Bandai Namco has recently announced the addition of Reina as the final character to join the launch roster of Tekken 8. Reina, a brand-new character, shares certain similarities with the late series antagonist, Heihachi Mishima. The reveal of Reina came after an exhilarating Tekken 8 exhibition match, featuring top players from the annual Tekken 7 tournaments at the Evo Championship Series. With its arrival, Tekken 8 is set to dominate the competitive fighting game scene from 2024 onwards.
A Familiar Fighting Style
Reina possesses the same electrical power as Heihachi, and her fighting style heavily echoes the hard-hitting karate-inspired moves of the former Mishima patriarch. The trailer showcases an array of moves, including headbutts, stomps, and knockbacks that are reminiscent of Heihachi’s techniques. However, Reina also brings a unique twist to the table. According to Kohei Ikeda, the director of Tekken 8, she incorporates a second fighting style called Taido. Taido is a martial art form that evolved from traditional karate in Okinawa. Bandai Namco collaborated with Tetsuji Nakano, a four-time Taido World Champion, to develop Reina’s Taido-inspired moveset.
The unveiling of Reina in the PlayStation Blog post hints at her having a captivating and enigmatic backstory, deeply intertwined with the ongoing narrative of the Tekken series. The trailer teases encounters between Reina and both Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama, leaving fans intrigued about her true identity and role in the story. Is she Kazuya’s long-lost sister, Jin’s cousin, or perhaps even Heihachi’s granddaughter twice removed? The possibilities add an intriguing layer to the character’s allure, and fans eagerly await further details.
In the aforementioned PlayStation Blog post, director Kohei Ikeda describes Reina as having a “charismatic sense of evil.” This implies that she exudes a duality in her character, seamlessly blending the hard-hitting Mishima techniques with the more acrobatic Taido moves. Reina carries herself with undeniable style and confidence, which is depicted in her character design by Mariko Shimazaki. Shimazaki, who previously worked on Kazumi and Josie in Tekken 7, brings her talent to deliver a visually captivating and compelling fighter.
Bandai Namco’s addition of Reina to Tekken 8’s roster brings excitement and anticipation to fans of the long-running fighting game series. With her connection to Heihachi Mishima and her use of both the electrifying Mishima techniques and acrobatic Taido, Reina promises to be a force to be reckoned with on the virtual battlefield. As the final character revealed for the launch roster, she adds another layer of depth to the Tekken 8 narrative, leaving fans eager to explore the mysteries that surround her. Tekken 8’s release in 2024 is sure to bring intense competition and thrilling gameplay that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
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