Can we finally get a glimpse of the Bear God Fist?
Confirmed as part of the initial roster for Tekken 8 is Kuma, the trusted pet and bodyguard of Heihachi Mishima, the founder of The King of the Iron Fist.
A variety of historical characters were hinted at in the latest Tekken 8 teaser, such as fan favorites Dragunov, Shaheen, and more. There was also a scene featuring Kuma using a salmon as a weapon, which seems to be part of his expected Rage Art sequence.
The fact that the bear was wearing Heihachi Mishima’s attire, the master presumed dead after his fight with his son, Kazuya Mishima, in the final showdown of Tekken 7, was not lost on fans.
All aspects of Heihachi’s battle gear – his gi, hand wraps, and the belt used as a headband, were a noticeable part of the Master of Salmon’s Tekken 8 attire. While fans find this adorable, there’s a more profound meaning as to why this faithful pet is wearing his master’s warrior uniform.
Understanding why Kuma sports Heihachi’s garb in Tekken 8
Despite the outcomes of Tekken 7, Kuma continues to believe that the tycoon of the Mishima Zaibatsu who raised him from a cub is still alive.
His biography reveals that he has been training to master the Mishima-style martial arts taught by the previous Mishima patriarch. His battle method, now officially known as Heihachi-Style Advanced Kuma Shin Ken, is also outlined in his bio on the official Tekken 8 website.
A gameplay screenshot shared by Fighting Game Anniversaries showcases the Master of Salmon executing a move strikingly similar to Heihachi’s Demon Breath.
At this stage, anticipation grows to see more of Heihachi’s moves incorporated into his pet bear’s fighting style, once the character’s official announcement trailer is out. Despite everything, Kuma has vowed to continue the fight until the return of his master, even if he ends up the “last one standing”.
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