Summary
AsTekken 8continues to improve across the update cycle of its first set of DLC fighters, an unexpected dilemma has arisen which has managed to motivate the series' creator to comment on the matter. Issues like character balance and all the mechanics which factor into it have primarily taken the spotlight when it comes to feedback to from players, but a far less hardcore aspect ofTekken 8’s customization has had enough discussion around it that Katsuhiro Harada himself seems to already be working on addressing the problem.
New characters are the main draw of theDLC support ofTekken, but these releases have also come with a conspicuous change to an element of the game which has no bearing on actual matches. With the fighter displayed prominently within the main menu being altered with each new DLC release, players have become more vocal about the desire to directly customize this part ofT8. While it seems that this feature might be on the way in adherence to fan feedback, it would be wise for the next entry in the series to have this potentially fan-favorite option available at launch.
Tekken 8’s Character-Themed Main Menu is Due for a Big Update
Harada Has Confirmed Menu Customization is a Possibility
When the title originally launched, Kazuya Mishima was shown in various close-ups while navigating the main menu. Not only did this serve to exemplify the graphical fidelity ofT8, but it also fit with the relevance of Kazuya to the title’s story and the overall franchise’s legacy. There wasn’t much buzz about menu customization untilEddy Gordo released forTekken 8, at which point he was instead put into the same role. Following player requests to be able to heavily customize this screen, Harada explained the challenges in the way of this feature’s implementation:
It makes sense that such high quality rendering of a fighter would require more work than simply popping them into the main menu, as the lighting of these shots would need to be catered to each one to maintain the same effect. With multiple tweets stating it could be coming in a future patch, however,Tekken 8updateshave the chance to set a new precedent.
The Main Menu of Tekken 9 Needs to Maintain T8’s Potential Innovation
Having Every Character Available Honors All Mains
It’s an impressive display to have any fighter shown in the menu, but limiting this character to one who is changed every few months ultimately alienates players of every other option in the series' huge roster. While there’s nothing wrong with building up hype fornewTekken 8DLC, several outspoken players could benefit from the validation of seeing their main as soon as they boot up the game. In a franchise that is known for changes in presentation with each numbered title, however, this kind of design also shouldn’t be forgotten when the nextTekkencomes around.
There’s sure to be many balance patches over what could be years of support forT8, but customizing the main menu is a concept already on the horizon which Bandai Namco would be wise in keeping for the eventual follow-up. No matter what the specificdirection ofTekken 9ends up being, learning from player feedback and having main menu showcase options on release is almost guaranteed to be a win which would go beyond any fighting game mode.
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.
