New Entry: Kazuya Mishima Set to Make an Appearance in ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’

Let me confess upfront: I am largely unfamiliar with the world of Tekken. While I hold deep respect for its pivotal role in the fighting game realm, my firsthand exposure to it is limited to a few spirited bouts of button-mashing on Tekken Tag at the arcade during my childhood. However, it appears that Nintendo has a strong affinity for the franchise, given that its iconic character, Kazuya Mishima, is venturing into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Today, during their E3 Direct event, Nintendo unveiled that the forthcoming addition to the second DLC Fighter’s Pass will be none other than Kazuya Mishima from Tekken. True to his roots, Kazuya brings forth a focus on close-quarters combat over flashy theatrics, delivering a repertoire of potent yet straightforward strikes, grapples, and the famed 10-hit combos from Tekken. Yet, let’s not overlook the supernatural elements; in select moves, he triggers his Devil Gene, morphing into a formidable demonic entity adorned with wings and laser abilities. Alongside Kazuya, a Tekken-themed battleground is also set to debut, featuring an appearance by another Tekken stalwart, Heihachi Mishima.

Breaking News: Kazuya from Tekken is entering the Smash Ultimate fray and commenced the Direct by dramatically flinging Ganondorf off a cliff. pic.twitter.com/a7Z9zqtU5N

— PLDH (@PLDHnet) June 15, 2021

Details on Kazuya’s official integration into the game are pending, but fans can anticipate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director, Masahiro Sakurai, to provide an in-depth showcase of Kazuya’s combat styles and mechanics on June 28. With Kazuya’s arrival, only one slot remains vacant in Fighter’s Pass 2, signaling the impending conclusion of character additions to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Here’s hoping Sakurai can finally catch up on some much-needed rest once this creative journey wraps up. The man certainly deserves it.