Tekken 8’s Boxing Kangaroo Is Exactly Why I Love This Series

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Most popular fighting game series, like Tekken, always include some unusual characters. It’s common to see oddballs alongside the typical fighters – think of Dan Hibiki from Street Fighter or the gruesome Meat from Mortal Kombat. But Tekken has really mastered this, consistently featuring strange and memorable characters since the very beginning.

The Tekken fighting game series is known for its unusual characters, particularly when it started including animals and robots. Among the most popular are the boxing kangaroos, who’ve been featured in several games. They began as copies of the character King, but gradually developed into unique fighters with a surprisingly interesting family story. With Roger Jr. returning in Tekken 8’s Season 3, fans who enjoy the game’s more eccentric side can look forward to one of its most memorable and unusual creations making a comeback.

Tekken 8 Is Bringing Roger Jr. Back Into The Ring

Okay, so the new Tekken 8 Season 3 trailer dropped, and I’m hyped! We’re getting Kunimitsu, Bob, and… Roger Jr.! Honestly, Roger Jr. is what really gets me excited about this series. It’s not just a random pick – his story goes way back. His dad, Roger, was in Tekken 2, and it’s been a running thing ever since. Basically, Roger was a genetically engineered kangaroo created by Kazuya Mishima as part of his army. They took a naturally strong and fast animal and boosted him with intelligence and fighting skills. It’s a cool, long-term story thread, and I love seeing it continue in Tekken 8.

After Tekken Tag Tournament, Roger seemed to disappear from the series, but his wife took up boxing to find him, bringing their son, Roger Jr., along for the journey. The search revealed that Roger had essentially left his family, leading to a divorce and a challenging new life for them. It’s a truly strange storyline, and I find it incredibly entertaining. While Tekken often mixes serious drama with odd humor, Roger’s family saga stands out as the most memorably unusual.

The kangaroo family’s story is full of twists and turns – from broken relationships to remorse – but it’s always set against the bizarre backdrop of competitive fighting tournaments. With Roger Jr.’s appearance in Tekken 8, it looks like his parents are back, possibly searching for their missing father, who vanished after Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Or, they might just be entering the King of Iron Fist Tournament again to win the prize. Either way, it’s a thrilling addition to the game.

Tekken Is Best When It’s Weird

Tekken has always been different from other fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, or Virtua Fighter, both in how it plays and how it presents itself. The series really shines when it leans into its over-the-top world and story, starting with the dramatic origin of Kazuya Mishima being thrown off a cliff as a baby. A key part of this unique feel has always been the inclusion of animal fighters – characters like bears and raptors – who add a playful, campy element to their individual storylines, fitting perfectly within the game’s already outlandish world. Roger Jr. is a great example of this, with a fighting style that blends realistic moves like wrestling with silly, unexpected attacks, like jumping multiple times or being thrown from his mother’s pouch. This creative approach to fighting game mechanics encourages players to think outside the box and try new strategies.

While undeniably goofy, Roger Jr. is presented with complete seriousness, which actually works well within the already bizarre world of Tekken. This contrast helps balance the game’s dramatic storyline, making the over-the-top Mishima family feud even more comical. Plus, Roger Jr.’s fighting style – particularly in Tekken 6 – is unlike anything else, featuring attacks with his tail, headbutts, and acrobatic flips. I enjoy fighting games a lot and have spent countless hours playing popular franchises. But Tekken always feels a little more special to me because of characters like Roger Jr. – some of the most unique and memorable fighters in the genre.

Tekken embraces its inherent silliness, leaning into the over-the-top nature of fighting games rather than trying to tone it down. This makes even the most outlandish elements feel cohesive. When you have a kangaroo and raptor falling in love as part of the story, it doesn’t seem so strange to accept the Mishima family’s intense conflicts. While franchises like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat often prioritize serious storytelling, Tekken never lets you forget it’s a game where, sometimes, a kangaroo will just attack you.

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2026-02-05 01:10