Tekken 8‘s Asuka Kazama is one of the game’s newest fighters showcased by Bandai Namco. On top of that, EVO Japan graced us with not one but two trailers for the upcoming fighting game sequel.
The first trailer was for Leroy Smith, the first of Tekken 7‘s new characters to make the jump to Tekken 8. The second, however, was for a familiar and a relative of Tekken 8 protagonists Jin and Jun Kazama. Asuka Kazama made her Tekken debut in Tekken 5 as the long-awaited replacement for the then-missing Jun Kazama.
Considering Jun’s long-awaited return to the series, there was some speculation as to whether Asuka would make the Tekken 8 roster, since she was the spiritual successor to Jun’s fighting style. As a Kazama, Asuka might have a role to play in Tekken 8‘s story. This is, after all, mostly a family affair.
Touted as the “Spirited Peacemaker,” Asuka has a strong sense of justice and integrity, which comes through in her fighting style. She uses Kazama Style Traditional Martial Arts, which is a more defensive style of fighting. You’ll see her land parries and uses dodges to create openings in her trailer.
Her Rage Art has changed a bit from Tekken 7. Here, she launches her opponent high into the air before gathering air around her fist and landing an absolutely brutal gut-clothesline. It may not have as many hits to it as Leroy’s does, but it looks like it hurts.
Asuka joins several classic characters on Tekken 8‘s roster, including Paul Pheonix, Marshall Law, King, Lars Alexandersson, and Ling Xiaoyu, among others. Tekken 8 is planned for release in 2024 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. In the meantime, stay tuned for more trailers, characters, and information on Namco Bandai’s flagship fighter.
Featured image via Bandai Namco.
