Summary
- Eddy Gordo's popularity in Tekken 8 is unmatched, dominating in both usage and wins across all ranks.
- His capoeira fighting style remains iconic, but adjustments in Tekken 8 bring new levels of evasion and unpredictability.
- Changes to Eddy's moveset in T8 showcase a new gameplan, with new moves and mechanics enhancing his gameplay.
As the first DLC character released for Tekken 8, Eddy Gordo has proven to be a highlight of the game's content updates so far. He's likely to see some changes as patches continue to stabilize the balance of the roster over time, but Eddy is currently dominating in terms of both overall usage and wins across all ranks. While this is a common occurrence for DLC fighters who often draw more attention to their games through their power, combining this scenario with the changes to Eddy's highly unique capoeira fighting style in a new combat system has made him one of Tekken 8's most popular characters.
The introduction of Tekken 8's Heat system has had a huge effect on how every member of the cast plays, but Eddy has also received some modifications to his general list of moves that redefine areas of his previously consistent gameplay. As a classic part of the franchise who has been around for over two decades, however, his acrobatic capoeira stances and attacks are iconic parts of Tekken that still persist. New players are likely to have an easy time picking the character up for the first time in T8, but some veterans might be surprised by the differences between the latest incarnation of Eddy and his older version that go beyond visual aesthetic.
Eddy Gordo Remained Relatively the Same Until Tekken 8
Eddy's Capoeira Was a Mainstay of Tekken's Arcade Era
Eddy has garnered popularity since his debut in Tekken 3, as few other characters in fighting games come close to the level of accuracy with which his capoeira is portrayed. This has led to the character appearing in nearly every mainline Tekken title since, with his personal narrative regarding the master who trained him in prison progressing alongside his moveset over the years. The Negativa, or "relaxed" stance and handstand have both been core aspects of the capoeira kit from the beginning, but Tekken 5 saw the addition of the Bananeira Rolar move that has since also become ubiquitous.
Mandinga Charges Showcase a New Vision
Transitioning into Negativa has always been Bananeira's main function, but players of Eddy Gordo's Tekken 8 incarnation will notice that a new resource-based mechanic has been introduced specifically for him. Eddy can build up two charges of "Mandinga", depicted by symbols beneath his health bar, which allow him to access new follow-ups from Bananeira and power these moves up.
Tekken 8's Fundamental Changes to Eddy Gordo's Gameplan
Differences in Eddy's Stances and Key Moves
Tekken 7's Eddy Gordo could be seen as the culmination of his moveset that had been built up to that point, but Tekken 8 has made adjustments that returning players will need to adapt to. Some of the biggest changes made to Eddy include:
- Terremoto (ff3) - New move, advancing low that can go into Negativa, becomes a Launcher in Heat
- Lunging Brush Fire (b3+4) - Old ff3 has now become this input, Heat Engager
- Vassoura (u1+2) - No longer has backward and forward variants
- Cabra Macaco Throw (uf1+2) - New move, input has now become a Command Throw
- Negativa (d3+4) - Can combo into Cabra Macaco, no longer holds pose
- Rodeo Spin (uf1+2) - Now only comes out of Negativa
- Elbow Uppercut (df2) - No longer launches on Counter Hit
Tekken 8's Eddy Features New Levels of Evasion
He has become known for being able to clear lower online ranks through mostly mashing Left Kick-based moves alone, but Eddy has access to novel movement options. He used to be known for having a nearly unusable sidestep while relying on his backdash heavily, but these tools seem to have been balanced in opposite ways now. He can even walk forward while in handstand and go into Negativa from that stance, emphasizing unpredictable movement. Players of older Tekken titles might find that he revolves around different strategies than before, but Eddy Gordo has managed to still embody a tricky mix-up fighter like no other.
Tekken 8
- Released
- January 26, 2024
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.
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, Arika
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Tekken
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- Metascore
- 90
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
