Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 review: More of the same

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is one of Japan’s biggest anime franchises, so it was only a matter of time before it got the full video game treatment—fighting mode included, just like other Shonen Jump staples. With Dragon Ball and Naruto already setting the bar, it only made sense for Demon Slayer to throw its hat in the ring. But for a game like this to stick the landing, it needs to capture the look and feel of the anime fans love, while offering enough solid content to hook newcomers, too.

The first Hinokami Chronicles gave fans that exciting first glimpse of what it’s like to see their favorite characters go head-to-head in a sleek, anime-style arena. It was a strong debut, but it clearly had room to grow. Now, CyberConnect2 is back with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2, picking up where things left off and adding some smart upgrades that deliver more of what fans were asking for.

The Story So Far

One of the best things about Chronicles 2 is that it doesn’t just feel like a fighting game with a tacked-on story. It feels more like a proper Demon Slayer game that also happens to include a solid fighting mode. The main campaign picks up right after the events of Mugen Train and moves through the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training arcs. And with the anime continuing, this definitely won’t be the last entry in the series.

Story mode follows the anime pretty closely and plays out as a mostly linear journey. You can explore a bit, find small collectibles, and equip items to boost stats like HP or attack—which also carry over to versus mode if you want to tweak your playstyle. There are optional side missions, too, which stretch out the game’s length to something similar to the first one. And once you’ve cleared a chapter, you can jump back in at any time to replay it and grab anything you might’ve missed.

You’ll need to play through the story to unlock new characters, gear, and Kimetsu Points—used to buy extra skills, outfits, and more. Most of it works well, but some sections definitely feel like filler. There are moments where you’re just mowing down weaker enemies in musou-style segments, and a few of the minigames don’t add much. The tracking mechanic—used during certain missions depending on who you’re playing as—also feels a little underdeveloped. Still, the heart’s in the right place, and fans of the anime will enjoy being back in this world.

Anime-Inspired Presentation

CyberConnect2’s cinematic flair is all over this sequel. Chronicles 2 is packed with stylish cutscenes and over-the-top boss fights that drop you right into the middle of the anime’s biggest moments. These bosses go beyond the usual fights, with huge health pools, attack phases, and QTE-style finishers that make demon takedowns feel intense and satisfying. It all adds to the scale and drama that Demon Slayer is known for.

Transitions between cutscenes and gameplay are seamless, making everything feel immersive and polished. There are some minor stutters here and there, especially in forest arenas and more generic spots, but nothing that takes away from the experience.

The tone of the story is also well done. It hits the emotional highs and quieter moments while knowing when to throw in a laugh—especially with characters like Inosuke constantly yelling in the background. Voice acting is available in both Japanese and English, and both versions sound great. Combine that with a solid soundtrack that follows the action well, and you’ve got a presentation that feels like an authentic part of its anime universe.

An Anime Fighter Too

Chronicles 2 doesn’t shake things up too much in terms of core gameplay—but that’s not a bad thing. It sticks to the 3D arena fighter format: you choose two characters, your assist can hop in or be swapped mid-fight, and both share one health bar. This time, some tag teams get access to dual ultimate attacks, which look awesome.

One of the most noticeable improvements is the roster. This sequel launches with over 40 characters—twice as many as the first game had at launch. The original eventually got a few villains via free updates, but they arrived months later. This time, players get a lot more variety right from the start. Now, like most anime games, many of these are alternate versions of the same character, so the number’s a little padded—but it’s still a welcome upgrade that gives you more flexibility in how you play.

Gameplay itself is still very much like the first game. It’s flashy, smooth, and fun to watch—especially when you’re landing combos or chaining supers into assists. But don’t expect deep mechanics or technical complexity. Like most anime fighters, this one leans hard on fan service and visual spectacle over layered systems. It’s easy to pick up, the characters all have their charm, and there’s a lot of fun to be had—but hardcore fighter fans might not find much long-term depth outside of learning a few key links and timing your assists right.

Post-Story Content

If you’ve already played the first Hinokami Chronicles or watched the anime, you can dive straight into the sequel. But if you need a refresher, there’s Way of the Demon Slayer—a recap mode that revisits key story beats from the first game. Some sequels just toss in a cutscene collection or a summary video, but here, you actually get to play through six quick one-round fights that touch on the major moments. It’s a nice, playable catch-up for newcomers or returning players, and while its intentions were good—it’s not super detailed by any means. You are better off watching the actual anime or even playing through the first game instead.

There’s also Training Path, a board-style mode where you progress through connected battles with special conditions and unlock rewards. Each route ends with a boss fight, and while it’s not revolutionary, it adds something fun to grind through after the story’s done. Characters also level up through use, unlocking profile customizations like backgrounds, quotes, and character art—which is a nice bonus for players looking to show off online. And once you’ve unlocked everyone and picked your mains, online is likely where you’ll spend most of your time.

Final Thoughts

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hinokami Chronicles 2 is definitely an evolution, not a reinvention—but it launches in a stronger place than the original. It’s more focused on continuing the story and tightening up what the first game didn’t quite nail, and that’s not a bad thing at all. The roster is better out of the gate, and the new modes help round out the experience.

As a 3D fighter, it’s slightly above average—especially when compared to the many forgettable anime games out there. It launches with a more complete package, a solid character lineup, and one of the best visual tributes to the Demon Slayer universe. Overall, its improved presentation and single-player offerings are a testament that the game gives fans more of what they love even if it’s nothing they haven’t seen before.