Veteran Tekken 8 character Anna Williams is making a comeback, and her new look has sparked a mix of reactions among fans. While many have embraced her redesign, a vocal minority has drawn comparisons to Santa Claus due to her outfit's resemblance to festive attire.
When a fan requested the return of Anna's old design, Tekken game director and chief producer Katsuhiro Harada responded sharply. He defended the new design, pointing out that 98% of fans welcomed the change. Harada emphasized that past designs remain available for those who prefer them, and criticized the complainant for claiming to speak for all Anna fans. He further highlighted the inconsistency and negativity in the fan's approach, describing it as disrespectful to others who are excited about the new Anna.
In another exchange, when a commenter criticized the lack of rereleases of older Tekken games with modern netcode and called Harada's response a "joke," the director retorted by calling the comment pointless and muting the user.
Despite the controversy, the general reception to Anna's new design has been positive. Fans like AngryBreadRevolution appreciate the edgier, vengeful persona the new design conveys, although some elements, such as the coat, have drawn criticism for resembling Christmas attire. Other fans, like troonpins and Cheap_Ad4756, have mixed feelings, with some disliking the white feathers and feeling that the new look makes Anna appear younger and less like the dominatrix character she was known for. Spiralqq criticized the design as overdone, suggesting it would be better without the coat or the Santa-like elements.
The discussion around Anna's new outfit has been active 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, outpacing Tekken 7, which took a decade to reach 12 million units. In IGN's Tekken 8 review, the game received a 9/10, praised for its innovative tweaks to the classic fighting system, engaging offline modes, new characters, robust training tools, and enhanced online experience. The review concluded that by respecting its legacy while pushing forward, Tekken 8 stands out as a remarkable addition to the series.
