At the venue of EVO 2026, we unveiled the gameplay trailer for Bob, the second additional character of Season 3.

We spoke with the development team about the trailer’s highlights and the attention to detail behind its creation.

In this interview, we take a closer look at Bob’s signature flair, his character-driven presentation, and his unique fighting style.

 

・Bob Gameplay Trailer

 

▼Trailer Highlights

・Could you tell us how Bob came to join the fight in this title’s story?

In TEKKEN 7, Bob fought Bryan in an effort to protect civilians, but was caught in a massive building collapse that left him hospitalized. Unable to tolerate the bland meals served during his recovery, he became determined to pursue what he considered the ideal food.

After leaving the hospital, Bob launched a hamburger chain that quickly achieved tremendous success. He later introduced Bob’s Onigiri as one of its signature menu items, sparking an unprecedented onigiri craze across the United States.

 

As New York descended into chaos following G Corp’s invasion, led by Kazuya Mishima, Bob stepped up to support those in need through his food relief efforts. His dedication earned him widespread admiration, and he soon became known as the “Onigiri Savior.”

Recognizing both his strong sense of justice and his ability to take action, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office requested his assistance as an investigator. Determined to bring Kazuya to justice, Bob once again finds himself on the front lines of the fight.

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・Could you tell us about Bob’s fighting style and his strengths in battle?

Bob is a character who combines powerful attacks that make full use of his large frame with surprisingly agile movement you wouldn’t expect from his size.

Thanks to his unique blend of power and speed, he can flexibly switch between powerful and quick attacks depending on the situation, adapting his offense as needed.

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Bob also has a wide variety of options for turning the tables, including “Giga Jacker”, a fast-starting Power Crush, and “Perfect Body”, a new Attack Reversal.

While his punishes can be difficult to execute, his strong ability to respond to the opponent’s actions makes him a true all-rounder.

〈Giga Jacker〉

 

〈Perfect Body〉

 

・What kind of fighter is Bob, and how does he develop the flow of battle?

Bob excels in grounded combat and is equipped with a wide range of moves effective in close- to mid-range engagements. He also has access to returning stances from previous titles, such as the “United Step” and “Spinner Ball.”

〈United Step〉

 

〈Spinner Ball〉

 

Bob’s signature attacks from United Step, such as “Langue Washer” and “Cutting Coppa,” return in TEKKEN 8 as key tools in his arsenal. These moves let him apply constant pressure, restrict the opponent’s options, and create opportunities for high-damage follow-ups, keeping his trademark offense as powerful as ever.

〈Langue Washer〉

 

〈Cutting Coppa〉

 

・How have Bob’s moves changed from previous titles?

Bob’s signature stance, “Spinner Ball,” has been expanded with new options, including a Heat Engager and additional attacks that allow him to maintain offensive pressure even when blocked.

These additions significantly broaden his offensive options and overall strategy. The stance can now also be incorporated into aerial combos, enabling even more powerful and visually impressive combo routes than before.

〈Roulette Cutter〉

 

During Heat, Bob gains additional tools that help compensate for his weaknesses—his punishment game—while also enhancing his effectiveness in grounded combat through new follow-up attacks.
He also has access to a unique move that shifts into “Spinner Ball” from a low attack, giving him another way to open up the opponent’s defense.

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・Could you tell us about Bob’s Heat Smash and Rage Art, both of which feature memorable, comical presentations?

Bob’s dynamic and unpredictable actions are a key part of his appeal. We incorporated those qualities into both his Heat Smash and Rage Art, aiming to create moves that leave a lasting impression on players.

 

Bob’s Heat Smash is also unique in terms of gameplay, featuring a just-frame input. If the input is timed correctly, the attack deals increased damage and triggers an alternate animation.
We paid special attention to the voice lines and presentation so that not only the player but also spectators can enjoy the tension of whether the timing will succeed. We hope players will look forward to experiencing—and watching—those moments in action.

 

〈Normal〉

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〈Perfect Input〉

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・Bob is also known for his unique move names. How do you come up with them?

