released
- January 26, 2024