Tekken’s Major Mistake Regarding Final Fantasy 16’s Clive Character

Bandai Namco has officially unveiled the final character for the inaugural season of downloadable content (DLC) in Tekken 8, but the reveal has left many fans underwhelmed. Teased earlier in the year before The Game Awards 2024, the anticipation culminated in the announcement of Clive Rosfield, the main character from Final Fantasy 16, as the latest addition to the game.

The reaction from both Tekken and Final Fantasy fans has been notably polarized. While crossovers are commonplace in the Tekken series, expectations were high for more iconic representations from Final Fantasy. A significant portion of the fanbase had hoped for the inclusion of Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy 7, a character who remains absent from the franchise despite her popularity.

Tekken’s Choices Spark Discontent Among Fans

Disappointments with Character Selection: Noctis and Clive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPU9DEoWvAw

TEKKEN 8 – Clive Rosfield Gameplay Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPU9DEoWvAw)

Since Tekken 3, guest characters have enriched the gaming experience, first with the unlikely appearance of Gon. However, it was in Tekken 7 that crossover characters were fully embraced, featuring iconic figures such as Akuma from Street Fighter, Geese Howard from Fatal Fury, and Negan from The Walking Dead. Additionally, Noctis Lucis Caelum from Final Fantasy 15 was introduced in 2018 as a paid DLC character, which stirred mixed feelings among fans.

While Noctis brought a fresh appeal to the roster, his addition prompted disappointment as fans clamored for other beloved characters, especially Tifa, who has garnered immense popularity and is frequently requested.

Fast forward to the present, and Bandai Namco has chosen to tread a similar path by introducing Clive in Tekken 8. Given the heightened expectations for guest characters in modern fighting games, many believe that this misstep is regrettable. While Clive may prove to be an intriguing character, the decision to overlook Tifa, who has consistently been a fan favorite, has left many feeling let down.

The Growing Demand for Tifa

Tifa: An Ideal Candidate for the Fighting Game Arena

Tifa’s strong following stems from her roots in Final Fantasy 7, a transformative title that left an indelible mark on gaming history. The appeal of Tifa is not just her role in the game but also her distinctive fighting style, which involves unarmed combat. This unique trait positions her seamlessly within the Tekken universe, making her a highly suitable candidate for the game’s melee-centric battles.

Indeed, Tifa’s adept use of punches and kicks resonates well with the fighting mechanics synonymous with Tekken. Her ability to hold her own against traditional martial artists would make her a compelling addition to the game, especially in duels against characters like Heihachi Mishima.

Tifa’s Moment: Why Now is the Ideal Time for Inclusion

A Timely Opportunity for Bandai Namco and Square Enix

The choice to add Clive feels especially poignant given the recent successes of both Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Released in 2023, Final Fantasy 16 garnered a Métacritic score of 87 with four nominations at The Game Awards, including one win. Following this, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth premiered in 2024 with a stellar score of 92 and received seven nominations, also winning an award.

Game Title	Release Year	Metacritic Score	The Game Awards Nominations
Final Fantasy 16	2023	87/100	4 (1 win)
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth	2024	92/100	7 (1 win)
Tekken 8	2024	90/100	2 (1 win)

It’s evident that FF7 Rebirth‘s positive reception makes it the prime candidate for cross-promotion. Introducing Tifa could act as a bridge between these franchises, benefiting both Square Enix and Bandai Namco significantly. With FF7 Rebirth performing below its sales expectations, the addition of such a beloved character could generate renewed interest, while simultaneously addressing critiques of Tekken 8 regarding its monetization strategies.

In an era where crossover content is highly coveted and often serves as a key competitive advantage, Tekken 8 should prioritize adding characters that truly resonate with audiences. Unfortunately, Clive might not be the character to ignite that excitement.

Source: Bandai Namco of America/YouTube

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