Geese Howard in Tekken 7: A Charismatic Villain’s Unexpected Crossover

Geese Howard, the iconic villain from SNK’s Fatal Fury series, found his way into Tekken 7 as a DLC guest character. This wasn’t just a random selection; it was a strategic decision by Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada, who recognized Geese’s potential to seamlessly integrate into the Tekken universe. Harada admired Geese’s character and believed his fighting style, rooted in ancient Japanese martial arts and specializing in counter-throws, would be a perfect fit alongside the existing Tekken roster. The crossover added a unique flavor to the game, attracting both Tekken and Fatal Fury fans alike.

The Genesis of Geese in Tekken

The inclusion of Geese Howard in Tekken 7 was a masterstroke of cross-promotional synergy and fan service. Harada, a long-time admirer of the character, saw an opportunity to introduce a villain with a distinct personality and fighting style that contrasted nicely with the Mishima family saga’s more brooding antagonists. The character’s established backstory and fan base from the Fatal Fury series provided a ready-made audience eager to see him in a new fighting game environment.

Strategic Considerations

Several factors played into this decision:

• Character Fit: Geese’s fighting style, based on Aikijutsu and Kobujutsu, provided a refreshing change of pace within Tekken’s diverse martial arts landscape. His emphasis on counter-throws and reversals offered a strategic depth that resonated with Tekken’s competitive community.
• Fan Appeal: Geese Howard is a beloved villain with a strong following. His inclusion generated significant buzz and boosted sales of Tekken 7’s DLC.
• Gameplay Dynamics: His character brought unique gameplay mechanics to Tekken 7, including his Rage Art and Deadly Rave combo, offering players new strategic avenues.

Why Geese Howard Works in Tekken

Geese isn’t just a reskinned character thrown into Tekken. He’s meticulously integrated to feel like a natural part of the game.

• Unique Move Set: Geese utilizes a distinct moveset featuring Atemi counter-throws and powerful strikes. This creates a different gameplay experience compared to other Tekken characters.
• Rage System Integration: His Rage Art, the Raging Storm, is visually stunning and fits well within the game’s aesthetic.
• Charismatic Villain: Geese’s overwhelming presence and evil charisma complement the Tekken story. Even though he isn’t part of the main Mishima plot, his villainous nature adds depth to the overall universe.

The Significance of Guest Characters

The inclusion of guest characters like Geese Howard demonstrates a growing trend in fighting games. These crossovers offer:

• Fresh Gameplay Experiences: Guest characters introduce new mechanics, strategies, and playstyles, which keeps the game interesting for veterans.
• Broader Appeal: Crossovers attract fans from different franchises, expanding the game’s audience and generating more sales.
• Creative Opportunities: Developers can experiment with character designs and storylines, creating unique and exciting content.

The introduction of Geese in Tekken also has implications for game learning. Players new to Tekken but familiar with Fatal Fury may find the character more accessible, fostering engagement and understanding of the game’s mechanics. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores the possibilities of game-based learning, suggesting that familiar characters could be a gateway into more complex game systems.

Is Geese Howard in Tekken 8?

As of the current information available, Geese Howard is not a part of the base roster for Tekken 8. The current strategy of the Tekken development team seems to be focusing on the core Tekken characters and introducing entirely new faces. However, the possibility of Geese Howard appearing as DLC in a future update is not ruled out. He was a popular character in Tekken 7, and his unique play style made him a favorite among many players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Geese Howard in Tekken

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Geese Howard’s presence in Tekken 7, along with concise answers:

1. Where does Geese Howard come from?

   Geese Howard originates from the Fatal Fury fighting game series developed by SNK.

2. Is Geese Howard dead in the Fatal Fury timeline?

   Yes, Geese Howard is considered dead in the Fatal Fury timeline, after falling from Geese Tower in Real Bout Fatal Fury. However, video game timelines can often be fluid!

3. Is Geese Howard a DLC character in Tekken 7?

   Yes, Geese Howard was a DLC character added to Tekken 7 after the game’s initial release.

4. What fighting style does Geese Howard use in Tekken 7?

   Geese Howard primarily uses Aikijutsu as his fighting style, which focuses on counter-throws and reversals. He also incorporates elements of Kobujutsu.

5. Is Geese Howard a difficult character to learn in Tekken 7?

   Geese can be challenging to master due to his reliance on precise timing for his counter-throws and the complexity of his Deadly Rave combo.

6. What is Geese Howard’s Rage Art in Tekken 7?

   Geese Howard’s Rage Art is called Raging Storm, a powerful energy attack.

7. Is Geese Howard considered a strong character in Tekken 7?

   Geese is considered a very strong character, especially when mastered, thanks to his powerful counters and offensive capabilities.

8. Does Geese Howard have any special interactions with other characters in Tekken 7?

   Yes, Geese has unique intro and outro dialogues with several characters, highlighting his villainous personality.

9. Why did Katsuhiro Harada decide to include Geese Howard in Tekken 7?

   Harada admired Geese’s character and believed his fighting style and personality would fit well within the Tekken universe.

10. Is Geese Howard part of the main Tekken storyline?

    No, Geese Howard’s inclusion is separate from the main Mishima storyline. He is a guest character whose presence doesn’t affect the core narrative.

11. Will Geese Howard return in future Tekken games?

    There are no confirmed plans for Geese Howard’s return in future Tekken games, but the possibility remains open depending on fan demand and developer decisions.

12. How does Geese Howard’s fighting style differ from other Tekken characters?

    Geese’s emphasis on countering and reversals distinguishes him from many Tekken characters who rely more on aggressive, offensive strategies.

13. What are some of Geese Howard’s signature moves in Tekken 7?

    Signature moves include the Reppuken, Double Reppuken, and various Atemi counter-throws.

14. Is Geese Howard considered evil?

    Yes, Geese Howard is portrayed as an evil and ruthless character who seeks power and domination.

15. What are the origins of Geese Howard’s villainy?

    Geese’s villainy stems from his traumatic past and his desire to become the ultimate ruler of Southtown, as seen in the Fatal Fury series.

Conclusion

Geese Howard’s inclusion in Tekken 7 was more than just a simple guest appearance. It was a carefully considered decision that injected new life into the game, attracting fans from different communities and enriching the overall gameplay experience. While his future in the Tekken universe remains uncertain, his presence in Tekken 7 has undoubtedly left a lasting impact. The success of characters like Geese illustrates the potential of game developers working together, while also opening up additional ways that gamers can engage with games. By having characters who are familiar, such as Geese, players may find it easier to adopt new games. Further insights into the use of games for educational and community-building purposes can be found at the Games Learning Society website.