Summary
Tekken 8will mark the return of the fan-favorite Tekken Ball minigame after a nearly decade-long absence. The next installment in the long-runningTekkenseries looks to take things in a newer, more aggressive direction thanks toits tradition-breaking Heat Systemand Special Style inputs, all while honoring the games that came before with a packed roster of returning warriors and a plot that continues the legendary feud of the Mishima family.
While the main story ofTekkenis a dark one of betrayal, corruption, and relatives waging a bloody war against each other, the series has provided plenty of levity in the form of comical cast members and mini-games likethe popular Tekken Bowland the originalTekken’s hiddenGalagaarcade shooter. One such mode was Tekken Ball, a volleyball-like alternate mode where players try to damage each other by knocking a ball back and forth. It was first introduced in 1998’sTekken 3, and would only appear once more, in the Wii U version ofTekken Tag Tournament 2.
RELATED:Tekken 8 Bringing Back Character That First Appeared 19 Years Ago
According to a recent PlayStation blog post, Tekken Ball is making its triumphant return after almost 11 years as part ofTekken 8’s new Fight Lounge. Players can go to a designated beach area, where they can engage in Tekken Ball against CPU-controlled opponents or other players online. The objective forTekken 8’s Tekken Ball is the same as it was inTekken 3: opponents send a giant beach ball flying at each other using martial arts attacks in hopes of striking them and dealing damage. Sadly, Tekken Ball won’t be available inTekken 8’s upcoming closed beta test on October 20.
Tekken Ball isn’t the only thing players can do inTekken 8’s Fight Lounge, which is a virtual lobby similar toStreet Fighter 6’s Battle Hub. Here, players can create custom avatars, chat with other players using emotes, test their skills in the Tekken Dojo, and set up online matches.Tekken 8is also introducing a new Arcade Quest mode, which will simulate the feel of playingTekken 8in a brick-and-mortar arcade against AI-controlled opponents that adapt to the player over time.
AsTekken 8introduces new gameplay modes and features, it is also paying homage to past entries by bringing back long-requested mini-games likeTekken 3’sTekken Ball. This fun take onthe usualTekkencombathasn’t been seen since 2012, and its inclusion inTekken 8will be a treat for fans who were there during the franchise’s humble beginnings on the original PlayStation.
Tekken 8will launch on June 11, 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
