Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles 2 – More Slices, More Dice, Still Pretty Nice!
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
*Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2* takes what was good about the first game, polishes it up, and adds a heap more characters and content. If you're a fan of the anime, or just looking for a fun, flashy fighter, it's well worth a look, just don't expect revolutionary Web3 integration.
Right, so *Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2* is out, and folks are hacking and slashing their way through it. Now, I reviewed the first *Hinokami Chronicles* back in the day (according to IGN), and it seems like the sequel's gone and bulked up a bit. Bigger, shinier, with a few extra bells and whistles. But has it truly ascended, or is it just another flashy demon with a glass jaw? Let's dive in, shall we?
If you're not already neck-deep in the world of Tanjiro and Nezuko (seriously, where have you been?), the story centers around sibling demon slayers, with Nezuko herself being a demon. Good ol' family fun, right? *The Hinokami Chronicles 2* picks up after the Mugen Train Arc, so if you’re a newcomer, you might feel a tad lost. There's a quick recap mode called "Path of the Demon Slayer," but fair warning: it's a bit like reading the SparkNotes version of *War and Peace*. It’ll give you the bare bones, but you’ll miss out on all the emotional gut punches.
The main course is Story Mode, where you'll battle through the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training arcs. Look, the story's a bit goofy, I'll admit. Characters yell a *lot*. Tanjiro is more virtuous than a saint dipped in honey. But it's all delivered with such earnest charm that you can’t help but grin. CyberConnect2, those mad lads, have made it all visually stunning. Seriously, the animation is top-tier. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for some beautifully rendered chaos.
Between all the cinematic mayhem, you'll be poking around the world, chatting with NPCs, and hunting down those pesky demons using Tanjiro's schnoz, Zenitsu’s super hearing, and Inosuke’s... spatial awareness? (Is that what we're calling it?). Think *Demon Slayer* meets detective mode. As you explore, you'll stumble upon Memory Fragments (short clips from the anime) and Kimetsu Points, which unlock goodies like characters, costumes, and tunes. It’s a lovely way to flesh out the world and feel more connected to the characters.
Now, in the first game, the exploration felt like a bit of a slog. Thankfully, they've addressed that. Areas are more compact, you can *run* (hallelujah!), and there are even side quests. Think helping a lovesick servant or teaming up with a Hashira for some demon-busting action. These quests add a welcome dose of variety and, of course, more loot. And speaking of variety, there are even a few minigames sprinkled in, including a *Demon Slayer* riff on *Guitar Hero*. Fair dinkum!
Combat's where this game really shines. Whether you're facing off against other slayers or hulking demon monstrosities, the fights are a spectacle. The battle system is pretty straightforward, with attacks mapped to buttons and directional inputs adding spice. But there's a surprising amount of depth to be found. Stringing together combos, mastering parries, and learning each character's quirks is satisfying stuff. Small but significant tweaks to the mechanics, like remapping heavy attacks, make a big difference in practice. Plus, they've (apparently) fixed an annoying combo breaker from the original that frustrated many.
Tag-team battles are still the name of the game here, and new dual ultimate arts add a nice incentive to pair specific characters. The real magic lies in movement and positioning. Dodging attacks, finding your opening, and unleashing a flashy ultimate art is as rewarding as it gets.
Once you've wrapped up Story Mode, you can dive into Hashira Training, a roguelike mode where you guide your team through challenges to face a Hashira. It’s a simple but addictive way to earn more goodies and master your characters. If I had a complaint, it is the inclusion of gear with RPG stats that you can equip to your characters. Why does everything need to be an RPG? Seriously, it feels unnecessary, but thankfully you can disable it in versus mode.
Speaking of versus, online and local multiplayer are both present, along with a practice mode and an endurance mode. The roster's been massively expanded, which is a massive win for multiplayer. The only downside is the lack of a proper tutorial. The text-based tips are sparse, and the game assumes you already know the basics. It's a shame, as good teaching tools are essential, even in an arena fighter.
According to IGN's review, *Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2* is a worthy sequel that builds upon its predecessor. It's not perfect, but it's a fun, flashy, and surprisingly deep arena fighter that will keep Demon Slayer fans entertained for hours.
Tags: Demon Slayer, Anime Game, Arena Fighter, CyberConnect2, Game Review
Original article: IGN South Africa