Will Geese Howard Be in Tekken 8? Diving Deep into the Possibilities
The burning question on the minds of Tekken fans: Will Geese Howard, the iconic villain from the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series, make a triumphant return in Tekken 8? As of the official roster announcement, the answer is a frustrating but likely no. Geese Howard is not currently part of the initial Tekken 8 roster. However, the Tekken franchise is known for its post-launch content, so let’s delve into the potential, the reasoning, and everything surrounding Geese’s possible inclusion.
The Case for Geese Howard’s Return: Why We Want Him Back
Geese Howard’s inclusion in Tekken 7 was a massive success. He brought a unique fighting style, characterized by his deadly Kempo and predictable but brutal combos, to the Tekken universe. His Reppuken, Shippuken, and deadly counter game made him a formidable opponent and a fan favorite. He was also the first character to be an outright villain. There are many reasons why his return would be welcomed:
- Fan Demand: Geese Howard was a popular addition in Tekken 7, and many players enjoyed mastering his intricate moveset. Social media is full of players wanting to see the return of their favorite character, especially on the competitive scene.
- Unique Gameplay: His counter-based style differentiated him from many other characters, adding a new layer of depth to the gameplay.
- Story Potential: While Tekken’s story can be convoluted, Geese’s presence always added an interesting dynamic, especially considering his pre-existing relationships with characters like Akuma.
Why Geese Might Not Be Back (Yet): Examining the Obstacles
While the demand is certainly there, there are several factors that might be contributing to Geese Howard’s absence at launch:
- Licensing Issues: Geese Howard is owned by SNK Corporation, not Bandai Namco. Securing the rights to use him again can be costly and complex.
- Roster Size: Tekken 8 is already boasting a substantial roster of characters. Prioritizing core Tekken characters might have been the focus for the initial release.
- Balancing Challenges: Balancing guest characters like Geese with the existing Tekken cast can be difficult and require significant testing.
The DLC Hope: Keeping the Dream Alive
Despite the initial disappointment, hope remains. Tekken 7 had a substantial DLC lineup, introducing characters like Negan and Noctis. It is very possible that Geese Howard could return as a DLC character in the future. Harada and the team at Bandai Namco are well known for listening to the fans, and popular demand for Geese could push them to negotiate another deal with SNK. Only time will tell.
What We Know About Tekken 8 So Far
Tekken 8 is bringing a host of new features:
- Aggressive System: The new Heat system encourages aggressive playstyles, rewarding players for offensive maneuvers.
- Enhanced Visuals: The game boasts stunning graphics built on Unreal Engine 5, bringing the characters and environments to life.
- Returning Favorites: Fan-favorite characters like Jin, Kazuya, Paul Phoenix, and Law have returned with updated movesets and designs.
- New Characters: Introducing characters like Azucena further broadens the roster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Geese Howard and his potential inclusion in Tekken 8:
Q1: Is Geese Howard confirmed for Tekken 8?
No, as of the initial roster reveal, Geese Howard is not confirmed to be in Tekken 8.
Q2: Could Geese Howard be added as DLC?
Yes, it’s highly possible. Tekken 7 had a robust DLC lineup, and the same could be true for Tekken 8. Fan demand and successful negotiations between Bandai Namco and SNK could pave the way for his return.
Q3: Who owns the rights to Geese Howard?
SNK Corporation owns the rights to Geese Howard, meaning Bandai Namco would need to license the character for use in Tekken.
Q4: What fighting style does Geese Howard use?
Geese Howard primarily uses a style of Kempo, specializing in devastating counters and powerful strikes.
Q5: What were Geese Howard’s signature moves in Tekken 7?
His signature moves included the Reppuken, Shippuken, Atemi Nage, and Raging Storm.
Q6: How popular was Geese Howard in Tekken 7?
Geese Howard was a very popular character in Tekken 7, known for his unique gameplay and challenging combos.
Q7: What is Tekken 8’s new Heat system?
The Heat system is a new mechanic that encourages aggressive play. Players can activate Heat to gain temporary power-ups and access new moves.
Q8: What engine does Tekken 8 use?
Tekken 8 is built on Unreal Engine 5, delivering stunning visuals and detailed character models.
Q9: Will Tekken 8 have guest characters?
It’s likely. Tekken 7 featured several guest characters. However, whether that will include Geese Howard is still unknown.
Q10: What other guest characters have been in Tekken?
Past Tekken games have featured guest characters like Akuma (Street Fighter), Negan (The Walking Dead), Noctis (Final Fantasy XV), and Eliza (from another Bandai Namco fighting game).
Q11: Where can I stay updated on Tekken 8 news?
Stay updated on Tekken 8 news through the official Bandai Namco website, social media channels, and gaming news websites.
Q12: How does Tekken 8’s gameplay compare to Tekken 7?
Tekken 8 focuses more on aggressive, offensive gameplay compared to Tekken 7’s more defensive style.
Q13: What are some other fighting games that SNK has released?
SNK is renowned for fighting games like King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, Samurai Shodown, and Art of Fighting.
Q14: Is there a Tekken 8 demo available?
A demo for Tekken 8 was available before launch, but it is no longer accessible.
Q15: What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society is an organization dedicated to exploring the educational potential of video games. They conduct research and promote the use of games in learning environments. You can learn more about their work at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: The Future of Geese Howard in Tekken 8
While Geese Howard is not part of the initial Tekken 8 roster, the possibility of him returning as DLC remains a very real prospect. Keep an eye on official announcements from Bandai Namco and SNK. Until then, practice your Raging Storm in Tekken 7, and let your voices be heard – the demand for Geese Howard’s return is crucial! The future of Tekken is exciting, and who knows what surprises await us.