Veteran Tekken 8 character Anna Williams is making a return to the roster, sporting a new look that has largely been well-received by fans. However, some have expressed dissatisfaction, with a few even drawing comparisons to Santa Claus due to her outfit's design.

When a fan inquired about reverting to Anna's old design, Tekken's game director and chief producer, Katsuhiro Harada, responded firmly. He pointed out that while 98% of fans are embracing the new design, there will always be critics. Harada emphasized that past designs are still available for those who prefer them, and criticized the vocal minority for their unconstructive feedback and for presuming to speak for all Anna fans. He also highlighted the inconsistency in their demands, suggesting that reverting the design would lead to accusations of recycling.

In a separate exchange, Harada dismissed a comment about the lack of re-releases of older Tekken games with modern netcode, calling the critique pointless and muting the commenter.

Despite the mixed reactions, many fans are positive about Anna's new design. Redditor AngryBreadRevolution expressed satisfaction with the redesign, appreciating the edgier look that aligns with their vision of Anna seeking revenge. They noted that while the coat resembles Christmas attire, other elements like the leotard, tights, boots, and gloves are well-received.

Other fans, such as troonpins, appreciated most aspects of the outfit but were less fond of the white feathers, likening them to Santa Claus. Cheap_Ad4756 felt that Anna appeared younger and less like a "woman," missing the dominatrix vibe from previous iterations. Spiralqq criticized the overall design as overdone, suggesting that the outfit, particularly the coat, strongly evokes Santa Claus and lacks a clear focal point.

In IGN's Tekken 8 review, the game received a 9/10, praised for its innovative tweaks to the classic fighting system, engaging offline modes, new characters, robust training tools, and enhanced online experience. The review highlighted how Tekken 8 honors its legacy while pushing the series forward, making it a standout entry in the franchise.