Bandai Namco has released a new trailer for TEKKEN 8, revealing Kuma to be a woman beater who uses a giant, robot-transforming salmon to punish his opponents in the latest installment of the fighting franchise that’s headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on January 26, 2024.
“He’s going snap you like a twig with his bear hands,” reads a description of the new reveal and gameplay trailer for Kuma that Bandai Namco shared today, which is available to watch in 4K and shows off the giant bear’s moveset after Panda, Xiaoyu’s loyal pet, refuses to marry him:
And here’s the official bio for Kuma, who has been a part of the TEKKEN franchise since TEKKEN 3. (His father, the original Kuma, was introduced in the very first TEKKEN game but passed away before the third installment.):
Kuma is Heihachi Mishima’s pet and a member of the Mishima Zaibatsu’s special forces, Tekken Force. He never misses the chance to volunteer in disaster relief efforts all across Southeast Asia. Locals are always reluctant to accept Kuma at first, fearing that he might attack them. But, with his playful nature and strong work ethic, Kuma gradually wins them over and becomes the town favorite.
However, one fateful day, Heihachi left to settle the score with Kazuya Mishima, only to never be seen again. Kuma believes his master is still somewhere out there, but waits for his return to no avail. Meanwhile, G Corp is gaining the upper hand with their attacks against the Mishima Zaibatsu. Kuma bolts to the Mishima Zaibatsu building to provide backup. However, upon arriving, he realizes his chance to combat G Corp is long gone.
The Mishima Zaibatsu leadership had surrendered, unable to wait any longer for Kuma. If Kuma lets the Zaibatsu be dismantled, then his master will have nowhere to come back to. And as Heihachi’s loyal pet, that is the one thing he can not abide by. “(I will continue fighting until Master Heihachi returns…even if it means I’m the last one standing!)”
In the spirit of Heihachi, Kuma trains to perfect his Mishima-style techniques. He dons the outfit and belt his master once wore, then begins his lonely fight. Several months pass, and Kuma—who had rescued Mishima Heavy Industries’ elite engineers from the clutches of G Corp—has begun development on a secret weapon that is sure to change the game.
TEKKEN 8 won’t be released until January 26, but prospective fighters can get a taste of the game via a demo that is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.