While the Tekken series has long been known for dramatic storytelling and characters that match the intensity of its gameplay, Heihachi Mishima has especially risen above the rest of the cast and served as an eccentric, recognizable mascot figure. His presence in the franchise is so pervasive that he has managed to return once again after the base game of Tekken 8 was built upon the premise of him allegedly being dead for good. Now that future story developments seem set to place him in a villainous spotlight once again, Heihachi Mishima's influence in Tekken will probably drive the motivations of the next sequel's roster.
Before Reina's enigmatic foreshadowing and Heihachi's inclusion as DLC in Tekken 8, the rivalry between Kazuya and Heihachi Mishima appeared to finally be over according to the events of T7. Unless more story content is released during the current game's lifespan, Tekken 9 is set up to be yet another game with the Mishima Zaibatsu patriarch as its big bad. Although this would be a repeat of similar scenarios in past titles, the introduction of Reina and apparent de-powering of Devil Gene users has made for a changed world for him to deal with.
Every Classic Tekken Character Not in Tekken 8 So Far
While Tekken 8 may feature a substantial amount of the entire series' historical roster, some of the oldest characters haven't made it in.
Heihachi's Role in Tekken 8's Unforgotten Echoes DLC Story Has Set the Stage for a Grand Return
The Tekken Monks Arc Led to an Ominous Fake-Out Redemption
After losing his memory and seemingly making a face turn while training with the Tekken Monks, headbutting a meteorite to perform the Ultimate Mishima Technique restored Heihachi's evil personality. He had appeared to have completely redeemed himself before the Star Crusher Trial, even training with Lidia as an ally. Bringing him back in the first place already reduced the impact of the ending of the previous game, but Tekken 8's DLC story also sees him reversing his character development.
There may be a grander plan behind bringing Heihachi back to his typical status quo, as he could be more heavily contrasted against Kazuya Mishima in Tekken 9. If being recovered by Jun and losing the Devil Gene allows Kazuya to truly redeem himself, Heihachi's failed redemption could be seen as a dark mirror.
Tekken 9 is Primed to See Heihachi and Reina Rise as New Antagonists
The Threat of the Ultimate Mishima Technique United with Reina's Devil Gene
Despite his age, Heihachi is poised to be in what is potentially his most powerful state yet after the time spent honing his technique with the Tekken Monks. If he combines his power with Reina's Devil Gene in a world where Kazuya and Jin have now lost their own abilities, there could be a scale to T9's story that surpasses even Devil Kazuya's global devastation in Tekken 8.
Jin and a Redeemed Kazuya Could Be Pushed to Team Up
It's not even clear if Jun Kazama is an apparition or truly alive in her most recent appearance, but the tease that Kazuya has been saved by her indicates she at least has tangible influence. In the face of an alliance as intimidating as Heihachi and Reina, Kazuya and Jin may end up reconciling to end the destructive path that their progenitor has set them on.
Heihachi's Final Legacy Could Become Supernatural
If he remains more diabolical than ever as a compelling antagonist and ends up finally dying in T9, Heihachi Mishima's history of resurrections would make it difficult for any future death to carry the same weight as T7's. Given Heihachi's effectively immortal status so far, however, a demonic spirit power reminiscent of his father Jinpachi may keep him around whether he is killed or not.
Tekken 8
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- January 26, 2024
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, Arika
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
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.
- Franchise
- Tekken
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
