Tekken 8 fans are buzzing about the return of veteran fighter Anna Williams, whose new look has stirred a range of reactions. While many are thrilled with her redesign, 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 the "old Anna design," Tekken game director and chief producer Katsuhiro Harada responded firmly. He defended the new design, emphasizing that past versions of Anna remain available for those who prefer them. Harada noted that while 98% of fans have welcomed the new look, critics do not represent the broader fanbase. He criticized the unconstructive nature of the feedback, pointing out that demands to revert the design are disrespectful to fans who appreciate the new Anna.
Harada's response to another commenter who criticized the lack of rereleases of older Tekken games with modern netcode was equally sharp. He dismissed the comment as "pointless" and muted the critic.
Despite some negative feedback, the overall reaction to Anna's new design has been positive. Fans like AngryBreadRevolution appreciate the edgier, vengeful persona reflected in the new look, although some aspects, such as the hair and coat, have sparked debate. Troonpins and others have critiqued the white feathers, likening the design to Santa Claus. Cheap_Ad4756 noted that Anna appears younger and less like the dominatrix character she once embodied. Spiralqq expressed disappointment with the overall design, describing it as overdone and lacking focus.
The conversation around Anna's new outfit continues to generate discussion among fans, as seen in the Reddit thread started by PrimaSoul.
Tekken 8 has been a commercial success, selling 3 million copies within a year of its release, outpacing Tekken 7, which took a decade to reach 12 million units. IGN's review of Tekken 8 praised the game, awarding it a 9/10 for its innovative tweaks to the classic fighting system, engaging offline modes, new characters, robust training tools, and enhanced online experience. The review highlighted how Tekken 8 honors its legacy while pushing forward, making it a standout title in the series.
