Why Clive is the Inappropriate Final Fantasy Character for Tekken 8

Why Clive is the Inappropriate Final Fantasy Character for Tekken 8

Clive Rosfield Joins the Roster: A Missed Opportunity in Tekken 8

In an exciting development for the gaming community, Clive Rosfield has been revealed as the final DLC character for Season 1 of Tekken 8. Fans are intrigued to see how the protagonist of Final Fantasy XVI stacks up against established fighters like Jin Kazama. Unlike his counterpart Noctis from Tekken 7, Clive will have the unique ability to don an array of outlandish outfits, bringing a fresh visual dynamic to the series.

However, this announcement has ignited a debate among fans. The overarching sentiment? Clive may not be the right character from the Final Fantasy franchise to make this crossover.

Image via Bandai Namco

History of Crossovers: Clive vs. Noctis

This isn’t the first time fans expressed confusion over a Final Fantasy character’s inclusion in a fighting game known for martial arts. Noctis sparked similar concerns during his introduction in Tekken 7. Why would a character renowned for wielding a sword step into a brawl-focused arena? Many argued that Noctis seemed better suited for the Soulcalibur series, and the same criticism is now being levied at Clive, whose primary weapon is also a sword.

Noctis had a notably limited move set, curtailing the fun for players both using and facing him. His offensive style felt out of place in a franchise that thrives on diverse martial arts techniques, a challenge that may persist with Clive. Despite appearing to have a less sword-centric combat style, early gameplay footage suggests that Clive could suffer from the same lack of variety.

Image via Bandai Namco

Limited Movesets and Gameplay Repetition

Both Noctis and Clive hail from titles that have been criticized for their choreographed combat, which can feel limited within the expansive roster of Tekken 8. Clive’s potential Tekken moveset appears derivative of the spectacular Eikon abilities featured in Final Fantasy XVI, but players might find these flashy moves repetitive in the long term. This raises a crucial question: Does Clive embody the spirit of Tekken, or will he fall short like his predecessor?

Image via Bandai Namco

Alternative Choices: Who Should Have Join the Battle?

If the Tekken series is to feature a guest character from Final Fantasy, many fans argue that more fitting candidates exist. For instance, the Monk class has long been revered in the series, perfectly aligning with the hand-to-hand combat emphasis of Tekken. Characters like Zell and Sabin have shown up before and could easily make a comeback.

However, the most iconic candidate by far is Tifa Lockhart. As one of the most beloved characters in gaming history, Tifa represents the high level of engagement the Tekken community desires. In fact, discussions surrounding potential guest characters frequently revolve around Tifa, proving her prominence and desirability within the fanbase.

Image via Square Enix

The Case for Tifa Lockhart

Unlike Clive, Tifa brings a combat style seamlessly integrated into fighting games. Although her techniques remain somewhat undefined in the Final Fantasy universe, her moves resonate with kickboxing and gymnastics elements. This acrobatic flair could harmonize beautifully with Tekken‘s existing martial arts styles, as demonstrated by characters like Lili.

Moreover, Tifa possesses numerous moves that could be effortlessly transposed into a Tekken setting. Her techniques have already been illustrated in titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, showing her agility and ability to incorporate dynamic combos into her gameplay. Such features would only enhance her integration into the Tekken roster.

Image via Square Enix

The Battle for Fan Favorites

While some players express enthusiasm for Clive’s unexpected arrival, the disappointment centered around Tifa’s absence is palpable. Many feel that Clive cannot match the enduring charm and nostalgia Tifa evokes, which only compounds the frustration. In terms of emotional resonance and market appeal, Tifa easily surpasses Clive amid fans.

Image via Bandai Namco

Ultimately, while Clive Rosfield’s inclusion may serve strategic marketing purposes for Square Enix, the sentiment in the community indicates that Tifa Lockhart would have been a superior choice. The latter could bring her unique energy and a genuine connection with players, something that resonates deeply within the world of Tekken.

While it’s a missed opportunity this time around, the future remains bright as anticipation builds for Clive’s debut DLC on December 20, 2024. For those keen to see how these new dynamics play out, Tekken 8 is now available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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