Bob, the master of speed and weight, has returned. Generally, players tend to think that larger characters are durable but slow, but Bob delivers both heavy impacts and speedy infighting. As another classic character returning following Kunimitsu, Bob has been eagerly anticipated by many. Bandai Namco provided an opportunity to try him out hands-on prior to his release, allowing us to experience the character firsthand.

From Running a Chain Store to Debuting as an Investigator

Bob's motivation for entering this tournament also leaves a distinctly 'Bob-like' impression. After getting injured while handling an incident, he spends time recuperating in a hospital. Finding the hospital food unpalatable, he develops his own hamburger recipe. The recipe becomes a massive commercial success, leading to a thriving franchise chain, and the follow-up item, 'Bob's Onigiri,' becomes a huge hit that sweeps across the United States.

While stably running his franchise chain, the G Corporation forces led by Kazuya take over New York. Bob distributes hamburgers and onigiri to the public, earning praise as the 'Savior of Food'. Furthermore, he is offered a position as an investigator for the District Attorney's Office to help Manhattan in its time of crisis, setting out to pursue and arrest Kazuya Mishima, the culprit behind the catastrophe.

Just as Exhilarating as His Lore, His Moves Are Exhilarating Too!

Just as the development team described Bob as an "unbelievably agile and acrobatic Karate martial artist despite being super-heavyweight," playing Bob during the hands-on preview felt thoroughly exhilarating and hearty. Executing moves combined the heavy weight of his physique with speed, enabling a remarkably aggressive playstyle.

Playing Bob extensively gave the impression that, rather than adding new gimmicks, the focus was kept on the essence of fighting games and Tekken itself. While other classic returning characters often gained stack-based mechanics, Bob underwent no such changes—a thoughtful effort to deliver the classic return fans desired.

His Rage Art is also quite simple while staying true to Bob's signature humor. While some Rage Arts have been criticized for being overly flashy and exaggerated, Bob's focuses on heavy hits and a clean finisher.

So, When Will This Good-Natured Fighter Be Playable?

Bob will first open to Season Pass owners on Thursday, August 20 (KST). Afterwards, individual sales will begin on Tuesday, August 25 (KST), making him playable for anyone who owns the Bob character DLC. Following Bob, another classic character, Roger Jr., is scheduled for the fall, with a Yujiro Hanma collaboration teased for the winter.

Bob Character Q&A

It is surprising that he transitioned from the Savior of Food to an investigator, but the shift in his rival interaction character from Bryan to Kazuya was also unexpected. How did you come to make this choice?

“In this title, we wanted to preserve Bob's signature humor while depicting his innate, strong sense of justice in greater detail. Therefore, through the success of his burger restaurant, his food bank activities, and his new position as an investigator for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, we wanted to show him using his strength and success for the people. You will be able to feel Bob's heroic side through the special intro animations shown when facing Kazuya.

Given that some moves change performance with Just Inputs, he seems like a character meant for intermediate players and above. We are curious about how he actually plays.

“Bob is not designed solely for a specific player base; he was developed so that players of various skill levels can enjoy him and discover greater depth as they become accustomed to him. His moveset for Tekken's fundamental 'rock-paper-scissors mind games' is solid, allowing players to mount a powerful offense using just simple main moves, while becoming a character through which players can master the essence and gameplan of Tekken as they grow more proficient. Novice players entering through Tekken 8 as well as experienced veterans can choose moves that fit their respective playstyles. In particular, in Tekken 8, transitioning into 'Spinner Ball' has become easier, allowing it to be used more actively in neutral play and combos, so even players unfamiliar with Bob can easily enjoy his aggressively unique gameplay.

Compared to Bob in Tekken 7, how has his playstyle changed?

“While maintaining Bob's core identity of 'speed and weight' and his signature moves, we reviewed move performance and animations so players can enjoy a more dynamic and aggressive battle in Tekken 8. In particular, 'Spinner Ball' was revamped to better serve neutral play and combos, with new move integrations and ties to the Heat System added as well. We adjusted his moves so players can enjoy Bob's distinct fun alongside Tekken 8's unique tempo and offensive flow. Veteran players will find joy in discovering new tactics and combos based on differences from previous titles.

Within Bob's battle style that balances speed and weight, what was the most focused aspect to express?

“ Moving agilely based on the weight and power stemming from his large frame is Bob's unique charm. In Tekken 8 as well, his performance is not restricted by his size alone, and he was designed so players can feel Bob's signature light controls.

Along with the addition of Bob, are there any balance adjustments for existing characters?

“ While it is difficult to share specific balance adjustment schedules at this time, we conduct verification assuming various situations during the development phase as well. However, after release, there are cases where players discover new tactics and applications that exceed the development team's expectations. We continuously review balance by comprehensively examining these playstyles, match data, and feedback. If you have any opinions or reports, please submit them through the TEKKEN DEV FEEDBACK PORTAL, which delivers feedback directly to the development team.

Could you recommend key moves to focus on when playing Bob?

“ Bob is an all-rounder with a moveset equipped for Tekken's fundamental 'rock-paper-scissors mind games.' While he has a weakness in that guaranteed punishers require high execution, he possesses plenty of response options, such as 'Giga Jacker,' a fast-startup Power Crush, or the new reversal move 'Perfect Body'. Furthermore, core moves branching from United Step such as 'Langue Washer' and 'Cutting Coppa' are powerful, allowing players to execute tactics that pressure opponents, restrict their movement, and lead into massive damage. He has many useful tools ranging from close-range to mid-range engagements.

In this title, Bob appears in a more refined suit. Could you explain what details and effort went into the suit design—such as tailoring or accessories—to express Bob's unique personality?

“ While adopting a formal suit style, we embedded Bob's personality throughout the design, such as suspenders on his trousers and a tie design reminiscent of the American flag. Intricate details were meticulously designed, such as the text 'Robert Richards' engraved on the soles of his leather shoes. These elements can be checked through Photo Mode and other features.

Could you say a word to Korean players who are looking forward to Bob?

“ Bob's signature balance of 'weight and speed' harmonizes exceptionally well with Tekken 8's aggressive battle system, allowing us to convey a new appeal. We encourage players returning to Bob after a long time as well as players encountering him for the first time through Tekken 8 to experience playing Bob. Furthermore, while Bob was a fighter protecting citizens in Tekken 7, he has made significant story progress in this title, succeeding in running a burger restaurant and taking office as an investigator for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Players will be able to see Bob evolved not only in battle, but across staging and overall costumes.