Gaming

TEKKEN 8 Hands-On: The hype is indeed real

Even in its beta form during the CNT, it feels like a polished game already

Published

August 4, 2023

Gab Orlina

It won’t be long before BANDAI NAMCO releases its latest addition to the TEKKEN franchise with TEKKEN 8. As one of the more highly anticipated installments in the series, the game promises more fiery battles than ever before. With an already stacked lineup of fighters announced over the past few months, the hype is definitely real for its impending release. Fortunately, I was able to have an opportunity to participate in the game’s Closed Network Test (CNT) this past weekend to try out what’s new!

Let’s just say that, even in its beta form, it’s already looking like the most promising upgrade after a long wait.

Bringing the Heat

During the CNT, I got to try out the much-elaborated-upon Heat System that will be coming to TEKKEN 8. In summary, the Heat System serves as a main combat feature that enhances your moveset’s power and pushes players to stay on the aggressive. It’s a way for the game to remain as action-packed and relatively fast-paced as possible, and truly favors players that simply can’t help themselves.

Each of the sixteen playable characters during the CNT has their own way of activating the Heat System, and is often paired with combos that bring a whole new level to the experience. Honestly, as someone who often plays TEKKEN with a controller, some of the combos took a while to figure out and master. The good thing about it so far is that once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to integrate into your designated moveset and elevates your mastery of the fighters, as well.

Also, the Heat System activation timeframe feels properly balanced to an extent. In my experience, when you’re not being as aggressive, it punishes you by speeding up the timer. However, when you do stay on the attack, it doesn’t feel like you’re in a state of Heat for too long — which would make fights incredibly one-sided. I’m already imagining more experienced and professional players finding ways to keep the Heat running!

Roster and moveset updates

Of course, it wouldn’t be a TEKKEN game if we don’t talk about the roster of fighters — at least, the ones available in the CNT. As mentioned earlier, you can choose between sixteen fighters that have already been announced prior, especially some new and returning faces to the mix. As with every TEKKEN game I have touched since TEKKEN 5, I picked Lili first as she is my main!

For most of the fighters, their fighting styles and movesets are a bit more refined compared to before. This was something I particularly observed when playing Jin, Kazuya, Paul, Lili, and Claudio. Also, with the Heat System in place, some of the more hard-hitting characters felt more satisfying to activate combos for. Even their Rage Arts felt more bone-crushing than before, especially with some of the animations.

Jun and Asuka Kazama, and yes they have identical fighting styles

Perhaps the biggest surprise to me during the CNT happened when I was playing Jun Kazama, the MOTHER herself! Given that her last appearance was all the way back in TEKKEN 2, there wasn’t really much to compare against. Although, what sets her apart from the others is the fact that some of her attacks either do self-healing or self-damage, which is a mechanic that will get a lot of players to learn her moveset later on.

Initial game redesign

Upon loading up TEKKEN 8, it already gave me some chills with Kazuya staring into your soul. From the get-go, the main menu only consisted of just Ranked Play and the Tutorial, which wasn’t much given the circumstances. However, my focus was honestly more on the Character Select Screen that I hope they maintain in the final version.

To be honest, it’s just like any character select screen you can imagine for most fighting games. This time around, TEKKEN 8 now shows you fighter stats and their specific fighting style — a first in the franchise! I feel like that’s really more for the diehard fans to appreciate. Also, something about one of the characters struck me the most but let’s not spoil it just yet!

Everything else about the design of the game and the stages, what else needs to be said? Even though there were only five stages, each of them looked incredible on my Xbox Series X. From the lighting to the different gimmicks per stage, it felt amazing to do battle on all of them!

Hopefully more to come

I am genuinely excited for what’s to come for TEKKEN 8 when it comes out. Coming from the CNT, it looked like the game was in a polished state with minimal bugs to report. Also, the Heat System served as a fine addition to the formula and made every fight worth commiting to. If anything, I wished that the queue times for Cross Platform Play in Ranked were a bit faster, though. Hopefully, with more people playing this game later on, that wouldn’t be a problem.

My other hope for the game later on is that they keep adding more fighters to the pool. Honestly, it would be better if some of them were not locked behind DLC to pay for unlike TEKKEN 7. At the top of my head, I’m looking forward to fighters like Anna Williams, Yoshimitsu, Kuma, and Alisa Bosconovitch, among others. Also, could we please bring Mokujin back?

As of now, there’s no official announcement yet on when the final version will be released. Hopefully, it will still be on track for an early 2024 launch time. But, so far, so good, TEKKEN 8 — the hype for you is indeed real!

Gaming

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections release date

Pre-orders now available

Published

August 22, 2023

GadgetMatch

It doesn’t get any more ‘ultimate’ than this. The grand Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections game is officially coming out on November 16 and pre-orders are now available.

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections retells the entire story of the classic Ani-Manga franchise. It’ll tackle everything from Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto. A special story focused on Boruto has been created specifically for the game.

The game features over 130 characters — the most in an Ultimate Ninja Storm game. Announced alongside the release date are three new playable characters: Boro, Delta and Koji Kashin from the Kara Organisation.

