The first downloadable character for Tekken 8 has arrived. Eddy Gordo is the perfect post-launch character to start the game’s continuing roster growth. One of the most recognizable fighters to come out of the franchise, the capoeira master delivers striking moves that will have players cheering for him once again. After going hands-on with Eddy here are my early takeaways for the fighter.
Mastering any fighter in a game like Tekken 8 requires practice and patience. But some characters can be friendlier to new players than others. Eddy Gordo is not one of those characters. A momentum-based fighter, Eddy wants to string combos together in a smooth fashion to maximize his damage. This is true for any member of the roster. However, Eddy takes it further. There is a risk vs rewards element to Eddy. Several key moves in his arsenal can be easily punished if the player’s timing is off. Practicing how to string even basic combos together will be critical for players to conquer the King of Iron Fist tournament with its newest challenger.
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Eddy Gordo’s biggest hits and spiciest combos all center around the fighter’s legs. As a practitioner of capoeira, this isn’t surprising. However, while it’s easy to fixate on Eddy’s flashy legwork, don’t forget to implement the other options available to him.
While his punch attacks are basic by comparison, they are quick. Many of Eddy’s kicks require a windup, making them tricky to pull off in a time pinch. A quick jab can often land on a close-in opponent with less trouble. Once the punch lands, Eddy will find the window he needs to start up one of his signature combos.
Keeping Eddy’s full move set in mind also extends to his grabs. This latest character’s grabs deliver a solid amount of damage. But the best part about his grabs is the surprise element. While playing the character, I caught numerous opponents off-guard when I grabbed them from a handstand. The animation is brilliant for this move, making it an equally entertaining option. It also gives Eddy another tool to use while he’s in his most precarious position.
If one element of Eddy Gordo’s kit feels a little lackluster it’s his Heat. Both his default initiator and Smash are delivered through an opening mid-kick. This makes these moves far more predictable and easier to block than some other fighters.
Rounding out our look at Tekken 8‘s newest fighter is his visual presentation. Whether a player is using Eddy to kick someone’s but or is on the receiving end, the character is a joy to watch. His animations look smooth, and every flip, kick, and handspring utilizes movements that all come together like digital poetry.
His Rage Attack is the best part of his visual side. After a brief cloud of kicked-up sand obscures the camera, the screen shows Eddy preparing to lay the hurt down on his opponent. Surrounded by spectral indigenous tribesmen playing on native instruments, Edy moves to the music as he lashes out at his opponent. The spectacle is awesome to witness, for the first or twenty-first time.
Eddy Gordo serves as the perfect opening to Tekken 8‘s first series of DLC. A fan favorite that rewards practice and skill, his arrival time is excellent. Now that fans have had months to master the core concepts of the game, interested players can focus on the particular challenges and rewards the character brings to the game.
Eddy Gordo is available now in early access and to all on April 4th.
