Tekken 8, a game part of a series known for its fast-paced and intense storyline, boasts characters with the power and might to destroy mountains. So, beach volleyball should be the last thing that should come to your mind when you think of Tekken, right? Well, no because it’s one of the most cherished game modes in the series.
Seriously, kudos to the guys who envisioned such serious and tragic characters fighting each other through a Beach Ball match. They possibly couldn’t have known that Tekken and beach ball would turn out to be a match made in heaven. So, without further ado, let’s find out if this game mode has finally made its return to the series in Tekken 8.
Has The Tekken Ball Mode Returned In Tekken 8?
Tekken 8 does indeed include a Beach Ball mode, which is known as the Tekken Ball mode. This mode is set on a beach volleyball court, and the gameplay involves players hitting a beach ball back and forth to inflict damage on their opponent.
The Tekken Ball mode has a long-standing history in the Tekken series. It was first introduced in Tekken 3, released all the way back in 1998, and was an instant hit among both seasoned Tekken players and newcomers. The mode was so popular that it was brought back in Tekken Tag Tournament and now in Tekken 8.
While the Tekken Ball doesn’t have a specific storyline within the game, it adds a fun and casual element to the otherwise intense and competitive fighting game. It’s a great way for players to take a break from the traditional and often exhausting mechanics and enjoy a more relaxed and joyful game mode. In Tekken 3, the game mode also acted as a gateway to unlock the special character Gon.
How Many Balls Are There In Tekken Ball?
The Tekken Ball mode in Tekken 8 comes with four default balls, each available right from the start of the game. Let’s have a look at each one of them:
- Beach Ball. The quintessential Tekken ball, the Beach Ball, has been part of the game since its inception. It’s a lightweight ball that’s easy to hit, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
- Iron Ball: This ball’s heavy weight requires a strong character, like Jack-8 and Paul Phoenix, to play effectively.
- G-Corp: Also seen as a commemorative monument in New York City in Tekken 8, this ball would be a perfect choice for a Tekken Ball match between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama.
- Globe: A decorative ball found at the Battle Arena entrance in the Tekken Fight Lounge, this ball can add a nice world championship match aesthetic to your games.
In addition to the default balls available from the start, the Tekken Ball mode also features two unlockable balls, and thankfully, unlocking them is a very straightforward process. Let’s see what we have to do to unlock these special balls.
How To Unlock The Azazel’s Core Ball?
Made from the solidification of negative human emotions, the Azazel’s Core ball is a must-have in Tekken 8, and you can easily get your hands on it by completing The Dark Awakens story mode.
You’ll get to battle Azazel in the final part of Chapter 6, which is titled “The Devil Progenitor”. True to its ominous origin, the ball emits a strange, eerie aura and also alters some of the game’s sound effects.
How To Unlock The Tekken Ball?
Sharing the same name as the game mode, the Tekken Ball is a special unlockable ball in Tekken 8. To unlock the Tekken Ball, you’ll need to secure victories in ten online matches of Tekken Ball.
Final Thoughts
Many of us hold fond memories of mashing buttons in the heat of friend Tekken Ball matches in Tekken 3. Bandai Namco has truly done a commendable job by reviving this beloved feature in Tekken 8, rekindling those cherished memories and allowing a new generation of players to create their own. What’s your fondest memory from the previous Tekken games? Feel free to use the comments below as a space to share your favorite Tekken memories!