Newcomer Reina completes Tekken 8’s launch roster

Bandai Namco has announced the final character in Tekken 8’s launch roster, which includes 32 fighters.

Newcomer Reina, who stars in the reveal trailer below, is a student at the Mishima Polytechnical School with a particular interest in fighting Jin Kazama, according to the publisher.

In an accompanying PlayStation Blog post, game director Kohei Ikeda said the character was conceived during Tekken 7’s development a decade ago and that she plays “a vital role” in the new game’s story.

“Reina employs an acrobatic fighting style rooted in Taido, using swift and brutal techniques such as knife-hand strikes, eye pokes, and scratching that reflect her character,” he wrote.

“She utilizes a special movement called Sentai to close the distance quickly and launch rushes, while Unsoku allows her to deliver powerful attacks with agile footwork, demonstrating a speedy and aggressive combat approach.

“In addition, Reina has somehow acquired techniques like Wind God Fist and Spinning Demon, synonymous with the Mishima-style karate, and even exhibits a power fighter aspect, delivering powerful moves from the Heaven’s Wrath stance once used by Heihachi, who is now deceased.

“Her offensive capabilities near walls, in particular, are among the most potent of all characters.”

The Tekken 8 release date is January 26, 2024, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam.

Further reading

Virgin Media O2 is offering customers access to the Tekken 8 beta

A closed beta test will be held this weekend

According to Bandai Namco, “Tekken 8 continues the tragic saga of the Mishima and Kazama bloodlines and their world-shaking father-and-son grudge matches.

“In this latest chapter, Jin Kazama will seek to defy his fate as he faces his father Kazuya Mishima causing war and destruction across the globe.”