Tekken 8's announcement has stirred considerable conversation, especially regarding the fate of the franchise's notorious character, Heihachi Mishima. This dialogue was notably fueled by statements made by Tekken creative director Katsuhiro Harada concerning Heihachi's supposed demise.
When Tekken 8 was first revealed last year, Harada expressed disbelief at how definitively Heihachi was eliminated. He recollected advising Tekken 7's development team to ensure Heihachi's end was conclusive, leading to a dramatic event where Heihachi's heart stopped after a fatal strike and he was thrown into a volcano.
Despite these seemingly irrevocable measures, fans were caught off guard when it was recently confirmed that Heihachi would return as a downloadable content character in Tekken 8. In a candid discussion with IGN, Harada addressed why Heihachi was resurrected, acknowledging that he had indeed stated Heihachi was permanently gone.
Harada clarified that there was no intent to deceive. He emphasized that Tekken 7 focused on the conflict between Heihachi and his son, Kazuya, aiming to conclude their intense narrative arc. At that juncture, Heihachi's fate appeared sealed. However, as Tekken 8's development progressed, there was a growing sentiment, both from the team and the fanbase, that Heihachi was missed. This led to the decision to bring him back for the latest entry in the series.
In essence, Harada reaffirmed that the decision wasn't mendacious. He asserted that the iconic clash among the Mishima family was integral, especially with Tekken celebrating its 30th anniversary. Reflecting on these developments, it seems clear that the original intention was to leave Heihachi behind in Tekken 7. However, plans shifted based on ongoing engagement and nostalgia.