The fighting game genre is no stranger to having iconic anime characters duking it out, and the popular Demon Slayer series entered this battlefield before. Following the success of Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles, SEGA and CyberConnect2 team up once again with a sequel, Hinokami Chronicles 2.
After playing a twenty-to-thirty-minute demo at Summer Games Fest, Lord King and Addict share their thoughts on the demon-clashing experience.
What is Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles 2?
SEGA describes the upcoming anime fighter with the following via official Press Release.
Experience unforgettable moments from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsuno Yaiba anime through the eyes of its protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado! In this second installment of the game, immerse yourself in the captivating Entertainment District Arc, the intriguing Swordsmith Village Arc, and the intense Hashira Training Arc. Face off against demons from the anime series with stunning graphical effects and iconic battle techniques!
Key Features/Modes
- Take Up the Sword Once Again – Play as Tanjiro Kamado and face off against evil demons in key moments from the “Entertainment District Arc,” “Swordsmith Village Arc,” and “Hashira Training Arc” with breathtaking visuals and combat.
- The Hashira Unite – A host of new arrivals added to the roster, with over 40 playable characters to choose from, including the nine Hashira, the highest rank of the Demon Slayer Corps.
- More Ways to Play – Expanded Single Player content allows you to relive the story in a brand-new way.
- Training Paths – Challenge the Hashira! Here, you’ll advance through a series of tournament brackets with ever-changing victory conditions, such as winning a battle with over 50% health or triggering two Ultimate Arts in a match
- Path of the Demon Slayer – Review the story so far by engaging in key battles from the first game! By completing each mission, you will also unlock various rewards.
- Gear System – Customize your loadout for use in battle. For example, you can equip an item that increases your resistance to poison, or one that slowly regenerates your health. You have three slots to customize, and some items take up more than one slot, so choose carefully.
Lord Addict and Lord King’s Hands-On Impressions
Going hands-on with Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2, the Iron’s Lords very own King and Addict each played a thirty-minute demo. Although the demo did not feature a multiplayer mode, it provided both players with access to many of the game’s key features.
One major takeaway from the hands-on experience was the battles, requiring deliberate attacks and dodges. This contrasts with fights in CyberConnect2’s Ultimate Ninja Storm titles, which focus more on being cinematic than deeper fighting game mechanics.
In addition, King described how you aren’t only playing as Tanjiro or the ‘main fighter’ during big battles. The fight had both him and Addict switching between characters. One minute, they were fighting against the Upper Ranked Demon Daki, and then the next, they were in the shoes of another character.
Dynamically switching between characters sounds unique and a change-up from other arena-based anime fighting games on the market.
Demonic Style – Presentation
Something both King and Addict commented on multiple times during their hands-on with Hinokami Chronicles 2 was its stunning presentation. They loved the easy-to-read animations, dynamic camera angles, and the impressive Ultimate attacks.
Coming from playing the Ultimate Ninja Storm games, I know CyberConnect2 is no stranger to stunning-looking anime classes that authentically match the source material. And seeing that carries over to their work on Demon Slayer is awesome.
Closing Thoughts on Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles 2
Hearing how glowing King and Addict’s hands-on with Hinokami Chronicles 2 were, I can’t wait to give this fighter a try when it releases on all modern platforms on August 5th, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on Demon Slayer and all things SEGA, here at Lords of Gaming!
