The Tekken universe is about to get a whole lot more chaotic with the arrival of DLC 3, bringing back a familiar face: Heihachi Mishima. Fans were surprised (and perhaps a little relieved) to see the series’ antagonist make a return after seemingly meeting his end in Tekken 7 by being thrown into a volcano. It seems the only force stronger than death is the power of DLC!
Heihachi’s resurrection is accompanied by a new free story mode, Unforgotten Echoes, which explores the journeys of the other DLC characters, Eddy Gordo and Lidia Sobieska, during the events of Tekken 8. The story mode offers a glimpse into what these characters have been up to in the world of Tekken.
But it’s Heihachi who takes center stage with the introduction of a new gameplay mechanic called Warrior’s Instinct. This mechanic gives him a sinister reddish aura and enhances the power of some of his attacks, allowing him to deal more damage and chain together combos with greater ease. This mechanic isn’t just a gameplay addition, it also reflects Heihachi’s inherent power and desire for dominance.
The developers wanted to ensure Heihachi felt as imposing as ever, and the new mechanics do just that. His playstyle in Tekken 8 reflects his experience and ruthlessness. While in Tekken 7 he relied on technical maneuvers, now he is more dynamic and powerful.
To balance out Warrior’s Instinct, Heihachi cannot activate it immediately. He needs to enter Heat state three times, a limitation that only allows him to unleash the full potential of his Warrior’s Instinct later in the match. And even then, he still has weaknesses, like vulnerable low attacks, making him susceptible to blocking and counterattacks. This ensures that despite the power of Warrior’s Instinct, Heihachi isn’t overly dominant against the rest of the Tekken 8 roster.
The DLC 3 update also introduces a new stage: Genmaji Temple. This beautiful and intricately detailed setting, a training ground for Tekken monks, provides a stunning backdrop for the new story mode. The developers have created a unique Japanese-themed environment that perfectly captures the essence of Heihachi’s heritage while also incorporating a distinct Tekken touch.
The return of Heihachi also raises questions about the role of Reina, the new powerful character introduced in Tekken 8. While she is a formidable fighter, Heihachi’s reappearance brings a shift in the narrative landscape. Producers Michael Murray and Katsuhiro Harada have emphasized that Reina is not being sidelined and her story will continue to unfold. The creators have long wanted to introduce a female Mishima character, and they are thrilled with the positive reception Reina has received.
Tekken 8’s DLC 3 launches on October 1st for Season Pass owners, and October 4th for everyone else, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. With Heihachi’s return, a new story mode, and a stunning new stage, this DLC promises to deliver a powerful and exciting update to the Tekken 8 experience.
