Bandai Namco has officially announced that Hwoarang, a fan-favourite character who first graced the fighting series in Tekken 3, will be included in the Tekken 8 initial line-up.
Over recent months, Bandai Namco has been steadily unveiling the array of characters that are set to appear in the Tekken 8 premier roster. Names such as Jin, Jun, Nina, Lili, King, Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, Leroy Smith and others have been confirmed, contributing to an already impressive roster. But Bandai Namco isn’t resting on its laurels, having just announced the return of another beloved fighter – Hwoarang.
Hwoarang Returns: Watch The New Trailer
Consistent with previous character reveals, Hwoarang was confirmed through a comprehensive gameplay trailer that showcased his augmented moveset, instantly recognisable to those familiar with his past appearances in the Tekken franchise. Before all this, though, we witness him make a grand entrance on a bike, complete with an Akira slide – an introduction that arguably steals the show.
Hwoarang’s aesthetic in Tekken 8 is also newly minted, echoing more of his simplistic battle gear from games like Tekken 3, as opposed to the distinct sleeveless green leather jacket he donned in Tekken 5 – 7. His hair has grown longer and is now tied back, bringing his appearance closer to his Tekken 3 and 4 personas.
If Hwoarang’s new getup strikes a chord, there’s a plausible explanation. It seems his outfit draws inspiration from his mentor, Baek, who has featured in the majority of Tekken games but was notably absent from the last installment. There are also clear hints of SNK’s Buriki One influencing his attire.
Turning to the heart of the matter – his moveset. It won’t come as a shock to most that Hwoarang’s moveset predominantly revolves around his kicking prowess, as it has in every Tekken instalment. We see him initiate with a handful of basic combos, followed by a swift counter enabling him to instantly repel his opponent. His arsenal of kick combos is on full display, along with a sneak peek of some of the Heat moves Hwoarang can utilise, which essentially amplify his kicking potency.
In truth, you’d find it easier to count the moments when Hwoarang isn’t administering a kick to his adversary, as the gameplay trailer sees him almost solely employ this strategy.
About The Author
Stephen is the proud owner of a popular gaming news website GLN, where he provides the latest updates on everything gaming-related. With a passion for video games that dates back to his childhood, Stephen is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow gamers around the world.