Heihachi Mishima Playable in Tekken 8: A Hands-On Preview

Tekken 8, one of the most anticipated fighting games, launched earlier this year and has since seen significant developments. From major tournament showcases to various game updates and adjustments, the game has kept its player base engaged. Adding to the excitement, two fan-favorite DLC characters were introduced. Now, Tekken 8 is gearing up for the return of Heihachi Mishima, a character known for his resilience and formidable presence, as he aims to reclaim his title as the Mishima clan overlord.

Heihachi Returns with Version 1.08

Bandai Namco has given a sneak peek into the upcoming version 1.08, set to release on October 3 for PS5. This update will introduce Heihachi as a playable character, along with a new stage and additional story content that continues the Tekken 8 saga. We had the opportunity to speak with Tekken series Creative Director Katsuhiro Harada and Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda to get more insights.

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For those familiar with Heihachi’s near-death experience, rest assured that his gameplay remains largely unchanged. His moveset will be very familiar to Tekken veterans, with iconic moves like the Wind God Fist still present. However, he also comes with new tricks. Heihachi introduces two new stances, Thunder God and Wind God, which can be activated at certain points to unleash powerful new moves.

Additionally, Heihachi can transform using the Warrior Instinct, a powered-up state that he can enter after going into Heat state three times. This transformation grants various buffs, such as increased damage to recoverable health and additional skills. For instance, Heihachi’s axe kick, already a potent pressure tool, gets added follow-ups when Warrior Instinct is activated. However, since Heat usage is restricted to once per round, players will only see Heihachi at his full potential deep into the battle.

“When we brought Heihachi back from his ‘death,’ we needed it to feel convincing. He needed to seem powerful if he was able to survive. I wanted a new gameplay mechanic to link into the story. The Tekken Monks, which debut in the new story content, are also linked to Heihachi. We wanted him to feel like he’d learned some of the secret, long-buried techniques of the Mishima Style,” states Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda.

Introducing the Genmaji Temple Stage

Heihachi also comes with a new stage, the Genmaji Temple, a secluded hideaway nestled within a beautiful forest where the Tekken Monks train tirelessly. Players can fight in both daytime and dusk variants of this level.

“We wanted the stage to be a centerpiece for Heihachi’s return,” Ikeda explains. “We wanted the stage to reflect Japanese stylistic tastes, like the falling leaves indicating the shift from autumn to winter. But since it is a training ground, we wanted to hammer home that it’s a place where people have practiced martial arts from long ago — but there’s also a touch of humor when you see the strange moves the Monks are doing.”

The Tale of Fists and Fate Continues

The new update also brings additional story content titled "Unforgotten Echoes." This episode focuses on characters Eddy, Lidia, and Yoshimitsu as they navigate the ongoing conflict. Eddy is seeking redemption for his past crimes with the Tekken Force, while Lidia has received news of a secluded tribe of monks with ancient ties to the Mishima clan. Their journey leads them to the Genmaji Temple, where they encounter a very unexpected but familiar face.

“Heihachi is very important for the ongoing story, but he’s also a character that a lot of players want,” says Katsuhiro Harada, Creative Director of the Tekken series. “The same could be said for both Eddy and Lidia. Eddy was necessary for the storyline, and Capoeira is an iconic martial art that a lot of people enjoy, so we wanted to include him. And then Lidia was added at the end of Tekken 7. She uses karate and proved to be extremely popular. So the factors we consider are: they play important story roles, players wanted them, were used a lot, or had new fighting backdrops. The DLC characters so far have those elements, which is why they were added.”

Update and Early Access

The Tekken 8 update patch will be available on October 3 for PS5, with early access starting on September 30 for those who preorder. Even if you’re not planning to purchase Heihachi, the "Unforgotten Echoes" story and other new content, including a customizable home screen, will be available for free to all players.

For more information, you can visit the official Tekken 8 website here.

This version 1.08 update promises to enrich the Tekken 8 experience, offering players new content, characters, and gameplay mechanics that keep the franchise fresh and engaging. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this update is sure to provide exciting new challenges and stories.

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