Platform(s): PlayStation 5 (version reviewed), PS4, PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre: 3D, ActionFighting Game, Anime

You have to hand it to developer Aniplex and CyberConnect 2; when they make 3D arena fighting games based on anime, they don’t hold back on the theatrics and roster. First with the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series, and now with new shonen anime series Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba, fresh with feudal Japan-style swordfighting, magic, demons, & mystical arts up the wazoo. With a subtitle like Hinokami Chronicles, you can tell that it’s recapping the Demon Slayer’s main plot points with some 3D fighting interspliced in-between cutscenes.

Is it any good? If you’re a fan of the source material and dont’ mind spending premium price on a 3D arena fighter anime title, you’re in luck.

Blades of Blood

At the very least, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is already a better sequel. The past game is pretty barebones with content but it got the look and action right; leave it to part 2 to just add more in the single-player campaign mode.

Aniplex and CyberConnect 2 adds in some interactable bits in-between the anime plot exposition (right after the Mugen Train Arc and right into the Entertainment District Arc), where you can directly control our heroes Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and co. as they explore, search, and even participate in story-based minigames. 3D fighting between the story’s big bads are a given in this anime tie-in game, but at least Aniplex and CyberConnect 2 puts a lot of thought and effort in making the experience less brain-dead and features some variety.

Abilities and lore from the anime/manga like Tanjiro’s strong sense of smell are used in the game’s adventure bits, simple as they turn out to be. You can even customize your heroes with passive powerups called Gears so that they trigger to give you buffs mid-battle under certain conditions. Finding these powerups (and other collectibles) require you to explore said non-combat stages and taking your time exploring. And if you’re not sure how the story went pre-Mugen Train, there’s a Path of the Demon Slayer mode that lets you catch up with the overall plot up to that point.

Just like the first game, combat is done one-versus-one on an open field, with characters moving around in 3D form fighting each other. They can also tag in their partners, though they share one life bar. You have your light attacks, heavy attacks, and special moves, not to mention dodging, blocking, and chasing so that you can get next to your opponent with just a press of a button (ala Dragon Ball Z dashes).

What’s new in part 2 are Dual Ultimates; pair up certain fighters with the right supporter individuals, and they can unleash their special big damage cinematic super move. If anything, the new tech and engine used in this Demon Slayer title makes all the fighting and pyrotechnics all the more impressive to watch and in smooth frames-per-second too. I certainly had fun moping the floor using Nezuko’s Awakened Form and her array of hand-to-hand combat and speed. You’re sure to find a favourite demon slayer or demon to main as in this fun-filled and balance-out-the-window gameplay.

The Devil You Know

While Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Hinokami Chronicles 2 isn’t going to be a fighting game tournament mainstay, its 3D fighting mechanics and smooth controls alongside its meaty single-player campaign does entertain.

Fans of the Demon Slayer anime and manga will definitely want to pick this 3D fighter up, as it recaps the continuing saga of Tanjiro and co. Non-fans can appreciate the colourful graphics and truncated anime plot in the single-player mode, but probably won’t find as much value when compared to your super-fan of the series. At the very least, this cash cow of a title has some merit as it is crafted with love and care courtesy of Cyberconnect 2.

Final Score: 70/100

Review copy provided by publisher.