Tekken 8 veteran Anna Williams' redesigned look is generating mixed reactions. While many fans appreciate the update, some are less enthusiastic, drawing comparisons to Santa Claus due to her new coat.
Tekken's director and chief producer, Katsuhiro Harada, responded sharply to criticism requesting a return to Anna's previous design. He argued that while the majority welcomes the change, those who prefer the older design can still access it through previous games. He further criticized the negativity and dismissive attitude of some critics, emphasizing that their opinions do not represent all Anna fans. Harada also pointed out the inherent contradiction in complaining about both the lack of and the redesign of the character.
Harada's response to a comment regarding the lack of older Tekken games with updated netcode on modern systems was equally curt, resulting in the commenter being muted.
Positive feedback on Anna's new design focuses on elements such as her hair and leotard, while the coat remains a point of contention, with many citing its resemblance to Santa Claus attire. Some critics find her new look too youthful and lacking the dominatrix vibe of her previous iterations. Others criticize the overall design of Tekken 8 costumes as overly accessorized and lacking a clear focal point.
A Reddit thread discussing the new outfit highlights the varied opinions, showcasing both enthusiastic support and strong disapproval.
Despite some negative reactions, Tekken 8's sales figures are impressive, surpassing Tekken 7's sales milestones significantly faster. IGN's review praised the game's updated fighting system, offline modes, new characters, training tools, and online experience, awarding it a 9/10 score.