Tekken 8 Fans Outraged at Season 2 Changes, Pros Consider Quitting, Steam Reviews Plummet

The Tekken 8 community has erupted in frustration following the Season 2 update, which introduced a series of changes that many players feel have deviated significantly from the traditional Tekken experience. The patch notes highlighted an increase in character damage potential and offensive pressure, leading to widespread discontent among fans.

Professional Tekken player JoKa expressed his dismay, stating that the update has transformed the game to the point where "this does not feel like Tekken AT ALL." He criticized the update for buffing characters, enhancing 50/50 situations, and introducing new moves with little to no counterplay. JoKa also pointed out the removal of character weaknesses and identities through homogenization, the gutting of oki, and the excessive combo damage across the roster. He questioned the lack of promised defensive options, emphasizing that the changes have shifted the game away from its strategic roots.

The backlash has been palpable on Tekken 8's Steam page, where over 1,100 negative reviews have flooded in over the past two days, resulting in a 'mostly negative' user review rating for recent reviews. Players have voiced their frustrations, with one review describing the game as "genuinely good [but] held back by schizophrenic insane developers sent from hell." Others lamented the lack of defensive buffs and the overemphasis on offensive strategies, which they feel strips away player agency.

Some reviews highlighted the developers' focus on forcing 50/50 mixups, which they believe oversimplifies the game and detracts from its legacy. The dissatisfaction has led some fans to switch to Capcom's Street Fighter 6, while others have labeled Season 2 as the "worst patch in Tekken history." Pro players have even threatened to abandon Tekken 8 if the patch remains unchanged.

T8 now hit the most negative reviews in a day since the day the Tekken Shop launched one year ago

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Amidst the uproar, professional player Jesandy shared his disappointment on social media, revealing his emotional struggle and questioning his future with the game after dedicating significant time to prepare for Season 2.

The community is now eagerly awaiting a response from the development team, with many calling for either a complete rollback of the patch or an emergency follow-up patch to address the key issues raised by players.