Review | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 (PC)

From the Entertainment District Arc to the Hashira Training

It has been a great year for Demon Slayer fans with the premiere of Infinity Castle. As the first entry in a three-part adaptation of the Infinity Castle Arc, it marks the beginning of the end for the acclaimed series. So far, the film starts strong, blending the series’ defining traits into a striking cinematic experience. For those craving more until the next installment, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is worth picking up.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is the latest video game adaptation of the acclaimed series. At first glance, it may seem like a game packed with fan service designed to appeal to the community. Beneath that lies a quality fighting game that faithfully recreates the series’ defining elements in an unforgettable experience. Even though it’s only going to appeal to the fandom, it has been developed to ensure they have a fun experience with friends and other fans.

It should be noted that I am anime only when it comes to the series. Therefore, this review will not compare the story elements of The Hinokami Chronicles 2 with their depiction in the manga. Instead, my critique and analysis will focus on how the game recreates moments from the anime adaptation.

I Must Get Stronger

The Hinokami Chronicles 2 story mode begins with the Entertainment District Arc and concludes with the Hashira Training Arc. These events are broken up into eight chapters and recreated with the original voice cast. The story is recreated through semi-open world exploration filled with side quests and hidden items. Players can also enjoy several fun minigames between major story moments. The main battles unfold as intense 3D fighting sequences set across large stages inspired by the series’ locations. Fans of the anime will find much to appreciate, as the game is filled with familiar moments, subtle nods, and thoughtful details. At the same time, the combat does an excellent job of letting players experience these iconic scenes firsthand.

The Strongest Demon Slayer

Besides Story Mode, the game also has Vs. Mode, Online Matches, The Path of a Demon Slayer, and the Training Path.

Vs. Mode and Online Matches make up the core of The Hinokami Chronicles 2, where players will spend most of their time. Vs. Mode lets fans step into the shoes of their favorite characters and battle against others. These fights can be enjoyed with friends through local co-op or against AI opponents. The mode also goes beyond standard battles, featuring Endurance Matches that challenge players with timed duels and survival-style combat. Online Matches build on this foundation, allowing players to compete globally through Ranked, Casual, and Group matches that add variety and replay value.

The Path of a Demon Slayer is another story mode experience that summarizes the events starting with the Final Selection Arc up until the conclusion of the Mugen Train Arc. Training Path has you play as a character of your choice and battle through a series of opponents until you confront one of the Hashira. This mode includes all of the core Hashira’s including Tengen Uzui and Kyojuri Rengoku.

The most important aspect of The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is letting players fight as their favorite characters from a strong, diverse roster. Vs. Mode and Online Matches allow players to use all 40 available characters freely. The roster includes core characters, the Hashira, the Upper Rank Demons, side characters, and alternate versions from Kimetsu Academy. Training Path offers a similar experience but excludes the demon characters. All characters can be unlocked through gameplay or purchased via the Kimetsu Point Shop.

Feel the Rage

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is, first and foremost, a game made by fans for fans and it makes no effort to hide it. Not only does the game feature a massive roster with every character, but it also includes alternate versions from the main series and the Kimetsu Academy spin-off. At the same time, nearly every aspect of your profile and gameplay can be customized with unlockables, including music from the series and trinkets associated with your favorite characters.

As a fighting game, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 deserves praise for how it recreates the intense yet visually stunning battles the series is known for. It fully embraces its 3D fighting game format with expansive arenas while incorporating the anime’s distinct artistic style into every visual design choice. This approach captures the feel and appearance of the breathing techniques as they unfold in the heat of battle. While similar concepts have appeared in other games, the use of highly detailed anime-style visuals makes each encounter feel immersive, giving players a sense of control over these iconic moments.

Finally, one can’t overlook the game’s strong replay value. With its many game modes, robust multiplayer options, and unlockable content, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 offers plenty of reasons to keep coming back. It just shows that the developers wanted to keep fans entertained while they wait for the second film.

You Broke my Sword

The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Story Mode is one of the best I’ve seen in a fighting game, though it could have been executed more effectively. In theory, it has all the right ideas to faithfully recreate the story of Demon Slayer while approaching it thoughtfully. The execution, however, sometimes falls flat and could have been delivered more smoothly. It feels like they were trying to go for an RPG experience, but were limited because of the scope of the overall game. While many players might overlook story mode in a fighting game, I hesitate to dismiss it as it clearly doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Fans will not be too disappointed by this one shortcoming, as the overall experience itself is solid.

FIGHT ME!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 allows fans of the series to experience its defining aspects in the context of a fighting game. Players could re-experience the story or step into the shoes of their favorite characters and battle it out. It’s a quality and faithful adaptation of the hit series as a fighting game that is able to perfectly capture its defining elements. This makes it a treat for fans while they wait for the second film.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 (PC)

Pros

• It’s a quality and faithful adaptation of the hit series as a fighting game.
• Visual style stays true to the series’ artistic aesthetic while faithfully recreating its iconic fighting moments.
• Fans could play as any 40 characters or renditions from the series.
• Solid fighting game mechanics and rich in replay value.

Cons

• Story mode had the right idea but could have been executed better.