Tekken 8 Season 2 Balance Changes Spark Outrage, Pros Threaten Boycott, Steam Reviews Plummet

The Tekken 8 community has been up in arms following the controversial changes introduced in the Season 2 update. The patch notes highlighted an overall increase in character damage potential and offensive pressure, leading to a significant outcry from players who believe these changes have veered the game away from its traditional Tekken roots.

Professional Tekken player JoKa expressed his frustration, stating that the update made the game unrecognizable as Tekken. He criticized the blanket buffs to characters, the introduction of more stance-based transitions that enhance 50/50 situations, and the addition of new moves with little to no counterplay. JoKa also pointed out the removal of character weaknesses and identities through homogenization, the nerfing of oki, and the buffing of heat, which he believes do not make sense. He noted that while sidesteps have improved, this is overshadowed by moves with excessive tracking and hitboxes. Additionally, he lamented the lack of promised defensive options and the excessive chip damage from heat smashes.

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

As expected, the backlash has spilled onto Tekken 8's Steam page, where over 1,100 negative reviews have been posted in the last two days, shifting the recent user review rating to 'mostly negative'. The most helpful review describes the game as "genuinely good but held back by schizophrenic insane developers sent from hell." Other reviews criticize the new season for turning every character into an easy mix-up machine without any defensive buffs, and lament the lack of agency for defending players due to the overpowering offense.

The frustration is palpable, with some fans turning to Capcom's Street Fighter 6 as an alternative. Season 2 has been dubbed the "worst patch in Tekken history" by some, and pro players have even threatened to abandon the game entirely. Jesandy, a prominent player, expressed his disappointment and sadness over the update, mentioning his extensive preparation for Season 2 that now feels wasted.

The community is now eagerly awaiting a response from the development team. Many are calling for the patch to be rolled back completely, while others hope for an emergency follow-up patch to address the key issues raised by the players.