Tekken 8 Season 2 launched on April 1st, but instead of excitement, the update has been met with widespread frustration from the player base. The backlash has resulted in review bombing on Steam, while the Tekken subreddit and other online communities are in turmoil. But what exactly has gone wrong? Let’s break down the key complaints from both casual and professional players and assess whether these concerns are valid or just knee-jerk reactions.
The Root of the Problem
Prior to the patch’s release, Bandai Namco attempted to prepare players by showcasing upcoming changes through two Tekken Talk streams. However, things took a turn when EVO released a video featuring the developers discussing Season 2 adjustments. In the video, the developers emphasized a shift towards “defensive gameplay in the lateral aspects of a 3D fighting game.” This statement led to high expectations within the community, particularly from players who were frustrated with Season 1’s highly aggressive playstyle.
Tekken 7, by the end of its lifespan, had become a highly defensive game, where many matches involved excessive backdashing and timeouts. Tekken 8 sought to correct this by shifting towards aggressive gameplay, lowering the skill barrier for newcomers, and ensuring matches were fast-paced and exciting. However, this came at the cost of defensive options, which made the game feel like a constant guessing game, particularly for players facing Jin, Dragunov, Feng, and Yoshimitsu.
With Season 2, players expected a rebalancing towards defense, but the update did not deliver as anticipated. While there were defensive tweaks, such as improved sidesteps, reduced chip damage, and adjustments to the Heat system, the bigger focus appeared to be on more offensive tools, leading to an increase in 50/50 mix-ups rather than a return to defensive fundamentals.
Nerfs, Buffs, and Community Reaction
The patch introduced several character nerfs, removing key tools from some fighters while simultaneously granting others new abilities that enhanced offensive gameplay. The result? More pressure-based strategies and additional 50/50 situations, leading to a sense of betrayal among players who believed the developers had promised a different direction.
Several professional players have expressed frustration on social media. Korean legend Knee shared an image of a demolished building as his “review” of Season 2, while top Zafina player Shadow openly criticized the nerfs to his main character. On the other hand, some pros, including Arslan Ash, have taken a more measured approach, seeking community opinions before forming final judgments.
A Knee-Jerk Reaction or a Real Issue?
Despite the backlash, it’s important to remember that the patch has only been live for a short period. The developers have historically been receptive to community feedback, and Bandai Namco has already confirmed additional balance adjustments before the Tekken World Tour begins. With Tekken 8 also featured in the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, the pressure is on to ensure that the game remains balanced for competitive play.
While the initial reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, it remains to be seen how players will adapt to the changes. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Season 2’s adjustments will hold up in competitive play or if further refinements are necessary to address the community’s concerns.
