videogamescritic
← all games
TEKKEN 8

TEKKEN 8

Bandai Namco Studios Inc. · released Jan 24, 2024

ActionPCPlayStation 5Xbox Series X

TEKKEN 8 is the latest addition to the TEKKEN series, the pinnacle of 3D fighting games. Join the fight with over 32 characters and bear witness to the next installment in this epic saga. Get ready for the biggest and best TEKKEN game ever made!

53
VGC Score
Improvinghigh confidence 28 since launch

scored 80 at launch, has slipped to 53

anchored at patch: “Patch 2.0” (1y ago)

80%
At launch
56%
Steam all-time
90%
Press
76%
Player sentiment
40%
Recent sentiment

PC 53 · PlayStation 69 · Xbox 73

Screenshots & trailers

What players say

Why the number is what it is: aspect mentions counted across 351 sampled Steam reviews (252 positive / 99 negative), recent and most-helpful. Plain keyword counting, fully reproducible; nothing here is written by a machine.

What positive reviews talk about

  • Story & writing9% mention it
  • Difficulty & balance4% mention it

What negative reviews complain about

  • Story & writing24% mention it
  • Difficulty & balance10% mention it

Satisfaction by hours played

Same score, different games: see how sentiment holds up the longer people play.

Under 5h

65%

37 reviews

5-15h

83%

65 reviews

15-40h

80%

60 reviews

40-100h

73%

56 reviews

100h+

64%

133 reviews

Review sentiment over time

Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (OpenCritic)90138
All-time Steam reviews56%571000
Metacritic user ratings78443
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)40%453000
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Apr 2, 2025) · 299 reviews sampled · 16865 total reviews in window · weighted 174.7 up / 57.1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (212)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 90
    trust 84Jan 28, 2024

    There really is a lot to love about Tekken 8, and the great thing is how familiar the game still feels while constantly impressing you with everything that’s new and shiny. This is a new generation of Tekken that is sure to keep you hooked for a very long time.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 78Feb 9, 2024

    Tekken 8 could be a much more special experience if Bandai Namco's teams took a bolder approach. But as it stands out the game feels like just a pretty good fighting game, that can be enjoyed by both fans and casual players alike.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 78Jan 23, 2024

    Tekken series has never been better. The improved combat system is faster and more aggressive, making everything feel more modern. The story isn't afraid to push the boundaries of what's possible in the series. Tekken 8 is not just another installment but a unique, fresh experience.

    read full review ↗
  • 100
    trust 78Feb 11, 2024

    Tekken 8 has made as many changes as the series has not seen, perhaps, from the fifth part. Many aspects have been redesigned, and new mechanics allow you to act as aggressively as possible. Add a considerable number of modes, chic training tools and stable online - and get the perfect fighting game.

    read full review ↗
  • 100
    trust 77Jan 23, 2024

    Tekken 8, the new installment of Bandai Namco's mythical fighting saga, surpasses what has been seen in previous installments with an excellent experience for both veteran and casual players. A title with abundant content and game modes, which also offers the necessary tools for anyone looking to master the complexities of a visually spectacular combat system.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 76Feb 9, 2024

    TEKKEN 8 offers stunning visuals, a compelling story, and innovative gameplay that make it an exceptional title in the fighting game genre. Despite a few minor flaws, it provides a wide range of entertainment for players of all skill levels. With a clear conscience (though a heavy heart), I have no hesitation in saying that this eighth installment surpasses its competition in every respect: graphics, soundtrack, controls, multiple single-player modes, and much more.

    read full review ↗
  • 100
    trust 75Jan 26, 2024

    Tekken 8 is a powerhouse in the Fighting Game world and I’m thoroughly impressed with the entire experience.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 75Feb 5, 2024

    Putting nostalgia aside, this might be the greatest sequel the Tekken franchise has ever received. Quite aggressive and visually attractive, everyone can find something to enjoy in this latest instalment. Add the simplified controls for the newcomers, and it is almost guaranteed everyone will have a good time with this game if they ever decide to give it a go.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 75Jan 23, 2024

    I appreciate the fact, that developers have made their homework. Tekken 8 has all the things I wanted it to, ane even more. Right now this is the best instalment of the series (since the near-perfect Tekken 5) and the best current-gen fighting game.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 74Jan 29, 2024

    Whether you are venturing through the epic story, rumbling with friends and strangers alike in the Tekken Fight Lounge, or engaging with any of the other numerous modes, Tekken 8 serves up a mighty banquet of fun.

    read full review ↗
  • 88
    trust 74Jan 23, 2024

    Tekken 8 may not be a sea-change sequel, but it hones what came before, reducing pain points for newcomers without reducing the complexity that makes this series special.

    read full review ↗
  • 95
    trust 73Jan 24, 2024

    There’s a reason that many in the fighting community say that Tekken is the best 3D fighting game and this is another incredible entry in the series. Not only does it have an impressive launch roster of 32 characters at launch that each feel different from one another and cover a wide range of fighting styles, you also have the ability to customise their appearance using the game’s slew of unlockable cosmetic items if you’re into that too.

    read full review ↗

…and 200 more tracked reviews.

Patch history

  1. Patch 2.0
    Apr 2, 2025significant · resets scoring window
  2. Patch 1.11 🥊
    Jan 17, 2025significant · resets scoring window
  3. Capoeira master Eddy Gordo joins the tournament!
    Mar 29, 2024significant · resets scoring window