Parents' Guide to

Tekken 8

By Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

An exceptional and multi-platform 'Tekken' game for teens.

Game Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , Windows 2024
The box cover for Bandai Namco's Tekken 8 fighting game. Two characters are back to back, one of whom is clenching his fist.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • A male fighter has scars on his face and is in an attack pose.
  • Scene from game with two fighters in battle.
  • A female character is punching a male character in this battle scene from Tekken 8.

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What’s It About?

This is the first new Tekken game in seven years, developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Arika. Tekken 8 has several modes, including a story-based campaign called The Dark Awakens, which happens six months after Tekken 7. It follows Jin Kazama, who's set to fight his devil-powered father, Kazuya Mishima, to end generations of chaos. Players can choose from 32 unique characters, including fan favorites and some new ones.

Other game modes include Arcade Quest (a practice mode using your own avatar), Tekken Fighting Lounge (where you can meet, chat, and fight others online), Super Ghost Battles (a single-player mode that uses data from real players), and Tekken Ball (a beach game that combines volleyball and dodgeball). Tekken 8 keeps the familiar controls fans love but adds a new system for aggressive play, including a Heat System that powers up your attacks once per round. There's also a Special Style feature that makes it easier to perform different moves and combos. Note: Tekken 8 looks and plays the same on both consoles and the PC version, despite minor graphic differences.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Tekken 8 might be the best game in this long-running series, not just because of the amazing graphics, but because of the great fighting mechanics, tight controls, and many solo and multiplayer modes. There are a few minor issues, and some players might be unhappy with the Tekken Shop, feeling like they need to spend more money on characters and customization. But overall, Tekken 8 is a super fun game for both new and old fans.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in video games the appeal of fighting games, like Tekken 8. Why do we find these games fun? How do you separate the fighting in the game from how you react in real life? What feeling do you get when you're fighting in the game?

  • There's an underlying story in the game of a son having to defeat his devil-powered father. Is that a good lesson for kids as young as 13 (since the game is rated "Teen")? Or will players that age understand it's just a make-believe story?

Game Details

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