Diving into the realm of wild combat, the latest gameplay reveals for Tekken 8 showcases none other than Kuma II, the fierce bear fighter with a fashion sense that includes a tough-looking bandana and a denim vest. Son of the original Kuma we've seen in the first and second Tekken games, this ferocious creature returns, ready to dominate the ring with his raw and savage moves.
In a twist of fate, Kuma sets his sights on his long-time rival, Paul Phoenix. The gameplay trailer highlights an intense face-off between the two where Kuma's natural brutality shines through. Despite his animalistic nature, Kuma displays a surprising level of technique with calculated punches and kicks. His prowess is impressive enough to leave his opponent, Paul, humiliated.
As expected, Kuma faces more than one adversary in his trailer. This time, it's Panda, his occasional romantic interest. Following a failed marriage proposal with a salmon as an offering, Kuma and Panda enter into an epic battle of affection, a true testament to the complicated nature of bear romance.
The trailer's climax arrives with Kuma's Rage Art, injecting humor into the brawl. Kuma uses the previously offered salmon to deliver a hefty blow to Panda, transforming the fish into a high-powered, explosive projectile, leading to spectacular damage and, undoubtedly, a few chuckles from the audience.
Kuma shares the limelight with other reprising characters such as Shaheen, the enigmatic ninja Yoshimitsu, and the formidable Sergei Dragunov, as well as fresh faces like Victor Chevalier, Reina, and Azucena, who are set to make their debut in the Tekken universe.
Tekken 8 is set to make this game grand entrance on PC via Steam, as well as on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a release date penned for January 26th. For fans eager to get a taste of the action, a demo version is already available for download across these platforms, offering a sneak peek at the anticipated fighter.