Tekken 8 fans have been buzzing about the return of veteran character Anna Williams, whose new design has sparked a mix of reactions. While many fans have embraced her updated look, a vocal minority has drawn comparisons to Santa Claus due to her outfit's red coat and white fur trims.
When a fan expressed a desire for Anna's old design to return, Tekken game director and chief producer Katsuhiro Harada responded firmly. "If you prefer the old design, I am not taking those away from you," Harada stated, emphasizing that past games with the original design are still available. He pointed out that 98% of fans are welcoming the new design, and criticized the approach of those who threaten to quit or demand reversion, calling such feedback unconstructive and disrespectful to other fans.
Harada's responses continued to be direct when addressing other criticisms. When a commenter suggested that older Tekken games should be re-released with modern netcode and labeled Harada's responses as a "joke," Harada retorted, "Thank you for POINTLESS reply. You yourself are the joke. MUTED."
Despite the controversy, the general reaction to Anna's redesign remains positive. On Reddit, user AngryBreadRevolution expressed satisfaction with the new look, appreciating its edginess and fitting with Anna's personality. They noted that while the coat reminded them of Christmas, other elements like the leotard, tights, boots, and gloves were well-received. Other users like troonpins and Cheap_Ad4756 had mixed feelings, with the former disliking the white feathers and the latter feeling that Anna looked younger and less like her former "dominatrix" self. User spiralqq was critical of the design's complexity and the Santa-like appearance, suggesting a preference for a simpler look without the coat.
The discussion around Anna's new outfit has been lively on platforms like Reddit, where fans continue to share their thoughts and preferences.
Tekken 8 has achieved significant commercial success, selling 3 million copies within a year of its release—a faster pace than Tekken 7, which took a decade to reach 12 million copies. In IGN's Tekken 8 review, the game received a 9/10 rating, praised for its tweaks to classic fighting systems, fun offline modes, new characters, training tools, and improved online experience. The review concluded that by honoring its legacy while moving forward, Tekken 8 stands out as a special entry in the series.
