Tekken 8 Kuma Character Guide, Who is Kuma in Tekken 8?
by Mathelene
Updated Jan 29, 2024
Who is Kuma in Tekken 8?
In Tekken 8, Kuma plays the dual role of Heihachi Mishima's former pet and a dedicated member of the Tekken Force. Trained in the Mishima fighting style like the rest of Heihachi's family, Kuma served as Heihachi's bodyguard for a significant period. Despite his seemingly straightforward appearance, Kuma has a rich storyline and a notable rivalry with Paul Phoenix in Tekken tournaments.
In this latest installment, Tekken 8, Kuma continues to participate in the King of Iron Fist Tournaments, revealing a new and somewhat peculiar weapon. This unique addition to his arsenal becomes a point of interest, especially when Panda, another character, senses something unusual about it, as seen in Kuma's reveal trailer.
Tekken 8 Kuma Character Guide
Backstory and Legacy
As Heihachi's pet trained in Mishima style martial arts, Kuma served as Heihachi's bodyguard, contributing to a rich backstory. Known for his longstanding rivalry with Paul Phoenix, Kuma continues to be a fan-favorite with a unique place in the Tekken roster.
Gameplay Elements
Kuma's playstyle in Tekken 8 is a blend of bear-like attacks, over-the-top silliness, and Mishima-style martial arts. With a mix of Heihachi's moves and new additions in Tekken 8, Kuma boasts a diverse move list, providing players with mix-up opportunities and expanded options.
Notable Mechanics: Rage Art
Kuma's Rage Art, titled "Type 38 Eradication Weapon: Aramaki," is a visually stunning move involving a fish-turned-rocket. This middle-hitting attack adds a fiery explosion, providing a unique and powerful option when in the Rage state.
Stances and Variability
Kuma introduces several stances, including Hunting Bear, Bear Sit, and Bear Roll, each offering a range of moves and mix-up potential. While not as central as some characters' stances, Kuma's stances contribute to his diverse and entertaining playstyle.
Tips for Playing Kuma
Navigating Kuma's gameplay requires understanding key tips, such as the importance of Hunting Bear Stance, leveraging hitbox differences, and capitalizing on Kuma's unique animations to tilt opponents. The guide emphasizes the need for commitment and practice to master Kuma's gimmicks and become proficient in higher-ranked matches.
Challenges and Rewards
Despite some unsafe options on block, the guide encourages players to persevere with Kuma, promising a rewarding experience for those who embrace the absurd yet enjoyable nature of this character in Tekken 8.
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Tekken 8
Tekken 8, a fighting game by Bandai Namco Studios and Arika, hit PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on January 26, 2024. Serving as the eighth canon release and the tenth overall in the Tekken series, the game unveils its story mode, "The Dark Awakens," set six months after its predecessor. The narrative revolves around the final clash between father Kazuya Mishima and son Jin Kazama, aiming to end the turmoil in their family lineage.
Featuring 32 characters with individual stories contributing to the main plot, Tekken 8 introduces new mechanics like the "Heat" system and "Tornado" hits. Developed with Unreal Engine 5, the game underwent testing for stability, with a demo available in December 2023. Critical acclaim greeted Tekken 8 upon release, lauding its series progression and aggressive gameplay, with some hailing it as the best entry since Tekken 3.
Tekken 8 Gameplay
Tekken 8 maintains the familiar fighting game style of its predecessors, but with notable updates. The game introduces a more aggressive approach, rewarding proactive attacking through a new system called "Heat." In the "Heat" state, characters cause chip damage, unlock additional movesets, and alter certain move properties, encouraging offensive gameplay. The "Rage" system returns with changes, transforming the "Rage Drive" into "Heat Smash," a powerful super move within the "Heat" system.
Technical improvements include replacing the "Screw" mechanism with a "Tornado" extender, affecting opponents' states upon falling. Certain stages have hazards like breakable walls, adding strategic elements. Tekken 8 aims for a cinematic fighting experience, emphasizing stage destruction and character reactions.
The game boasts new character models and voice acting, with a revamped online mode called "Arcade Quest," featuring customizable avatars and a "Fight Money" currency. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 marks a milestone as the first major fighting game using this engine.
Tekken 8 Trailer
Tekken 8 Kuma Character Guide - FAQs
Kuma in Tekken 8 is known for his mix of bear-like attacks, over-the-top silliness, and Mishima-style martial arts. His playstyle includes mix-ups, an expanded move list, and the introduction of new mechanics like the "Heat" system.
Tekken 8 was released on January 26, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
"The Dark Awakens" takes place six months after its predecessor, focusing on the final confrontation between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama, aiming to end the chaos within their family lineage.
Tekken 8 introduces the "Heat" system, rewarding proactive attacking, and features the "Tornado" extender, replacing the previous "Screw" mechanism.
The "Heat" system, when unlocked, causes chip damage, additional movesets, and changes move properties. Characters in "Heat" state can dash cancel moves, and their timer can be stopped by using movesets.