Pre-order details

The game is now available for pre-order on PlayStation and Xbox digitally, and on all platforms physically except PC. Players will be able to choose different editions. Pre-order now on Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia’s e-store or visit any participating retailers in your country.

Package Early Purchase Bonus & Digital Pre-Order Bonus

All pre-orders of Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections will give players access to the following bonus content:

Three (3) Costumes

Naruto Uzumaki (The Final Battle)
Naruto Uzumaki (TV Anime 20th Anniversary Costume)
Sasuke Uchiha (TV Anime 20th Anniversary Costume)

Receive an extra pre-order bonus item set which you can use in NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER if you own this full game on top of Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections.

Nanashi T-shirt
Merz Costume — Costume: Merz Style and Hair: Merz

These bonuses will be available in NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER after 16 November 2023.

Standard, Deluxe & Sound Ultimate Edition

The contents for the Standard, Deluxe and Sound Ultimate Edition of the game are as follows:

Standard Edition

The main game, NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS

Deluxe Edition

The main game
Season Pass containing 5 playable characters that will be announced at a later date
Season Pass Bonus — 1 costume
Deluxe Bonus — 1 costume

Sound Ultimate Edition

Contains the same content as the Deluxe Edition
Ultimate Bonus — 5 costumes and 2 accessories
Nostalgic Anime Song & Item Pack — 5 anime songs and 3 in-game items

Premium Collector’s Edition

The main game
Two (2) Figurines
A Steelbook
Special Reversible Inlay
(Six) 6 Collectible Cards
(One) 1 Official Scroll
Season Pass containing 5 playable characters that will be announced at a later date
Season Pass Bonus — 1 costume
Deluxe Bonus — 1 costume
Ultimate Bonus — 5 costumes and 2 accessories

Additional DLC

Nostalgic Anime Song & Item Pack (available from launch)

With this pack, you’ll be able to change the in-game music during matches and enjoy the battle by listening to nostalgic Naruto songs. This pack comes with 5 iconic songs from the NARUTO anime and 3 in-game items.

NARUTO anime songs:

Haruka Kanata / ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
GO!!! / FLOW
Blue Bird / Ikimonogakari
Silhouette / KANA-BOON
Kaze / Yamazaru

In-game items:

Substitution Item: Microphone
Substitution Item: Orange Headphones
Ninja Info Card Skin: Nostalgic Anime Song Skin

Gaming

The voice of Mario is retiring from the character

No replacement has been named yet

Published

August 22, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

No other video game character has a more iconic voice than Mario. For decades, the red-and-blue plumber has graced gamers with many an “It’s-a me, Mario” and a “Mamma mia.” However, as any fan of old cartoon characters can attest to, even iconic voices don’t last forever. Longtime voice actor Charles Martinet is officially retiring from his role as the Italian plumber.

Today, Nintendo, through a post on X, confirmed that Martinet is stepping back from all recording roles at the company. The voice actor had voiced the character since Super Mario 64, the character’s debut in 3D. He has since provided voice work in all games where Mario has a voice. He also voiced Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. Outside of Nintendo, players might recognize him as the voice of Paarthunax, the dragon in Skyrim.

We have a message for fans of the Mushroom Kingdom. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/U1ASicOuTO

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 21, 2023

After the announcement, Martinet’s last foray as the plumber in a video game might be in the upcoming title, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Nintendo recently announced the new 2D platformer coming in November.

Martinet is not leaving the company entirely. He is now Nintendo’s official Mario Ambassador. As the voice actor already does now, he will likely pop up for Nintendo during themed events.

Nintendo has not announced who will replace Martinet as the voice of Mario going forward. However, the announcement does say that a video message from both Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles Martinet is coming at a later date. Presumably, the video will address the character’s voiced future.

Gaming

Lenovo’s Legion Go can come bundled with AR glasses, leak says

Might be revealed during IFA 2023

Published

August 19, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Windows Report

Is the Legion Go even real? The more we find out about the upcoming console, the more unbelievable it looks. Only a few days ago, a leak revealed that the device will have removable controllers like the Nintendo Switch — a feat yet to be accomplished by contemporary handheld consoles. Now, another leaks reveals something even more extraordinary: bundled AR glasses.

Again coming from Windows Report, the Legion Go can reportedly come bundled with a pair of AR glasses to go along with gaming sessions. Players can wear the glasses for their display and control the action with the main console. The report, however, does not reveal what specs the glasses will have. If anything, it’s expected to have a high refresh rate to accommodate gaming.

After news of a bundled pair of AR glasses, there isn’t much more to reveal from the report. Given previous rumors, the device might come with AMD Phoenix chipsets under the hood, along with other goodies.

Additionally, it might not take long before an official reveal. The report states that Lenovo might debut the new console during IFA 2023, which will happen in a few weeks. During the event, the brand might also reveal how the bundled glasses will work.

Given how the market doesn’t have removable controllers or a bundled pair of glasses, it will be interesting to see how the Legion Go will pair up against the more notable consoles already out in the segment.