TEKKEN 8: Mishima Heihachi DLC Hands-on Preview – He’s back

Since its release back in January, Tekken 8 has been keeping the fight alive with quarterly DLCs, adding fan-favourite fighters like Lidia Sobieska and Eddy Gordo. Soon, another familiar face will return to the roster though – none other than Mishima Heihachi. Despite meeting a well-deserved end in Tekken 7, the iconic antagonist is back, kicking and punching with the best of them, in time to celebrate the Tekken series’ 30th anniversary.

For 30 years, Tekken has told the story of a family that quite literally throws each other off cliffs in a power struggle instead of heading to therapy. Who needs therapy when you can settle your issues through brutal combat? The series continues to explore those themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption, all wrapped in hard-hitting, cinematic fights. It’s sure come a long way in that time and yet that essence of drama and beatdowns burns bright in the series.

We were able to play a hands-on preview of the game thanks to Bandai Namco Australia.

Tekken 8 revolves around the final showdown between father and son, Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama, as they battle for control of the Mishima Zaibatsu company and break the cursed cycle of their bloodline. Their fight escalates into a global conflict, with old and new characters caught in the crossfire. Known for its fast-paced, 3D fighting gameplay and diverse fighter roster, it’s clear that Tekken has earned its place as one of the most iconic fighting game franchises, and Tekken 8 aims to continue that legacy.

For the third DLC pack in Tekken 8 season 1 we’re seeing the return of a fan-favourite villain in the series – Mishima Heihachi. Known for his brutality and ruthlessness, Heihachi also has some of the most storied family melodrama across the entire series that’s helped by his fiery nature that makes you love to hate him. For fans up to date on the series, you’ll know his appearance in any capacity is obviously quite shocking. While it was confirmed that Heihachi was dead during the promotion for Tekken 8, his appearance here is strictly in the roster as a fighter – allowing players to relive his devastating moves without breaking the story’s continuity. Despite his death, Mishima Heihachi’s legacy definitely still lives on in the series. With the family conflict continuing between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama throughout Tekken 8.

My time with the Tekken series of late has been quite limited so jumping into Tekken 8 was actually a lot easier than I thought. Seeing the roster in this iteration along with the focus on the graphics and designs of the arena locations makes it evident how much has gone into this game. As a franchise, 30 years is no small effort and picking it back up now feels even more timely.

I was quite impressed at how the game remains accessible to players of all skill levels. While combos and timing play a big part in it, having access to onscreen and even simplified combos really made it feel instantly enjoyable for me as someone who has been away from the series for a few games. Having since fully dived into the game I’ve been marveling at how invested I’ve become in a fighting game. I’d totally recommend jumping into a demo and giving it a shot if you haven’t dabbled in Tekken for a while.

The Genmaji Temple stage isn’t just about aesthetics though; it brings a dynamic feel to the fight. The mediative environment, from the intricately designed temple architecture to the subtle weather effects, immerses players in the action, making every punch and kick feel weightier and more cinematic. It’s the kind of stage that elevates each match, adding an emotional thrum to the battles here, allowing players to feel as though they’re part of a larger, evolving story. Whether you’re playing casually or competing at a high level, Genmaji Temple sets the scene for a truly memorable showdown.

The Mishima Heihachi DLC isn’t the only thing to be excited about if you’re an avid Tekken 8 player. There’s a new free Story episode coming called Unforgotten Echoes. This joins a huge library of over 32 episodes for players keen to truly pad out the entire Tekken 8 story – if you’re worried you ain’t getting your money’s worth already. The story follows Eddy Gordo, one of the previous DLC as he forges ahead in his battle against Kazuya Mishima.

Players will also be treated to an online practice mode allowing them to jump into online arenas and practice. This was a beloved feature in previous titles, and its return should excite competitive players eager to hone their skills. And then, there’s also a new main menu screen coming that improves the layout and aesthetics of the game’s opening screen.

There are also some exciting game collaborations on the way, so move over, Fortnite! Nike and Gentle Monster both are releasing Tekken 8-themed footwear and sunglasses respectively. These are pretty powerful designs for anyone looking to rep their love of Tekken IRL. Players will also see some in-game additions for the collaborations.

The Tekken 8 Fall update, which includes the Heihachi Mishima DLC, is shaping up to be a major highlight for fans. With fresh content like new story episodes, practice modes, and stylish real-world collaborations, this DLC proves that Tekken 8 is committed to evolving while staying faithful to the core experience that’s kept fans coming back for 30 years!

The Heihachi Mishima DLC will arrive soon in the Fall update, marking the arrival of the game’s third post-launch DLC. Tekken 8 is available now on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with all the DLC being available to purchase separately or in a bundle with the game.