Key Highlights:
- Tekken 8 version 1.02.01 patch introduces new Tekken Shop
- Shop lets players purchase legacy costumes and items with real money
- Caused some backlash from fans unhappy about microtransactions
- Update also fixes bugs, makes balance tweaks, and bans some cheaters
- Doesn’t add new characters yet – Eddy Gordo still planned as first DLC
Bandai Namco has released a new update for Tekken 8, headlined by the addition of the controversial Tekken Shop microtransaction store. While bringing fan-requested legacy costumes to purchase, the paid cosmetics rubbed some players the wrong way.
Beyond the shop, update 1.02.01 also implements bug fixes, cheating countermeasures, and an assortment of character balance changes. But the introduction of optional paid DLC so soon after launch has proven divisive.
Tekken 8 Update 1.02.01 Patch Notes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tekken Shop | – Players can obtain various customization items including legacy costumes and avatar skins. |
| – New categories and items added monthly. | |
| – Items include both free and paid items. | |
| – Paid items acquired with Tekken Coins from platform stores. | |
| – Free customization items similar to UT collaboration T-shirts available. | |
| Ranked Match Cheats | – High-ranking cheaters removed from leaderboard and ranks reset to Beginner. |
| Feature Improvements | – Matchmaking waiting state continues after finishing a match in Tekken Fight Lounge. |
| – My Profile accessible when accessing customization shop in Tekken Fight Lounge. | |
| – Status of members in a group displayed in Player Match. | |
| – Maximum consecutive wins displayed increased from 99 to 999. | |
| Bug Fixes | – Certain titles now unlock via Arcade Quest progression. |
| – Fixed Panda and Leroy’s long back dash in Tekken Ball. | |
| – Fixed availability issue of colors in Character Customization. | |
| – Resolved unresponsiveness issue after opponent decline during online rematch. | |
| Character Adjustments | – Move behavior and properties of some characters will be adjusted. |
Tekken Shop Lets Players Buy Cosmetics
Easily the most substantial addition in the new patch is the Tekken Shop, which allows players to purchase legacy character costumes and other cosmetic items using real-world money. Goods are purchased with Tekken Coins bought through platform stores.
The Shop adds some fan-favourite throwback outfits from past games that players have requested. However, the fact most desired costumes require paying extra hasn’t sat well with some fans, who think they should be earnable rewards.
Others don’t mind the additional monetisation given the game’s upfront price tag. But the virtual Shop’s arrival has certainly been controversial either way.
Cheating Crackdown and Bug Fixes
Besides the Shop, the update also implements some cheating countermeasures, banning players who abused exploits to reach unfairly high ranks. Their leaderboard scores were reset.
Small bug fixes were applied to issues in modes like Arcade Quest and Tekken Ball. A few general matchmaking and UI improvements were made as well, showing ongoing polish.
Character Balance Adjustments
While no new fighters were added, a laundry list of granular balance tweaks adjusted properties on many characters’ moves. The changes seem minor on paper for now, but could have ramifications on the competitive meta.
So far post-launch support for the Beat ’em up has been relatively minimal. The update doesn’t showcase massive new features or content. The Tekken Shop introduction has made the biggest splash, albeit somewhat negatively due to its paid nature.
Fans eagerly await the first DLC character, Eddy Gordo, planned for March or April. The Shop aside, Tekken 8’s core experience remains excellent, and future updates will hopefully introduce more big additions. But for now, update 1.02.01 is a mixed bag.
Source – BandaiNamco
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