For Bob’s new move, “Onigiri Bomber,” we wanted a name that would be memorable and impactful while also fitting naturally within his story. Among Bob’s techniques, “Onigiri Bomber” and his signature “Perfect Body” are two names that the development team is particularly fond of.
In addition, this title introduces move names inspired by Bob’s background as an investigator for the District Attorney’s Office, helping to further emphasize and communicate his character through his moveset.

 

・The “onigiri” exchange in Bob’s special interaction with Kazuya is a particularly humorous moment.

That scene was created with the goal of capturing both Bob’s sense of humor and his sincerity. Even when he is speaking completely seriously, there is something inherently amusing about the way he comes across. That contrast is an important part of Bob’s character, and we wanted to reflect it in the interaction.
Bob’s line, “Because ‘onigiri’ means to slay the Devil!”, is based on Japanese wordplay. The word “onigiri” (rice ball) sounds very similar to “oni-giri,” which can be interpreted as “slaying an oni.” Since oni refers to an evil being—in this case, a Devil—the line layers that meaning onto the word.

 

This joke was not actually created by Bob himself. In the story, it originates from a viral social media post claiming that eating onigiri is “oni-giri”—slaying oni, in other words a way of defeating Devils. After seeing the post, Bob adopts the phrase and begins using it himself.
Although the joke relies on a play on words unique to Japanese, we deliberately chose to keep it intact. Doing so helps emphasize Bob’s individuality and his own distinctive interpretation of justice.
Immediately after Bob delivers the line, Kazuya responds by attacking him. This prevents the exchange from becoming pure comedy and instead creates a contrast with the serious conflict between the two characters. For Bob, onigiri is more than just food—it symbolizes supporting ordinary people and finding the strength to stand up against evil.

 

・Could you tell us about the design concept behind Costume 1, which features a street-casual look?

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The concept behind this outfit is the training wear Bob chooses to wear on his days off—moments when this successful fighter can finally relax. The design is based on the outfit worn by Slim Bob in “TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2,” with the “Bob Onigiri” logo placed prominently across the belly as a playful form of self-promotion. To further reflect Bob’s personality, words drawn from his fighting style are worked into the thighs, rear, gloves, and other details, resulting in an outfit full of fun and character.

In TEKKEN 6, Bob’s outfit featured a bee emblem as one of his trademarks, inspired by the famous phrase “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” The bee motif returns in this title and appears in several places, including on Bob’s skateboard, serving as an icon that symbolizes the character.

 

・Costume 3 features a more formal look. What was the inspiration behind its design?

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The concept for this outfit is a formal style befitting Bob’s role as an investigator for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office—the attire he’d wear while on duty. Bob has rarely been portrayed in this sort of outfit before, so we believe it offers a fresh new perspective on the character.

 

▼Bob’s Story

Speed. Weight. Power. A stoic martial artist in pursuit of the perfect body that embodies all three, Bob never stops striving to become stronger.
While recovering from an incident that left him hospitalized, Bob found himself unable to endure the plain meals served at the hospital. Determined to create the ultimate burger, he developed his own recipe and, upon his release, launched a hamburger chain that quickly became a tremendous success. His latest menu item, Bob’s Onigiri, went on to spark an unprecedented onigiri craze across the United States.
Before long, however, G Corp, led by Kazuya Mishima, seized control of New York. In response to the crisis, Bob began operating a food bank, providing hamburgers and onigiri free of charge to those in need. His efforts earned him widespread praise as the “Onigiri Savior,” eventually leading to an extraordinary offer: an emergency appointment as an investigator for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Though surprised by the responsibility suddenly placed before him, Bob—driven by a sense of justice stronger than anyone’s—accepted the position without hesitation and rose to the challenge, determined to bring Kazuya to justice.

 

 

Articles featuring “Behind-the-Scenes Comments from the Director” on previously added characters are also available now!
▼Season 3 Additional Playable Character
KUNIMITSU

▼Season 2 Additional Playable Character
ANNA
FAHKUMRAM
ARMOR KING
Miary Zo

▼Season 1 Additional Playable Character
EDDY
LIDIA
HEIHACHI
CLIVE