Tekken is a fighting game series published by Namco. The first instalment of the game was released in 1994. The latest instalment, Tekken 8, is set to be released on January 26th, 2024.

While the fundamental gameplay mechanic in the Tekken series involves short 1vs1 PvP or PvC fights, the game has an exceptionally rich narrative background. In this article, we will explore the Tekken 8 story, learn how the franchise’s story develops, and discover some interesting facts about the introduced innovations.

It all started with a tournament…

The 90s were a golden era for game enthusiasts. During that time, major titles began hitting the shelves, and 3D technology started to flourish. Namco capitalized on this growth by releasing Tekken in 1994.

Due to its realistic 3D graphics and innovations, such as characters being able to counter-attack immediately after taking a hit, Tekken stood out among other fighting games in the market.

The storyline of Tekken revolves around a tournament organized by the Japanese organization Mishima Zaibatsu. Winning the tournament brings a significant amount of money and the title of King of Iron Fist. However, to achieve this, one must defeat Heihachi Mishima in the final round.

The main character, Kazuya Mishima, was thrown into a ravine by his father, the tournament organizer Heihachi Mishima, when he was a child. Kazuya was considered weak in his father’s eyes, too weak to become his successor. However, he survived the fall and returned years later to defeat his father in the tournament and seek revenge.

Tekken Over the Years

Tekken 2

Due to the success of Tekken, fans did not have to wait long for a sequel. In 1995, Tekken 2 was released, featuring improved graphics and mechanics. Four new fighters joined the original sixteen characters, with Lei Wulong, created as a tribute to Jackie Chan, gaining significant popularity.

The storyline of Tekken 2 continued the events from the previous installment. Two years after Kazuya Mishima defeated his father in the tournament, and his body was thrown into the ravine, Mishima Zaibatsu announces another tournament with an even bigger prize. Heihachi himself participates, having survived the fall, just like his son before him.

The main goal is to lure and defeat Kazuya, seeking revenge and reclaiming his empire.

Tekken 3

Tekken 3 was released in 1997, featuring significantly improved audiovisuals and changes in the fighting system. Characters could now perform evasive maneuvers in any direction, and the emphasis on executing juggles increased.

Many characters from previous installments were removed, and among the newcomers was Jin, the son of Kazuya and Jun.

The story continued with Kazuya defeated in battle, thrown into a volcano by his father. To Jun, the woman carrying Kazuya’s child, he appeared as a devil trying to take possession of her unborn child. She escaped, deciding to raise her son, Jin, on her own.

However, evil never sleeps, and 15 years later, Jun disappears under mysterious circumstances. The boy, informed by his mother about his origin, seeks training from his grandfather, Heihachi.

Four years later, Heihachi organizes another tournament, with the primary goal of attracting the ancient god of fighting, Ogre.

Tekken 4

Tekken 4 premiered in 2001 with a new graphics engine, resulting in better graphics and smoother movement. The game abandoned open arenas, introducing interactive environmental elements and terrain irregularities affecting fights.

New characters, including the British boxer Steve Fox, were also added.

The events in Tekken 4 take place two years after the third instalment’s story. Jin disappears without a trace, and after defeating Ogre, Heihachi attempts to create an immortality serum using Ogre’s blood sample. However, the lack of the evil gene in his son and grandson thwarts his plans.

Meanwhile, in the laboratories of the G Corporation, Kazuya’s remains mysteriously vanish, revealing that he survived and left on his own accord. Heihachi organizes another tournament to lure his family.

Tekken 5

Released in 2004, Tekken 5 returned to the series’ roots, eliminating closed locations and terrain irregularities for even smoother combat. The Crush system was introduced, giving an advantage to jumping attacks. Asuka Kazama, Jin’s cousin, was among the new characters.

In terms of the storyline, it picks up right after the events of Tekken 4. Jin, lured to the tournament, defeats his grandfather and father, transforming into Devil Jin and flying away from the temple. Soon after, the temple is attacked, Kazuya escapes, and Heihachi is buried alive in the exploding temple.

News spreads that another tournament is being organized, with Jinpachi Mishima, Heihachi’s father, revealed as the organizer.

Tekken 6

Players had to wait until 2007 for Tekken 6. The game introduced an impressive roster of 40 characters and the Rage system, which puts a character into a frenzy, resulting in stronger attacks. The new graphics engine positively impacted the game’s visual quality.

The story continues, with Jin Kazama winning the previous tournament and taking control of Mishima Zaibatsu. However, he faces resistance from Kazuya Mishima, leading G Corporation. Another edition of the tournament is organized.

Tekken 7

The next instalment was released in 2015, featuring the enhanced Rage system and the introduction of Power Crush, allowing players to power through enemy attacks. The game utilized the Unreal Engine 4 for top-notch visuals.

Tekken 7’s story explores the history of the Mishima family, answering questions about the longstanding feud between Heihachi and Kazuya, as well as Heihachi and Jin, and providing a short guide on the devil gene.

What about the latest instalment – Tekken 8?

Tekken 8’s premiere is set for January 26, 2024, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. One noteworthy addition is the Heat system, granting access to special abilities such as Devil Jin’s attacks. The game employs the Unreal Engine 5, delivering stunning visuals.

As for the Tekken 8 story, information from Namco is relatively scarce. The narrative will continue the Mishima family’s saga, with Kazuya striving to bring about the world’s destruction using G Corporation’s forces. His son, Jin Kazama, stands in his way, aided by an unexpected ally, his mother, Jun.

Will this duo succeed in overcoming the impending apocalypse? We will find out soon!

What comes after Tekken 8?

Regarding the future, Namco’s creators are not very talkative. It’s known that four season passes will be released, introducing new characters.

Despite Tekken 8 not having seen the light of day yet, fans are increasingly speculating and questioning the saga’s future.

Some see the sudden return of Jun as an opportunity for a new story, while others believe it will contribute to ending the feuds among Mishima family members, ultimately closing the epic Tekken series. The truth will be revealed soon!