Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2

Over four million copies of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: The Hinokami Chronicles have been sold. CyberConnect2 and Sega are now launching the sequel, which aims to raise the bar even higher.

Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is the latest official game in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series. Developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Sega, it is an anime (cel-shaded) arena fighter that builds upon the original Hinokami Chronicles (2021), which has sold over four million physical and digital copies worldwide. The sequel's Story Mode picks up where the previous game left off, allowing players to once again take on the role of Tanjiro Kamado. This time, players will be able to experience many moments from the "Entertainment District Arc", "Swordsmith Village Arc" and "Hashira Training Arc". And there are over 40 playable characters to choose from in the VS Mode playable roster. This includes Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji, two Hashira who bravely fought two Upper Rank demons of the Twelve Kizuki.

Essentially, the game builds on its predecessor, but improves on many aspects. Particularly strong points are the splendidly presented story, which remains faithful to the original; the striking anime visuals; and the combat system, which remains accessible (albeit repetitive at times) and dynamic. Battles still take place in arenas. The free-roam sections between battles have been slightly enhanced with more movement options and side quests. However, they fail to match the fascination of the main story and feel like bolted-on extras, with some story elements falling short. One great feature is that in The Path of a Demon Slayer, players can revisit the story covered in The Hinokami Chronicles 1 by engaging in key battles from the Unwavering Resolve Arc up to the Mugen Train Arc. On top of that, additional features ensure higher replay value.

The Hinokami Chronicles 2 features new systems and additions. Players can team up with certain characters to unleash devastating Dual Ultimates in combat. There is also a Gear System. In both Story and VS modes, players can equip their character with up to three items, such as one that increases resistance to poison or slowly regenerates health over time. Players can increase a character's 'mastery' level by using different characters in either Story or VS Mode. Each time they level up, they unlock different rewards, such as stickers or background images, which they can use to customise their Slayer ID - their online player profile. Training Paths have been introduced as a new mode. After selecting a path and a Hashira to challenge, players advance through a series of tournament brackets with changing victory conditions. Although there are online modes, this game is best played in story or solo mode offline. Online lobbies and ranked modes are available at launch, though some players are still experiencing delays during matches.

Players can expect all the characters from the original Hinokami Chronicles to be included in the base roster, including the demons added in free post-launch updates and the Entertainment District Arc characters originally released as paid DLC for the first game. The nine Hashira, the highest rank in the Demon Slayer Corps, will also be playable characters in the game. Sega has announced that an 'Infinity Castle Arc Character Pass' will be released after the game's launch. Additionally, the series' antagonist, Muzan Kibutsuji, will be available as a playable character in VS Mode via a free update after launch.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 launches on 5 August 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, priced at €59.99. Physical editions for PlayStation 5, Switch and Xbox Series X|S consoles are being distributed by Plaion. The Digital Deluxe Edition (€69.99) includes the base game, two Kimetsu Academy Character Unlock Keys (Kyojuro Rengoku and Tengen Uzui), four Character Unlock Keys (Tengen Uzui, Obanai Iguro, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Gyomei Himejima), VS Mode System Voice: Upper Rank Demons Set (Akaza, Daki, Gyutaro, Zohakuten, Gyokko), three Battle Attire Costumes (Tanjiro Kamado's Kimono (Entertainment District), Inosuke Hashibira's Kimono (Entertainment District), and Tengen Uzui's Shinobi Attire), Advanced Access (starting on 31 July 2025) and two Character Unlock Keys (Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji; only available until the game launches on 5 August 2025).

Conclusion

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a worthy sequel, excelling in both story mode and its powerful, anime-style presentation.

Features

• Gripping story mode with a strong anime style
• Many improvements over its predecessor, including combat
• More modes, collectibles and replay value