Poppin’ wheelies AND heads
Bandai Namco has released a new character trailer for its visually stunning fighter Tekken 8, which remains in development for PC and Gen 9 consoles — This newest preview focuses on one of the long-running franchise’s veteran fighters, Paul Phoenix, though perhaps not as we have seen him before.
While clearly the same hot-tempered, road-ripping biker of previous releases, Tekken 8’s Paul seems to be leaning far more into his “nomadic drifter” status, trading in his tattered gi for a barely-held-together set of biker leathers, an unkempt, oily beard, and what appears to be a bit more bulk on his towering frame. Perhaps most notably of all, his famous stovepipe flattop has become little more than a floppy fringe, limply dangling over our boy’s face. He looks a fucking mess, frankly, but I’m here for it.
Never judge a book by its cover, however, as the trailer still sees Mr. Phoenix laying down his wall-breaking, rib-crushing ways — still a master of incredibly powerful, single-strike punches and body checks. Phoenix also seems perhaps happier and more confident than he has in recent years, where the franchise has treated him as something of a joke character. Well, it looks like perhaps the comedy is over, and Paul has a punchline for you located right at the end of his balled-up fist.
Tekken 8 is currently in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X. It is tentatively expected to launch in 2023. Be sure to check out the previous trailers for Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, and Nina Williams.
