Tekken 8 veteran Anna Williams's redesigned appearance is generating mixed reactions. While many fans appreciate the update, some are comparing her new look to Santa Claus, particularly focusing on her coat.

Tekken's director and chief producer, Katsuhiro Harada, responded sharply to criticism requesting a return to Anna's previous design. He argued that while the majority of fans welcome the change, those who dislike it can still enjoy past iterations of the character. He further criticized the way some fans expressed their opinions, calling them unconstructive and disrespectful to other fans who are excited about the new design. Harada also dismissed a comment suggesting a lack of older game re-releases with updated netcode as a "pointless reply".

Reddit discussions reveal a range of opinions. Some players express satisfaction with the edgier, more vengeful personality reflected in the new design, praising aspects like the hair and leotard. However, others strongly criticize the coat's resemblance to Santa Claus, describing the overall outfit as overdesigned and lacking a focal point. Concerns were also raised about Anna appearing younger and less like the "dominatrix" persona from previous games. The white fur trim on the coat is a frequent point of contention.

Despite the negative feedback, Tekken 8's sales figures are impressive, surpassing Tekken 7's sales milestone significantly faster. IGN's review praised the game's updated fighting system, offline modes, new characters, training tools, and online experience, awarding it a 9/10 score.