Tekken 8's Anna Williams redesign sparks mixed reactions. While many fans applaud the revamp, others express strong disapproval, drawing comparisons to Santa Claus due to her new coat.
Tekken's director, Katsuhiro Harada, responded sharply to criticism regarding the character's new look, asserting that those unhappy with the change can still enjoy previous iterations of the character. He further criticized the vocal minority for their approach, highlighting its unconstructive nature and disrespect towards other fans who appreciate the new design.
Harada's response also addressed a commenter's criticism regarding the lack of older games rereleases with updated netcode, dismissing it as pointless.
The majority of feedback on Anna's new design is positive, with praise for aspects like her outfit and personality. However, the coat remains a point of contention, with some citing its resemblance to Santa Claus attire as a significant flaw. Other criticisms include the perceived reduction in her mature appearance and the overall busy design of the outfit. Some believe the coat detracts from the overall aesthetic, while others find the white feather trim particularly problematic.
A Reddit thread highlights this debate, showcasing a range of opinions on Anna's new look, from enthusiastic approval to outright rejection.
Despite the negative feedback, Tekken 8's sales have been impressive, surpassing Tekken 7's sales figures in a significantly shorter timeframe. IGN's review praised the game's refined fighting mechanics, diverse offline modes, compelling new characters, excellent training tools, and improved online experience, awarding it a 9/10 score.