Netflix’s Tekken: Bloodline Anime: Release Date, Plot, Characters Revealed!

Who doesn’t like anime adaptations of video games? From Pac-Man to Pokemon – if there’s one thing we know, it’s that anime and games make a damn good pair.

Netflix has been quick to establish its monopoly as a network for video game animated series adaptations. Following the success of Steins Gate, Resident Evil, Dota, and Arcane, next in line is Bandai Namco’s franchise, Tekken.

On 20th March, 2022, Netflix Anime took to Twitter for a surprise announcement, revealing a poster and trailer for its upcoming anime Tekken: Bloodline, based on the famous fighting series. It is set to release in 2022 – possibly towards the end of the year.

Which Game Installment is Tekken: Bloodline Based on?

The first season of Tekken: Bloodline will be based on the second and third installments of the Tekken video games, and will focus on Jin Kazama as the protagonist.

Netflix’s Tekken: Bloodline Anime: Release Date, Plot, Characters Revealed!
Tekken: Bloodline | Source: Crunchyroll

According to the exact video game timeline, the series will take place between the Tekken 2 ending and Tekken 3. It will also borrow elements from later games – the character of Leroy Smith, who was only introduced in Tekken 7, was featured in the Netflix trailer.

What is Tekken: Bloodline about? Plot, Characters Revealed:

The Tekken: Bloodline anime will follow the journey of Jin Kazama, aka the Lightning of Fate, as he trains in Kazama Style Traditional Martial Arts with his mother Jun Kazama.

When the Ancient Ogre destroys everything that he loves, Jin vows to exact revenge by defeating evil in an ultimate battle.  

Tekken: Bloodline | Official Teaser | Netflix
Tekken: Bloodline | Official Teaser | Netflix

Tekken: Bloodline will also be an origin story and cover Jin’s ascension from amateur fighter to a pro martial artist with expertise in Advanced Mishima Style, Fighting Karate, Kazama Style Traditional Martial Arts, and Karate.

Jin will train under his grandfather, Heihachi Mishima, to take part in the King of Iron Fist Tournament and avenge all he has lost.

Jin Kazama has always been a fan-favorite, and Tekken gamers are excited to see him return as a protagonist.

Here are all the game characters, playable and otherwise, that have been confirmed for Netflix’s Tekken: Bloodline:

Although not seen in the teaser, fans think the series might also include Eddy Gordo, Ling Xiaoyu, and Hwoarang.

What Themes and Genres can we expect in Tekken: Bloodline?

The anime will focus on the premise of “Power is everything” – as revealed in the official synopsis. The show will be heavy on action, excitement, violence, sci-fi, and fantasy.

Of course, martial arts will be at the core of the series, so if you’re a fan of Baki and Kengan Ashura, you need to keep your eyes peeled for the release.  

Netflix’s Tekken: Bloodline Anime: Release Date, Plot, Characters Revealed!
Kengan Ashura | Source: IMDb

Although Tekken: Bloodline will be fight-dominated, the series promises to be engaging and emotional. Get ready to witness strong themes of good and evil, family, friendship, and struggle.

The show will explore intergenerational power dynamics, gene mutations, political corruption, and the destructive force of vengeance.

Additionally, if Tekken: Bloodline sticks close to the Tekken video game established lore, fans think the Netflix anime did well starting from Tekken 3 since it has the best storyline.

Has Tekken been Animated Before?

The Tekken games were adapted into a two-part original video animation called Tekken: The Motion Picture in 1998, a full-length CGI digital 3D animated film called Tekken: Blood Vengeance in 2011, and a live-action film called Tekken in 2009.

About Tekken: Bloodline

Tekken: Bloodline is an upcoming anime based on the Tekken video games. It will be available to watch on Netflix later this year.

The story will star Jin Kuzama, who studies martial arts under his mother’s tutelage. When a monstrous demon strikes and he loses everything, Jin trains with his grandfather so he can obtain absolute power and seek vengeance.

The first season will see Jin’s origin story and his quest to win The King of Iron Fist Tournament.

The Tekken main series games have 7 official installments, plus additional editions. It was one of the first fighting games to use 3D animation when it was first released in 1994.

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