Tekken 8 veteran Anna Williams is making a comeback with a fresh look that has stirred a mix of reactions among fans. While the majority appreciate her new design, a vocal minority has critiqued it, with some even likening it to Santa Claus due to the red coat and white fur trims.
When a fan requested the return of Anna's original design, Tekken game director and chief producer Katsuhiro Harada responded firmly. "If you prefer the old design, I am not taking those away from you," he stated, emphasizing that past games are still available for those who prefer the earlier look. Harada also pointed out that while 98% of fans are welcoming the change, criticism from a small group can be unconstructive and disrespectful to others who are excited about the new Anna.
Harada's frustration was evident when he responded to another comment criticizing the lack of rereleases with functional netcode, calling the comment "pointless" and muting the user.
Despite the controversy, the overall reception to Anna's redesign has been positive. Fans like AngryBreadRevolution appreciate the new, edgier look, although some elements, such as the coat, have drawn comparisons to Christmas attire. Others, like troonpins and Cheap_Ad4756, have mixed feelings, with some preferring her without the coat and others feeling she appears younger and less like the dominatrix character she was in previous games.
Spiralqq expressed strong disapproval, describing the new design as overdesigned and lacking focus, suggesting it resembles Santa cosplay too closely.
The discussion around Anna's new outfit has been lively on platforms like Reddit, where fans continue to share their opinions and preferences.
Tekken 8 has achieved impressive sales, reaching 3 million copies sold within a year of its release—a faster pace than Tekken 7, which took a decade to sell 12 million copies. 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 highlighted how Tekken 8 honors its legacy while pushing forward, making it a standout title in the series.
