Summary
On the stage of the 2024 Evo tournament in Las Vegas,Tekken 8producer and director Katsuhiro Harada said that Heihachi Mishima would return to the series as a DLC fighter launching in the fall. Though Harada previously stated that Heihachi was dead, the leader of the Mishima clan was revealed in a fiery trailer that shockedTekken 8players worldwide.
As one of the main antagonists of theTekkenseries,Heihachi Mishima is the father of Kazuya Mishimaand grandfather of Jin Kazama. As the former lord of the Mishima Zaibatsu, a multinational company, Heihachi was instrumental in creating the King of Iron Fist martial arts tournaments, with ownership of the organization offered as the main prize to its victors. Though Heihachi was a protagonist inTekken 2, his time as an antagonist spanned the majority of the franchise. InTekken 7, Heihachi faced Kazuya for one last showdown atop an active volcano. After trading blows, Kazuya taps into his devilish powers to defeat his father and unceremoniously tosses Heihachi’s body into the volcano.
Though Harada previously stated thatHeihachi Mishima died inTekken 7, his death would not last. During theTekken 8finals at Evo 2024 in Las Vegas, Harada appeared on stage to show a trailer for the next DLC fighter forTekken 8, which turned out to be the revived Mishima clan leader. Lasting nearly three minutes, the trailer started with a look at some Mishima Zaibatsu warrior monks, who were being taken out by an unknown assailant. The perpetrator, who was later revealed to be Heihachi, wore a white tiger mask to conceal his identity. The trailer then panned around to characters such as Eddy Gordo and Lidia Sobieska and closed with a look at the volcano that Heihachi was tossed into.
Tekken 8 Reveals Heihachi Mishima’s Return
With a menacing grin on his face, and his distinct mustache and hairstyle intact, Heihachi walked away from the flames and laughed as he shouted his name. Harada said that Heihachi would be released in the fall of 2024 as part ofTekken 8’s Season 1 DLC fighter roster. Harada also confirmed thatLidia Sobieska would arrive inTekken 8on July 25for all platforms, with early access starting on July 22.
Harada added that a new stage and photo mode would be available for free withTekken 8’s 1.06 update, which will launch alongside Lidia. BetweenTekken 8’s new collaboration with Nikeand the return of Heihachi to the series, only time will tell what Bandai Namco will do to keep the momentum going throughout 2024.
Tekken 8
WHERE TO PLAY
Tekken 8 brings the fight to the latest generation of consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Feel the power of every hit in Tekken 8, the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. Utilising the power and realism of Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games by taking full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles. Ground-breaking new features, breathtakingly detailed character models and dramatic environments make this one of the most visually stunning and immersive titles in the genre yet. Tekken 8 picks up after the gruesome battle that ended in Heihachi Mishima’s defeat in Tekken 7, focusing on a new rivalry, pitting father against son as Jin Kazama stands in defiance against Kazuya Mishima in a city-shattering face-to-face showdown.
