Summary
As the first DLC character released forTekken 8, Eddy Gordo has proven to be a highlight of the game’s content updates so far. He’s likely to see some changes as patches continue to stabilize the balance of the roster over time, but Eddy is currently dominating in terms of both overall usage and wins across all ranks. While this is a common occurrence for DLC fighters who often draw more attention to their games through their power, combining this scenario with the changes to Eddy’s highly unique capoeira fighting style in a new combat system has made him one ofTekken 8’s most popular characters.
The introduction ofTekken 8’s Heat systemhas had a huge effect on how every member of the cast plays, but Eddy has also received some modifications to his general list of moves that redefine areas of his previously consistent gameplay. As a classic part of the franchise who has been around for over two decades, however, his acrobatic capoeira stances and attacks are iconic parts ofTekkenthat still persist. New players are likely to have an easy time picking the character up for the first time inT8, but some veterans might be surprised by the differences between the latest incarnation of Eddy and his older version that go beyond visual aesthetic.
Eddy Gordo Remained Relatively the Same Until Tekken 8
Eddy’s Capoeira Was a Mainstay of Tekken’s Arcade Era
Eddy has garnered popularity since his debut inTekken 3, as few other characters in fighting games come close to the level of accuracy with which his capoeira is portrayed. This has led to the character appearing in nearlyevery mainlineTekkentitlesince, with his personal narrative regarding the master who trained him in prison progressing alongside his moveset over the years. The Negativa, or “relaxed” stance and handstand have both been core aspects of the capoeira kit from the beginning, butTekken 5saw the addition of the Bananeira Rolar move that has since also become ubiquitous.
Mandinga Charges Showcase a New Vision
Transitioning into Negativa has always been Bananeira’s main function, but players ofEddy Gordo’sTekken 8incarnationwill notice that a new resource-based mechanic has been introduced specifically for him. Eddy can build up two charges of “Mandinga”, depicted by symbols beneath his health bar, which allow him to access new follow-ups from Bananeira and power these moves up.
Tekken 8’s Fundamental Changes to Eddy Gordo’s Gameplan
Differences in Eddy’s Stances and Key Moves
Tekken 7’s Eddy Gordocould be seen as the culmination of his moveset that had been built up to that point, butTekken 8has made adjustments that returning players will need to adapt to. Some of the biggest changes made to Eddy include:
Tekken 8’s Eddy Features New Levels of Evasion
He has become known for being able to clear lower online ranks through mostly mashing Left Kick-based moves alone, but Eddy has access to novel movement options. He used to be known for having a nearly unusable sidestep while relying on his backdash heavily, but these tools seem to have been balanced in opposite ways now. He can even walk forward while in handstand and go into Negativa from that stance, emphasizing unpredictable movement. Players ofolderTekkentitlesmight find that he revolves around different strategies than before, but Eddy Gordo has managed to still embody a tricky mix-up fighter like no other.
Tekken 8
WHERE TO PLAY
Tekken 8 brings the fight to the latest generation of consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Feel the power of every hit in Tekken 8, the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. Utilising the power and realism of Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games by taking full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles. Ground-breaking new features, breathtakingly detailed character models and dramatic environments make this one of the most visually stunning and immersive titles in the genre yet. Tekken 8 picks up after the gruesome battle that ended in Heihachi Mishima’s defeat in Tekken 7, focusing on a new rivalry, pitting father against son as Jin Kazama stands in defiance against Kazuya Mishima in a city-shattering face-to-face showdown.
