In a new extensive gameplay video for Tekken 8 from the Tekken World Tour Global Finals, executive director Katsuhiro Harada and game director Kohei Ikeda discussed the mechanics in-depth. In addition to confirming the return of Rage Arts and the removal of Rage Drive, it features two Control Styles: Arcade and Special.
Arcade offers the traditional controls layers are used to, while Special merges the Easy Combo and Assist features from Tekken 7. Each face button has a recommended move and combo for a character. Holding L1 on the PS5 controller brings up a menu to use Special Moves and actions assigned to each button. For example, holding L1 and pressing Square uses Heat Engager.
Aerial Combos are performed by holding L1 and pressing Triangle continuously. You can also vary attacks, pressing L1 + Triangle and then Square or Circle for a different aerial combo. Assigned actions change based on the player’s state, like Heat, Rage, etc.
Special Control Style is available in all modes, including Story Mode and Online Ranked matches. It’s possible to switch between Arcade and Special Styles at any time. Though you’ll eventually hit a wall, Harada believes the system is a good “boost” for different types of players. It’s not all that different from Street Fighter 6’s Modern Controls, which isn’t an “easy mode,” per Capcom.
Tekken 8 is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Development is ongoing, but Harada says it “may take some time.” Stay tuned for more details, and check out the latest trailer with Nina Williams here.