Several characters have become champions of the King of Iron Fist Tournament, but hands-on time with one of gaming's most complex and rewarding fighters and have continued to expand Tekken 8 with beloved DLC characters that have added even more depth to the game. Still, Heihachi's return is a dramatic step in making Tekken 8 the ultimate version of itself.

Tekken 8 spoiled fans with incredible visuals, tight gameplay, and a flurry of different game modes to thoroughly entertain players of all skill levels. With accessible training and thrilling storylines for even newcomers to enjoy, there hasn't been a better time to try the Tekken series than with the latest installment of the game. The developer seems more than prepared to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary, which wouldn't have felt right without Heihachi in the newest game.

Heihachi was last seen after being defeated by his son Kazuya who, as a tradition in Tekken's sometimes preposterous storyline, threw his evil father in a lava-filled volcano at the end of Tekken 7's storyline. Bandai Namco invited Screen Rant to a hands-on preview of Tekken 8's DLC that will explain how Heihachi survived in a shockingly packed new story mode, which also includes a beautiful new stage and a side of the character fans have never seen before.

Unforgotten Echoes Provides An Intense New Story For Heihachi

The New Story Mode and Genmaji Temple Arena Will Be Included In A Free Update

The multiple story modes for Tekken 8 provided fun moments for every character, with some notable absences of several cast who were included in various past installments. However, DLC has added Eddy and Lidia, who play a significant role in the new story content, Unforgotten Echoes, which reintroduces Heihachi into the storyline. The extra story mode includes eight chapters, the final three of which Bandai Namco requested not be spoiled, that are intertwined into the game's overarching plot while teasing an exciting future for the franchise, all thanks to Heihachi's return.

Tekken 8's new story content has players take control of Eddy and Lidia, even if the extra-characters DLC has yet to be purchased, to tell a story operating in the background of the game's exciting plotline. Eventually, they uncover an entire temple, called Genmaji Temple, filled with buff monks, once loyal to the Mishima clan before it became tainted by the Devil Gene. Along with them is a mysteriously strong older man who has lost his memory. Lidia and her group quickly recognize him as the previous leader of the Mishima Zaibatsu, Heihachi Mishima.

Once Heihachi re-enters the plot, long-time Tekken fans will likely be surprised to see how much the once comically evil villain has transformed. Without his lust for power and rage towards his considerable family drama, Heihachi has become a character who is patient and seemingly kind, like a friendly grandfather. Throughout the free Unforgotten Echoes content, fans will meet and try out Tekken 8's third DLC character, Heihachi, and experience many exciting twists as he trains to regain his strength, giving players the opportunity to discover if the old man's combat style has changed with his attitude.

Heihachi's Fists Are Still Fulfillingly Ferocious

Heihachi Has Been In Every Main Tekken Game & A Guest Character In Many Others

Much like Tekken 8's cast of characters, Heihachi feels similar to how players who spent hours mastering the character in previous installments hope for, but with some refreshing changes. Many of the powerhouse's iconic techniques, like the Demon Breath strike and Spinning Demon kicks, are still devastating but even more satisfying with Tekken 8's flashy presentation, especially Heihachi's incredible ultimate attack, which is easily one of the game's most visually impressive. However, the new version of Heihachi has multiple stances that refresh the character in fascinating ways.

Like the latest iteration of Eddy, Heihachi has a new gauge that rests just below his health bar, which fills up as the match progresses and eventually unlocks the ability to use new skills. As it progresses, multiple stances with their own techniques become available. The limited hands-on time with Tekken 8's Heihachi wasn't enough time to master the stances, but using the simplified controls with the new character quickly showcased the incredible techniques he was capable of.

The King Of The Iron Fist Tournament Has Never Looked Better

Season Holders Will Get To Play With Heihachi Early

Tekken 8's visuals take the franchise up several notches with its incredibly detailed character models that sweat and take battle damage in a satisfyingly realistic manner. Heihachi's electrifying techniques and earth-shattering blows feel heavy in how they affect the game world and any unfortunate fighter who finds themselves in his way. Many of the matches during the preview event took place on the new Genmaji Temple stage, which crumbled with Heihachi's heavy attacks and flowed with red leafs along with fighters' movements.

Tekken 8 players have a stagging level of customization options that can be unlocked in the game, allowing them to dress their favorite fighters in various costumes with eccentric styles. Spending a little time with Heihachi's customization options, many outfits were spotted from previous games, and the opportunity to change his features, iconic hairstyle, and colors made it easy to transform Heihachi into something resembling a popular anime character or fan-favorite fighter from an entirely different gaming series. Still, Tekken 8's impressive customization allows players to do a lot to the former champion of the King of the Iron First Tournament.

When Is Tekken 8's Heihachi DLC Releasing?

Fans Don't Need To Wait Long For The King's Return

The first season of DLC characters for Tekken 8 includes a total of four characters, with one releasing each season of the year. While the identity of the fourth, due out in Winter 2024, has not been announced, players will be able to play as Heihachi when he officially releases on October 3, 2024, at 4 PM PDT and on Early Access for Season holders on September 30 at 4 PM PDT.

The additional Unforgettable Echos story mode will also be unlocked with early access. However, the new story content, which allows players to play with all three DLC characters released so far, will be included in a free update along with the new Genmaji Temple stage on October 3. If the early hands-on time with the iconic villain is anything to go by, Heihachi's presence in Tekken 8 will make an already stellar fighting game an even better experience.

Screen Rant was invited to attend an exclusive hands-on preview of Tekken 8's Heihachi DLC content for the purpose of this preview.

Source: Bandai Namco of America/YouTube