What Heihachi Mishima’s Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9

What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9

As a die-hard Tekken fan who’s been following the series since its inception, I must admit that Heihachi Mishima has always been my favorite character to love to hate. His return in Tekken 8 and subsequent antagonistic role in Tekken 9 is an exciting development for me!

In the world of Tekken, the series is renowned for its dramatic narratives and characterizations that mirror the intensity of its gameplay. Among these characters, Heihachi Mishima has stood out significantly, becoming a distinctive emblem for the franchise due to his eccentric nature. His influence within Tekken is so profound that even after it was assumed he perished in Tekken 8, he made a comeback. With future storylines hinting at him taking on a villainous role once more, Heihachi Mishima’s impact on the Tekken universe is poised to guide the motivations of the next installment’s characters.

Prior to the enigmatic hints given by Reina and Heihachi Mishima’s addition as DLC in Tekken 8, it seemed like Kazuya and Heihachi Mishima’s rivalry had reached its conclusion, based on the events of T7. However, if no additional story content is revealed during this game’s lifespan, it appears that Tekken 9 will once again feature Heihachi Mishima as the main antagonist. Despite this repetition of past scenarios, the emergence of Reina and the apparent weakening of Devil Gene users have created a new world for him to navigate.

Heihachi’s Role in Tekken 8’s Unforgotten Echoes DLC Story Has Set the Stage for a Grand Return

What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9

The Tekken Monks Arc Led to an Ominous Fake-Out Redemption

After suffering memory loss and seemingly altering his behavior during training with the Tekken Monks, a headbutt against a meteorite to execute the Ultimate Mishima Technique reverted Heihachi’s personality back to its evil form. Earlier, he had demonstrated a complete transformation towards the good, even teaming up with Lidia. However, his return was questionable given the conclusion of the previous game, and Tekken 8‘s additional storyline further undermines this character development by having him revert to his old ways.

In the upcoming Tekken 9, it’s possible that there’s a deeper reason for Heihachi returning to his usual role, serving as a stark contrast to Kazuya Mishima. If Kazuya can truly redeem himself following his recovery by Jun and giving up the Devil Gene, then Heihachi’s unsuccessful redemption could serve as a reflection of the darker path not taken.

Tekken 9 is Primed to See Heihachi and Reina Rise as New Antagonists

What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9What Heihachi Mishima's Return in Tekken 8 DLC Could Mean for Tekken 9

The Threat of the Ultimate Mishima Technique United with Reina’s Devil Gene

Even though Heihachi is advanced in years, he appears ready for an unprecedented surge of power following his training with the Tekken Monks. If he were to merge his strength with Reina’s Devil Gene in a world where Kazuya and Jin no longer possess their abilities, there might be a narrative scope for Tekken 9 that outdoes even the devastation wrought by Devil Kazuya on a global scale in Tekken 8.

Jin and a Redeemed Kazuya Could Be Pushed to Team Up

Jun Kazama’s latest appearance leaves it unclear if she is a ghost or actually alive, but her apparent rescue of Kazuya suggests she still exerts some form of real power. Facing an alliance as strong as Heihachi and Reina, Kazuya and Jin might find themselves forced to put aside their differences to halt the destructive course laid out by their ancestor.

Heihachi’s Final Legacy Could Become Supernatural

If Heihachi Mishima continues to be as wickedly formidable as an engaging villain and ultimately meets his end in T9, it would be challenging for any subsequent death to hold the same impact as T7’s, given that Heihachi has already demonstrated a pattern of resurrections. However, considering his seemingly immortal track record, a power akin to a demonic spirit like Jinpachi’s father might enable him to persist even after being killed.

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2024-12-06 20:33