Sergei Dragunov, the White Angel of Death, is making his return to The King of The Iron Fist Tournament in his Mr Bean-esque talkative glory. Defying the bingo list of Tekken 8 potential trailers, this one is definitely a surprise. The Sambo arts practitioner is crawling back to the battlefield with no breaks since Tekken 5: Dark Ressurection. And… get that camera away from him.
Dragunov’s kit includes several hits turned into throws. His Heat Smash has a strong push finish in the form of him issuing a body check to his opponent. His duck sweep launcher looks like a problem, as it is a great mid-counter. He’s giving out the breaks whether you like to hear the snaps (or not).
Dragunov’s Russian elite special forces unit puts him in the crosshairs of the UN team. Which means if he and the Ravens have bad blood, Dragunov’s Tekken 8 run will include a clash with their knight – Victor Chavalier. In the trailer, Victor nearly gets the jump on him, only for his sword to be dodged by Dragunov. From what we see, they’ve clearly met before, if this intro says anything. Dragunov’s full of surprises for a man who barely talks with his mouth(like some people). Especially this one courtesy of Bandai Namco:
Dragunov returns home, and in recognition of his dedication to his work, is granted an extended leave for the first time in his life. Dragunov is known for his extreme work ethic—so much so that it is rumored he works even in his sleep. However, upon returning to his room, it’s as if he has a spring in his step. In his study, Dragunov opens a safe and removes an ancient notebook with an eerie cover, which he begins to examine. The usually cold-hearted Dragunov seems to be in high spirits as he writes. From his unsettling manner, it is clear that it can only be one thing—a list known and feared as “The Angel of Death’s List.”
Wait for it. Wait for it…
…However, in reality, it is nothing more than a bucket list of things that Dragunov has been saving up to do when he finally gets some extended free time. While drinking a cup of homemade sbiten to warm himself, Dragunov reads over the notebook, humming a tune and nodding in apparent satisfaction.
Fighting Game menaces: right when you think you’ve figured them out, you haven’t. The dude is terrifying, to say the least, but that list. I’m more afraid of it than anything else. What else does Dragunov have planned for his …list? Better yet, who’s trailer is going to be next?
Don’t touch the sides
Dragunov’s trailer also has a new arena stage on display that has exploding walls. Dragunov’s combo pushes Victor into one, launching Victor into the air after an explosion. Reminds me of some of Dead Or Alive’s stage transitions. Tekken always had breakable stages, but this feels like a bit of a surprise in the other direction.
Tekken 8 will launch January 26th on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
