Will Raven Return in Tekken 8? An In-Depth Look
Yes, Raven will return in Tekken 8. This confirmation marks a significant return for the enigmatic ninja, who brings his signature Ninjutsu fighting style back to the forefront. Players can expect his close-quarters combat prowess to once again be a formidable challenge for opponents. This return, however, has been a topic of debate amongst fans due to the character’s somewhat complex history in the franchise. This article will delve into Raven’s return, her history, and answer some frequently asked questions.
The Enigmatic Ninja’s Return
The inclusion of Raven in Tekken 8 is exciting for many reasons. His swift and deadly fighting style, combined with his mysterious aura, makes him a fan-favorite. Raven excels at quickly closing the distance with his opponents, delivering rapid strikes and combinations, making him a potent force in close-quarters combat. His gameplay often revolves around tricking and overwhelming opponents with his agility and precise movements.
This comeback follows a period of fan speculation and anticipation, especially since Tekken 7 introduced Master Raven, a female counterpart of the original character. While some fans were initially confused by the gender swap, the developers clarified that this decision was made to highlight the existence of a larger syndicate. The return of the original male Raven in Tekken 8 will certainly please a large section of the Tekken fanbase.
Raven’s Tekken Journey: A Quick Recap
Raven debuted in Tekken 5, instantly capturing the imagination of players with his ninja-like appearance and fighting style. His character design, an African-American male wearing dark clothing, instantly set him apart. His moveset was built around speed and precision, differentiating him from the more power-focused characters. His quickness and tactical approach made him a popular character among those who preferred a more agile playstyle.
In Tekken 7, the storyline introduced Master Raven, an equally skilled female ninja seemingly affiliated with the same organization as the original Raven. This shift led to a lot of speculation about the original Raven’s fate and role in the Tekken universe. Now, the original Raven has returned, adding a new dimension to the game, though the relationship between Raven and Master Raven is still not clearly defined.
Master Raven’s Introduction
The introduction of Master Raven in Tekken 7 was driven by the desire to add a strong African-American female character to the Tekken roster, while also expanding upon the lore surrounding Raven’s organization. While initially confusing for some fans, Master Raven quickly developed her own fanbase due to her distinct gameplay and unique fighting style. Her introduction also highlighted the possibility of multiple agents within the syndicate.
Tekken 8: What Else to Expect?
Tekken 8 has been designed to be a game focused on delivering pure Tekken action without many outside influences. As such, it’s important to note that Tekken 8 will not feature guest characters in its base roster, a decision confirmed by Katsuhiro Harada. Characters like Akuma, who appeared in Tekken 7, will not return. Instead, the focus is firmly on the Tekken canon. This is a move away from the previous approach where they used to include characters from other franchises.
Key Returning Characters
Beyond Raven, Tekken 8 will also see the return of other fan favorites, including Devil Jin, Zafina, Alisa Bosconovich, and Lee Chaolan, along with Panda. These returning characters will be joined by other new and returning characters, making the roster diverse and exciting.
Story and Antagonists
The primary antagonist in Tekken 8 is Kazuya Mishima, continuing the saga from Tekken 7. Kazuya’s quest for dominance will once again be central to the game’s story, creating a high-stakes environment for all the characters involved. The story focuses on the conflict between Kazuya and his son, Jin, continuing the family feud that lies at the heart of the Tekken franchise. The game promises intense fights and shocking revelations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will Akuma return in Tekken 8?
No, Akuma will not be returning in Tekken 8. The developers have stated that he will only be mentioned as a mysterious figure from the past.
2. Why was Raven a female character in Tekken 7?
Master Raven was introduced to emphasize that Raven’s organization was a large syndicate, and the developers wanted to include an African-American female character.
3. What is Raven’s fighting style?
Raven utilizes a Ninjutsu fighting style, characterized by swift movements and potent close-quarters combat techniques.
4. Is Raven male or female in Tekken?
The original Raven is male. Master Raven is female and introduced in Tekken 7.
5. Are there any LGBT characters in Tekken?
Lee Chaolan (as Violet) has been interpreted as possibly bisexual or gay by some fans. There are also suggestions of Lili and Asuka having a potential lesbian or bisexual relationship, though this is not officially considered canon.
6. Is Heihachi coming back in Tekken 8?
No, Heihachi’s death is permanent and he will not return in Tekken 8, despite some rumors.
7. Who is the main villain in Tekken 8?
Kazuya Mishima is the main antagonist in Tekken 8.
8. When will Tekken 8 be released?
Tekken 8 is scheduled for release on January 26, 2024.
9. Can two people play Tekken 8?
Yes, two players can play in offline VS battles on the same console.
10. Are there secret characters in Tekken 7?
Yes, Tekken 7 has secret characters that can be unlocked by completing specific tasks during matchups.
11. Who is the rich girl in Tekken?
Emilie De Rochefort, also known as Lili, is the rich girl character in the Tekken series.
12. Who is the cat girl in Tekken?
Lucky Chloe is the cat girl character, known for her kitten-themed costume.
13. Who is the grey hair character in Tekken?
Heihachi Mishima has grey hair in Tekken 3 and later installments of the series due to his old age.
14. Who is the Chinese girl in Tekken?
Ling Xiaoyu is the Chinese girl character in the Tekken series, making her debut in Tekken 3.
15. Who is considered the most evil character in Tekken?
Heihachi Mishima is often considered one of the most evil characters in the Tekken series, along with his son Kazuya and several others.
In conclusion, Raven’s return in Tekken 8 is a welcome addition to the roster. His unique fighting style and compelling background continue to make him a major player in the Tekken universe. With a focus on established characters and intense combat, Tekken 8 is shaping up to be a must-play title for fans of the series.