Gaming

TEKKEN 8 Hands-On: The hype is indeed real

Even in its beta form during the CNT, it feels like a polished game already

Published

August 4, 2023

Gab Orlina

It won’t be long before BANDAI NAMCO releases its latest addition to the TEKKEN franchise with TEKKEN 8. As one of the more highly anticipated installments in the series, the game promises more fiery battles than ever before. With an already stacked lineup of fighters announced over the past few months, the hype is definitely real for its impending release. Fortunately, I was able to have an opportunity to participate in the game’s Closed Network Test (CNT) this past weekend to try out what’s new!

Let’s just say that, even in its beta form, it’s already looking like the most promising upgrade after a long wait.

Bringing the Heat

During the CNT, I got to try out the much-elaborated-upon Heat System that will be coming to TEKKEN 8. In summary, the Heat System serves as a main combat feature that enhances your moveset’s power and pushes players to stay on the aggressive. It’s a way for the game to remain as action-packed and relatively fast-paced as possible, and truly favors players that simply can’t help themselves.

Each of the sixteen playable characters during the CNT has their own way of activating the Heat System, and is often paired with combos that bring a whole new level to the experience. Honestly, as someone who often plays TEKKEN with a controller, some of the combos took a while to figure out and master. The good thing about it so far is that once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to integrate into your designated moveset and elevates your mastery of the fighters, as well.

Also, the Heat System activation timeframe feels properly balanced to an extent. In my experience, when you’re not being as aggressive, it punishes you by speeding up the timer. However, when you do stay on the attack, it doesn’t feel like you’re in a state of Heat for too long — which would make fights incredibly one-sided. I’m already imagining more experienced and professional players finding ways to keep the Heat running!

Roster and moveset updates

Of course, it wouldn’t be a TEKKEN game if we don’t talk about the roster of fighters — at least, the ones available in the CNT. As mentioned earlier, you can choose between sixteen fighters that have already been announced prior, especially some new and returning faces to the mix. As with every TEKKEN game I have touched since TEKKEN 5, I picked Lili first as she is my main!

For most of the fighters, their fighting styles and movesets are a bit more refined compared to before. This was something I particularly observed when playing Jin, Kazuya, Paul, Lili, and Claudio. Also, with the Heat System in place, some of the more hard-hitting characters felt more satisfying to activate combos for. Even their Rage Arts felt more bone-crushing than before, especially with some of the animations.

Jun and Asuka Kazama, and yes they have identical fighting styles

Perhaps the biggest surprise to me during the CNT happened when I was playing Jun Kazama, the MOTHER herself! Given that her last appearance was all the way back in TEKKEN 2, there wasn’t really much to compare against. Although, what sets her apart from the others is the fact that some of her attacks either do self-healing or self-damage, which is a mechanic that will get a lot of players to learn her moveset later on.

Initial game redesign

Upon loading up TEKKEN 8, it already gave me some chills with Kazuya staring into your soul. From the get-go, the main menu only consisted of just Ranked Play and the Tutorial, which wasn’t much given the circumstances. However, my focus was honestly more on the Character Select Screen that I hope they maintain in the final version.

To be honest, it’s just like any character select screen you can imagine for most fighting games. This time around, TEKKEN 8 now shows you fighter stats and their specific fighting style — a first in the franchise! I feel like that’s really more for the diehard fans to appreciate. Also, something about one of the characters struck me the most but let’s not spoil it just yet!

Everything else about the design of the game and the stages, what else needs to be said? Even though there were only five stages, each of them looked incredible on my Xbox Series X. From the lighting to the different gimmicks per stage, it felt amazing to do battle on all of them!

Hopefully more to come

I am genuinely excited for what’s to come for TEKKEN 8 when it comes out. Coming from the CNT, it looked like the game was in a polished state with minimal bugs to report. Also, the Heat System served as a fine addition to the formula and made every fight worth commiting to. If anything, I wished that the queue times for Cross Platform Play in Ranked were a bit faster, though. Hopefully, with more people playing this game later on, that wouldn’t be a problem.

My other hope for the game later on is that they keep adding more fighters to the pool. Honestly, it would be better if some of them were not locked behind DLC to pay for unlike TEKKEN 7. At the top of my head, I’m looking forward to fighters like Anna Williams, Yoshimitsu, Kuma, and Alisa Bosconovitch, among others. Also, could we please bring Mokujin back?

As of now, there’s no official announcement yet on when the final version will be released. Hopefully, it will still be on track for an early 2024 launch time. But, so far, so good, TEKKEN 8 — the hype for you is indeed real!

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: