Tekken 8arrived with immense expectations in 2024, not just as a sequel to the highly acclaimedTekken 7but also as a next-generation 3D fighter that would carry Bandai Namco’s storied franchise into the future. Now approaching its first anniversary in January, the game has already seen a steady flow of updates and downloadable content, with expanded story chapters and three characters already added to its roster.
However, despite these strides,Tekken 8is still reckoning with a monumental legacy. It may finally need to bite the bullet on issues it has long sidestepped, specifically when resurrecting beloved characters like Julia Chang and adopting more fan-friendly DLC practices.
Why Julia Chang Matters More Than Ever
Julia Chang’s dynamic and balanced fighting playstylewith those punishing throws and rapid pokes is welcomed and her absence or delayed inclusion in certainTekkeniterations, therefore, has always pulled mixed reactions. Her storyline, tied to protecting nature and continuing the Chang legacy, also clicks well with players who have followed her fromTekken 3onward.
While inTekken 7, Julia eventually appeared as a DLC character and was reimagined with a streamer persona, the late addition diminished her role in the broader story, especially compared to marquee characters like Fahkumram or Leroy Smith, who were heavily marketed duringTekken 7’s DLC cycles. Now thatTekken 8is here and expanding, Bandai Namco might have to embrace returning iconic fighters in the game’slifecycle, and quickly at that, instead of pushing them off to late-season DLC or not including them at all.
Players Have a Love or Hate Relationship With Julia
Characters fromTekken’s Chang familyhave been a part of the franchisesince day 1 and Julia Chang’s name comes up repeatedly because she strikes the perfect balance: she’s recognizable and historically important, and her moveset is both accessible to newcomers and rewarding to veterans. At the same time, those who haven’t labbed her properly and get paired up against her rarely, often have found it challenging to counter her and this is exactly what makes her crucial.
Tekken 8, at least so far, has been relatively grounded compared to the wackier entries from the past. So bringing forth a version of her that balances creativity with tradition would go long away and if that ultimately means making bold business decisions to a more generous DLC model or prioritizing fan-favorite returns, so be it. Because in the end, it could help the gamestand out in a genre often criticized for incremental expansions and expensiveTekkenseason passes.
Julia Chang Settles Fan Service vs. Legacy Debate
Fighting games often face the dilemma of determining which legacy characters to keep and which to retire. Too manyreturning characters inTekkencan make the roster feel bloated and repetitive, while too few can alienate loyal fans.Tekken 8needs to strike this delicate balance by focusing on both fresh faces and beloved veterans. The game has already seen new faces like Azucena, Victor, Reina, etc. and in Julia’s case, she represents that special kind of returning fighter who is not only fan-favorite but also integral to the lore.
In fact, inTekken 8, her potential reintroduction could serve multiple purposes. First, it would satisfy a large subset of fans who have been clamoring for her return, reaffirming that Bandai Namco listens to the community. Second, her classic moveset offers the best of both worlds — providing seasoned players with something to study, master, and utilize strategically, while appealing to casual players and newcomers with an approachable fighting style to learnJulia’sTekkencomboswithout sacrificing complexity. Therefore, even though newer angles or characters might be more compelling novelty-wise, Julia Chang is a legacy icon, a fan favorite, and strikes all the right chords.
Tekken 8
WHERE TO PLAY
Tekken 8 brings the fight to the latest generation of consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Feel the power of every hit in Tekken 8, the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. Utilising the power and realism of Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games by taking full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles. Ground-breaking new features, breathtakingly detailed character models and dramatic environments make this one of the most visually stunning and immersive titles in the genre yet. Tekken 8 picks up after the gruesome battle that ended in Heihachi Mishima’s defeat in Tekken 7, focusing on a new rivalry, pitting father against son as Jin Kazama stands in defiance against Kazuya Mishima in a city-shattering face-to-face showdown.
