When Heihachi Mishima was announced as the next DLC character for Tekken 8, I felt a mix of surprise and inevitability. After all, he was killed off in Tekken 7 when he was thrown into a volcano. But hey, in the world of gaming, it seems nothing is more enduring than the allure of downloadable content (DLC)!
What’s New
Heihachi’s comeback brings with it a new story mode called Unforgotten Echoes, which explores what other DLC characters—like Eddy Gordo and Lidia Sobieska—have been up to during the events of Tekken 8. The great news? This story mode is a free update, meaning players can try out these new characters without any additional cost.
Digital Trends had the chance to dive into the first five chapters of Unforgotten Echoes and chat with producer Michael Murray. They discussed the reasoning behind Heihachi’s return, how he’s evolved in Tekken 8, and how the balance of characters is maintained within the game.
The Return of Heihachi
It seems Bandai Namco just couldn’t say goodbye to Heihachi. Both fans and developers missed him, so his return made perfect sense. Initially, director Katsuhiro Harada instructed the team to make Heihachi “look very dead,” and they genuinely approached the process thinking they were going to kill him off for good. But then Harada backtracked, clarifying that he didn’t actually mean to eliminate the character completely.
This twist allowed the team to brainstorm creative ways to resurrect Heihachi, which became a fun challenge. In Tekken 8, Heihachi introduces a new gameplay mechanic called Warrior’s Instinct. This mechanic enhances some of his attacks and gives him a striking red aura. In this powered state, he can inflict more recoverable health damage and perform extended combos, making him a formidable opponent.
Murray explained that Heihachi was a more technical character in Tekken 7, requiring players to execute intricate moves to gain an advantage. In contrast, his gameplay in Tekken 8 is designed to be more dynamic and powerful, allowing for more aggressive tactics.
To keep Heihachi from being overpowered, activating Warrior’s Instinct isn’t as simple as pushing a button. He must enter a Heat state three times to unlock this ability, and he can only do this once per round. This means that players will need to strategize carefully, as Heihachi won’t have access to his most powerful moves until later in a match. He also retains some weaknesses, like limited low attacks, making him vulnerable to counters. This careful balancing ensures he remains competitive without overshadowing other characters.
New Features
The update also introduces a new stage called Genmaji Temple, a vital setting for Unforgotten Echoes. This beautifully designed locale serves as a secluded training ground for Tekken monks and features stunning temple architecture surrounded by vibrant greenery. The developers aimed to create a Japanese-themed centerpiece that reflects the changing seasons, from autumn’s colorful leaves to winter’s snowy landscapes. They wanted the environment to feel lighthearted and infused with Tekken‘s signature comedic touch.
Another new character, Reina, has been positioned as a significant threat in Tekken 8. However, with Heihachi’s spotlight return, many are curious about Reina’s role. Murray noted that the team has long wanted to introduce a female Mishima character, and they are thrilled with the positive reception Reina has garnered. He assured fans that Heihachi’s return won’t overshadow Reina, although he couldn’t reveal much about potential story developments involving the two characters.
Tekken 8’s third DLC will launch on October 1 for Season Pass holders and on October 4 for everyone else, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Get ready to dive back into the fray!