Tekken 8 is Being Review Bombed Yet Again

Tekken 8 is Being Review Bombed Yet Again

Key Takeaways

  • Tekken 8 faces backlash over paid DLC and monetization, leading to negative reviews.
  • New Gemaki Temple stage DLC is a separate purchase, sparking controversy among fans.
  • Despite positive aspects like gameplay and visuals, the game’s microtransactions draw criticism.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the latest release of Tekken 8 has left me both excited and disappointed in equal measure. The gameplay is fantastic, the visuals are stunning, and the narrative continues to be engaging, but the ongoing controversy over monetization is hard to ignore.


Once more, Tekken 8 is facing backlash due to its monetization strategies, with players expressing their disapproval on platforms like Steam. The latest controversy surrounds the release of a new paid stage in Tekken 8, which has reignited complaints about the game’s questionable post-launch management by publisher Bandai Namco. Critics have been particularly vocal about the inclusion of a battle pass progression system shortly after the game’s release and its impact on player experience.

In the series of combat games that is Tekken, the newest addition – Tekken 8 – continues the story from where Tekken 7 left off, a game that was released nearly a decade ago. The journey to Tekken 8 has been a lengthy one, but it delivers well when it comes to visuals, plot, and above all, gameplay. Upon its release, Tekken 8 boasted 32 playable characters, with 29 of them having made an appearance in previous games within the series. The game is also beginner-friendly, offering extensive training tools that are unparalleled among fighting games. However, despite being one of Bandai Namco’s main franchises, Tekken 8 has faced criticism yet again over its monetization strategies.

In the latest buzz surrounding Tekken 8, fans are expressing their discontent over a fresh development. The game’s new stage is available for purchase separately from Heihachi Mishima, and while it costs only $5, it’s the principle that has gamers in an uproar. The game has been receiving negative reviews on Steam, with many categorizing it as “Mostly Negative.” The issue stems from the expectation that the new Gemaki Temple stage DLC would be free, and while the price is relatively low, it seems to be the last straw for some players. Interestingly, the previous new stage was included when Lidia Sobieska joined Tekken 8’s roster, making this omission even more puzzling.

Players Review Bomb Tekken 8 Over Monetization

The debate over the monetization strategy of Tekken 8 sparked due to the introduction of its cash shop after the game’s release. To add confusion, Tekken 8 was launched with both a $100 Deluxe Edition and a $110 Ultimate Edition, which offered extra costumes and characters for the first year. Despite the game receiving praise for its gameplay, graphics, and engaging combo system, players find it difficult to overlook its microtransactions.

Despite players mostly focusing on the latest $5 stage, the recent update for Tekken 8 has resurrected Heihachi Mishima, a character who many believed had perished following the events of Tekken 7. Heihachi is one of three new fighters included in the Year 1 character pass, alongside Eddy Gordo and Lidia Sobieska. There’s no doubt that there will be more to look forward to with Tekken 8, but it remains to be seen how the game will be received within the community a month or year from now.

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2024-10-08 18:43