Tekken 8's Anna Williams redesign sparks debate. While largely praised, some fans find her new look reminiscent of Santa Claus, prompting a sharp response from director Katsuhiro Harada. He defended the design, highlighting the positive reception from the majority and suggesting that those unhappy could still enjoy previous iterations. Harada also criticized the tone of some complaints, calling them unconstructive and disrespectful to other fans.
One commenter noted Tekken's lack of older game re-releases with updated netcode, prompting Harada's dismissal of the comment as "pointless."
Positive feedback focuses on the overall design and personality, with some suggesting the coat is the main point of contention. Concerns include the coat's resemblance to Santa Claus, a perceived younger appearance than in Tekken 7, and the loss of the "dominatrix vibe." Critics also cite the outfit's overly busy design, common to several Tekken 8 costumes. One Reddit thread, titled "What do you think of Anna's the new outfit coming from Tekken 7?", showcases this divided opinion.
Despite the controversy, Tekken 8's success is undeniable, surpassing Tekken 7's sales figures significantly. IGN's review lauded the game's improved online experience, new characters, and refined fighting system, awarding it a 9/10 score.