Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 – Review

August 5, 2025 Off By Misael Montenegro

GAME INFORMATION:
Release:  August 5, 2025
Players:  Up to 2 players
Genre:  Action, Adventure, Fighting.
Developer:  SEGA
Publisher:  SEGA
Available languages:  German, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, French, English, Italian, Japanese, Traditional.
Available on platforms:  PC – Computer, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S.
Age rating:  16 years – Violence, Online purchases.
Game version analyzed:  Nintendo Switch version.

With stunning animation, charismatic characters, and a compelling story of overcoming obstacles, a video game adaptation was almost inevitable. I’d already played the first Hinokami Chronicles , and while I enjoyed it, I left with the feeling that there was a lot of untapped potential. Because of this, I had high expectations for the sequel.

I spent countless hours exploring, fighting, and unlocking everything I could in Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 , and now I can confidently say: this sequel is everything the first attempt promised to be, and then some. Despite some specific limitations, especially technical ones on the Nintendo Switch, the game delivers a solid, fun, and rich experience for any fan of the series, and even for those just entering the universe of Tanjiro and his companions.

Mechanics and Gameplay

The basic structure of Hinokami Chronicles 2 maintains the DNA of CyberConnect2’s previous games. It’s a 3D arena fighter with one-on-one combat, free movement around the arena, assists, special moves, and the traditional definitive attacks that are true visual spectacles. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s more of the same: the sequel features subtle yet significant tweaks that make the gameplay experience much more fluid and satisfying.

Right from the start, I noticed that the controls were more responsive and the inputs more intuitive. Unlike the first title, where some controls felt out of sync with the action, here the game responds naturally. Dual Ultimates , special combined attacks between characters with strong bonds, are a major new feature. Seeing Tanjiro and Nezuko deliver a finishing blow in perfect synchronization is simply spine-chilling.

Another positive point is the equipment system , called the Gear System . It allows you to build sets of passive bonuses, such as resistance to certain effects or increased attack in specific situations, which can be used in both story mode and casual battles. This system adds an interesting layer of strategy, especially for those who want to experiment with different combinations of characters and fighting styles.

The story mode has also been fleshed out with new exploration mechanics. Each character has unique abilities that can be used outside of combat. Zenitsu, for example, stars in fun musical minigames, while Inosuke uses his hearing to find hidden objects and characters. Side quests and item collection (such as memories and Kimetsu points) help break up the linearity and improve progression.

Still, the combat system remains accessible , almost to the point of feeling simplistic for hardcore players. It’s easy to understand, easy to execute, and very difficult to get bored with, especially with the excellent cast of over 40 playable characters.

Graphics

I played Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch, and while I was aware of the console’s limitations, I was pleasantly surprised by what was delivered. The cel-shading remains spectacular, masterfully respecting the artistic style of Ufotable’s original animation. The effects of elemental techniques, such as water, fire, and electricity, are incredibly well applied, even with the reduced resolution of the Switch version.

The visual highlight continues to be the animations for special moves and Dual Ultimates , which are truly spectacular. The character models are also well-crafted; even though I noticed a drop in model definition in more intense scenes in handheld mode, the action doesn’t suffer.

The environments are beautifully crafted , and each battle arena is faithful to the anime’s setting. The explorable areas in story mode, such as the Entertainment District and the Blacksmith’s Village, are rich in detail and ambiance. The game also excels in using dubbed still images in optional flashbacks and extras, simulating the endings of the series’ episodes. A treat for fans.

Sound

The game’s soundtrack is one of its pillars. The original soundtrack is faithful to the anime, with moving melodies and epic themes that heighten the tension during combat. Each battle against members of the Twelve Demon Moons, for example, is accompanied by tracks that perfectly match the rhythm of the combat.

Additionally, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 offers full Japanese and English dubbing , featuring the same voice actors from the anime, greatly enhancing the immersion. The sound effects are also well-executed: sword slashes, elemental breaths, and ambient sounds reinforce the feeling of being in the anime’s universe.

The menus and sound interfaces are subtle, functional, and aesthetically consistent with the game’s overall presentation. And I can’t fail to mention the impact of the Ultimate Arts : each time a final attack is triggered, the score, effects, and voice acting combine to deliver a cinematic experience.

Fun

This is a game clearly made for fans, and that’s reflected in how much fun it is. From the story mode, which faithfully and fluidly retells the series’ main story arcs to date, to the optional challenges, minigames, and even the robust Training Paths mode , everything is designed to keep players engaged for many hours.

Incidentally, the Training Paths mode was a pleasant surprise. Inspired by roguelike mechanics, this mode offers varied challenges with combat modifiers, sequential fights, and short narratives involving the Hashira. It works not only as an alternative to multiplayer but also as an excellent way to train and unlock new items.

The amount of unlockable content is absurd: costumes, voice lines, illustrations, player cards, extra characters, everything is available and distributed in a way that the player feels constantly rewarded.

Even after finishing the story, I found myself coming back to complete challenges, improve my score, test characters, and try to complete the gallery. The sense of progression is very well constructed. And while the combat doesn’t have the depth of Guilty Gear or Street Fighter , it’s addictive, visually rewarding, and extremely satisfying.

Performance and Optimization

On Nintendo Switch, the game remains stable, with very few performance issues. In docked mode , performance is smoother, with the frame rate locked at 30 frames per second , with no noticeable stuttering. In handheld mode , I noticed some minor stuttering during moments with multiple on-screen effects or complex animations, but nothing that significantly impacted gameplay.

Loading times are fast, menus are responsive, and transitions between scenes and battles are fluid. Optimization is excellent.

The online mode also worked well. Casual matches ran lag-free, and lobbies offered reasonable customization options. Even though the system uses delay-based netcode (not rollback), the experience was acceptable in the matches we tested.

Conclusion

DS: KnY – THC 2 is undoubtedly the game that fans of the series deserved. It refines the concepts of the first game, significantly expands the content, delivers more varied and polished combat, and offers a huge range of modes and unlockables. All this without losing the visual and emotional essence that made the original game famous.

Despite a few minor hiccups, such as occasional repetitive combat, overly cinematic chapters, and the Switch version’s technical limitations, the overall experience is extremely rewarding. If you love the anime, this game is a must-play. If you just want a fun arena fighter with plenty of content and style, it’s still well worth checking out.