How Bleach Inspired Tekken’s Story

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How Bleach Inspired Tekken's Story

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for epic battles and captivating narratives, I can confidently say that Tekken 8 has taken the fighting game genre to new heights, seamlessly blending action-packed gameplay with an engaging storyline. The influence of Bleach in this latest installment is unmistakable, making me feel like a kid in a candy store, reminiscing about my days devouring chapters of Ichigo’s adventures.

Tekken is one of the biggest fighting game series ever to exist. The recently released Tekken 8 has attracted many new fans with its exciting gameplay, appealing characters, and fantastic visuals. Tekken, similarly to Mortal Kombat, is also known for its emphasis on story. And in the most recent games, mainly Tekken 8, some elements of the story seem to have been influenced by a famous manga: Bleach.

In the character of Jin Kazama, the main hero, there appear to be significant influences drawn from Ichigo Kurosaki and his bond with his hidden, powerful side. Notably, Jin bears similarities to Ichigo in certain aspects.

Characters and Elements Inspired by Bleach

Claudio Serafino Looks Familiar

Katsuhiro Harada, head director of the Tekken series, recently disclosed on X platform that “Bleach” is his preferred manga. This tidbit piqued the interest of Bleach enthusiasts, particularly those who are also avid Tekken players. Consequently, certain aspects of the game became clearer for fans. A notable instance is the playable character, Claudio Serafino. He first appeared in Tekken 7 as part of the main roster, playing a role in the game’s narrative. Claudio leads the Archers of Sirius, an old order of exorcists who have been battling supernatural perils for centuries. Claudio is distinguished by his ornate white attire, medium-length black hair, and his primary ability being the use of Sirius-Style Purification Sorcery. This skill set is characterized by the blue energy bow and arrows he wields, as well as enhancing his attacks with blue energy.

Claudio bears a strong resemblance to Uryuu Ishida from the Quincy, with similar abilities, origins, and aesthetics. The Archers of Sirius seem to have been modeled after the Quincy Clan. Just as the Archers focus on eliminating demons, the Quincy target Hollows, which are the primary monsters in Bleach. Claudio’s archery techniques closely mirror Uryuu’s Heilig Bogen, his signature spiritual bow and arrow.

Upon the launch of Tekken 8, critics and fans alike applauded the innovative narrative, particularly a pivotal scene that resonated with Bleach enthusiasts. The character, Jin Kazama, has been grappling with personal turmoil since his introduction in Tekken 3. He is the offspring of the benevolent Jun Kazama and the malicious Kazuya Mishima, inheriting the Devil Gene from the latter. This gene gives rise to his transformations into a formidable entity known as Devil Jin. In this state, he deviates drastically from his usual self, displaying extreme aggression and ferocity. This devilish aspect within him frequently provokes and torments Jin.

In Yakushima, Jin encounters the Devil once more. After a prolonged struggle, Jin acknowledges his wrongdoings and vows to safeguard those dear to him. Ultimately, Jin realizes that the Devil has been guarding him, and bestows upon him powers manifesting as black and white wings. Jin accepts this devilish power, attaining a heightened strength needed to vanquish Kazuya.

In Tekken 8, the narrative and conclusion between Jin and Devil seems to draw inspiration from the moment in Bleach when Ichigo truly comprehends White Zangetsu. Just as Devil Jin frequently took control over Jin, tearing apart opponents while also shielding him, similarly, Zangetsu often possessed Ichigo, defeating foes while ultimately safeguarding Ichigo. Despite Jin’s frequent criticisms from Devil, he saved Jin from death on numerous occasions – a parallel to the protective role that Zangetsu played in Ichigo’s life.

While Tekken’s references to Bleach are not as abundant as Street Fighter’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure references, Katsuhiro Harada clearly showed his love for Bleach with the latest entries. Claudio debuted in Tekken 7, which released in 2014, right when Bleach’s Thousand-Year Blood War arc was in full swing in the manga, the arc that heavily featured the Quincy. And Tekken 8 was released in 2024, but it was in development during 2022, at the point where The Blade is Me was animated.

For fans of Bleach, there’s yet another reason to delve into Tekken, as these two properties share a strong connection that appeals to fans of both series. Notably, the creator of Bleach, Tite Kubo, has made references to Tekken in the manga, demonstrating his affinity for the game. This could be why the forthcoming Bleach: Rebirth of Souls seems to resemble Tekken more than typical Anime Arena Fighters.

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2024-10-04 22:33