Tekken 8 Director Rebukes Fan Over Anna Williams Design Criticism

Tekken 8 veteran Anna Williams's redesigned look is generating mixed reactions. While many fans appreciate the update, some are less enthusiastic, drawing comparisons to Santa Claus due to her new coat.

Tekken's director, Katsuhiro Harada, responded sharply to criticism requesting a return to Anna's previous design. He emphasized that the old design remains accessible in previous games and that the current redesign is well-received by the majority. He also criticized the tone and presumptuousness of the criticism, noting the negativity despite the extensive redesign work.

Harada's response to another commenter questioning the lack of older games with updated netcode on modern systems was similarly curt, resulting in the commenter being muted.

Positive feedback focuses on the overall design and personality, though some elements, such as the coat's resemblance to Santa Claus and the perceived youthful appearance, remain points of contention. Several comments highlight specific aspects they dislike, including the white feathers, coat, and the overall busy nature of the outfit. Some feel the design diminishes Anna's previously established "dominatrix" vibe. Others believe the outfit lacks a clear focal point due to the abundance of accessories.

A Reddit thread discussing the new design highlights this division of opinion. This comes amidst the success of Tekken 8, which has already surpassed 3 million copies sold, significantly outpacing Tekken 7's sales trajectory. IGN's review lauded Tekken 8's refined gameplay, robust offline modes, compelling characters, excellent training tools, and improved online experience, awarding it a 9/10 score.