'Tekken 7' release date, latest news: Kuma and Panda confirmed to appear in 'Fated Retribution'

Bandai Namco confirmed that two additional characters will be appearing in their upcoming fighting game, "Tekken 7." Bears Kuma and Panda, known fan favorites since their first appearances in the game franchise, will be returning to the series' latest installment.

As reported by Eurogamer, Kuma will be appearing since he is Heihachi Mishima's pet bear, and he will be joining his master in the Tekken Force. His unfailing loyalty is proved by his efforts to protect Mishima Zaibatsu while he thought his master was dead. Panda, on the other hand, is Ling Xiaoyu's pet and bodyguard. Panda follows after her master who had set out on a dangerous journey to find Jin Kazama after his disappearance.

It must also be noted that both Panda and Kuma have been previously included in the arcade version of "Tekken 7: Fated Retribution" in Japan.

Other new characters have been reported to appear in the seventh iteration of "Tekken." Among these include Kazuya, Heihachi, Feng, Nina, Akuma, and Yoshimitsu. However, announcements for the inclusion of additional characters such as Anna Williams and Armor King may be expected in the near future.

Aside from the inclusion of Kuma and Panda in "Tekken 7: Fated Retribution," Bandai also announced on Twitter that an online tournament mode will be featured in the game's home version. This feature will allow players from different parts of the world to "fight" against each other online.

The mode allows players to create online tournaments for up to eight players. It can be set for single or double elimination. Entrance to these tournaments can also be secured with a password. The game will also have a Spectator Mode.

"Tekken 7" will be released for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows in the first half of 2017. There are also speculations that a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch may also be released