Despite some issues at launch,Tekken 8has grown to become a well-received entry to the longstanding Bandai Namco fighting series, keeping the franchise in the competition between its major competitors likeMortal KombatandStreet Fighter. As a live service title,Tekken 8has gone through numerous changes since its launch in January 2024, with new game mechanics, modes, balance changes, and new fighters making up the bulk of these additional features.
One of the most exciting forms of post-launch content forTekken 8is its new playable fighters. Among these, crossover characters from other franchises often draw the most hype and overall attention within the history of the franchise. There are still plenty of crossover characters that could come toTekken 8in the near future, and the addition ofLike a Dragon’s Kazuma Kiryu as a crossover fighter would be the right move for both franchises.
Kazuma Kiryu in Tekken 8 Could Deliver Something That Many Fans Have Wanted For Some Time
Tekken 8launched with a respectable 32 fighters in its base-game roster, largely covering the franchise’s long list of iconic figures, with several post-launch playable fighters having been added over the past year. WhileTekken 8now boasts 37 playable fighters through post-launch addition, only one of these is a dedicated guest fighter from another franchise:Final Fantasy 16’s Clive Rosfield, added in early 2025.
One of the most vocalcriticisms ofTekken 8is its slow adoption of crossover guest characters, especially compared to past entries to the franchise. It seems clear that Bandai Namco needs to pick up the pace of crossover additions in the very near future to keep fans satisfied. There are some obvious franchises and characters that would be perfect fits for theTekken 8roster, including Ryu Ga Gotoku’s longstandingYakuzafranchise, now known asLike a Dragon.
While more recent entries to theLike a Dragonseries have a focus on turn-based JRPG combat, the franchise firmly built itself on classic beat-em-up mechanics, making its integral characters obvious choices for crossovers with Japanese-made fighting games.The likes of new franchise face Ichiban Kasugaand the more longstanding Goro Majima could be excellent guest characters in their own right forTekken 8, though it would be hard to match the prestige and recognizability of Kazuma Kiryu.
Like a Dragon’s New Creative Direction Could Finally Make a Fighting Game Crossover Possible
As the major protagonist of the vast majority of mainlineLike a Dragongames and even spinoffs,Kiryu still stands as the face ofLike a Dragonin the eyes of many fans, renowned for his immense fighting skill and durability. Fans have wanted Kiryu to appear in the likes ofFortniteas well as many fighting games in the past, although originalLike a Dragonproducer Toshihiro Nagoshi was vocal in his hesitation to add Kiryu to games where he could potentially fight female characters.
Kiryu Kazuma has been a major protagonist in all but one mainlineLike a Dragontitle, while also starring in spin-off titles likeThe Man Who Erased His Name,Dead Souls,Ishin, andKenzan.
Masayoshi Yokoyama has taken over the direction of theLike a Dragonfranchisesince Nagoshi’s departure from RGG in 2021, and while there still seems to be hesitation about what kind of gameplay contexts Kiryu might be added to, it seems more likely than ever that the iconic character could appear in a fighting game. Most of Kiryu’s story has now been told, with the character now nearing 60 years old and the franchise focusing on Ichiban Kasuga. Therefore, a crossover appearance of Kiryu inTekkencan now be seen more as a celebration of the character as opposed to a portrayal of his personality. Kiryu’s legacy within the gaming industry is worth celebrating across other franchises, andTekken 8could finally deliver on more high-profile guest characters through theLike a Dragonfigure, should the franchise’s creators finally green-light such a move.
