SEGA released the new game “Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles” on October 15, 2021. The adventure fighting game is based on the anime Demon Slayer and enjoys huge success in Japan. However, you don’t have to be a fan of the anime to find joy in the game. MeinMMO explains what kind of game it is and what the reviews on the PC platform Steam say.
What kind of game is Demon Slayer – The Hinokami Chronicles? Demon Slayer is an adventure beat-’em-up that always takes place on 3D battlefields during the story and in online mode.
In online multiplayer, you can choose between 12 different characters, 6 of whom have an additional skin.
Your goal is to bring your opponent’s health bar down to 0 using strategic combos and your skills. You have a selectable battle partner by your side, whom you can call into the fight at any time by pressing a button (on PS4 with L1). They will save you from enemy attacks or help you deal damage.
Additionally, you can also select the battle partner as an active fighter by holding their button longer. The two characters swap positions, adding more variety and strategy to the battle.
The Story Mode of Demon Slayer – The Hinokami Chronicles
This is how the story mode works: In story mode, the story of the anime is retold in such an understandable way that even people who are not familiar with the original can follow along.
Unlike in online mode, in story mode you have the opportunity to walk around the respective maps, explore the area, and collect items that unlock additional cutscenes or rewards.
The fights in story mode basically run just like in online battles, but at the end of battles or during boss fights, there are some quick-time events that challenge you to press certain buttons at the right time.
If you have played games like Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm, you will find the principle familiar.
What is the story about? The dark story revolves around the sibling pair Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado. The story is set in an earlier era of Japan. While Tanjiro is away selling coal, his family is attacked and brutally murdered by a demon.
Only Nezuko barely survives and then transforms into a demon. To everyone’s surprise, she is not malicious and does not want to eat humans, but is a very special kind of demon.
Tanjiro makes it his mission to become a Demon Slayer to turn his little sister Nezuko back into a normal human. Along the way, he faces many difficult and traumatic challenges and meets some important people who support him on his mission.
This is how the story is implemented in the game: In the Hinokami Chronicles, you primarily play as Tanjiro and follow his arduous journey as a Demon Slayer. The game recounts the experiences from season 1 of the anime and the movie.
All cutscenes are fully voiced, rendered with original, beautiful graphics, and accompanied by fitting, great music.
Hinokami Chronicles can be played with both Japanese and English voice acting, and you can select subtitles in various languages – including German.
Steam celebrates Demon Slayer – Awards 89% positive reviews
What does the community say about it? The community particularly praises the graphics, music, and the addictive combat mode of Demon Slayer. According to the authors of the reviews on Steam, fans of the series and the manga will especially get their money’s worth.
We combed through the Steam reviews for you; here’s what players have to say:
For fans of anime fighting games, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles is a captivating experience. Even if you’re a newcomer to the series, it’s a game that’s fun to play and has a clear narrative that hooks you right in. It may feel easy at times, but it’s a perfect example of what CyberConnect2 does best.
UnrealDisplayer via Steam
Ezekiel adds:
The quality of the effects is really good and the gameplay is enjoyable.
via Steam
Gamma also shares the opinion:
If you like the “Naruto Ninja Storm” franchise and of course Demon Slayer, this game is a MUST. Solid story, animations, and solid gameplay. Go and S-rank those missions, I already did :).
via Steam
Players also praise that there will soon be free DLCs that are meant to expand Demon Slayer – The Hinokami Chronicles. Over time, 6 new fighters will be added, and season 2 is also expected to make its way into the game after airing in December 2021.
What Demon Slayer – The Hinokami Chronicles needs to work on
However, there is also criticism of the game: Players criticize that there are too few characters to fight. 6 out of the total 18 characters are simple clones of existing fighters thanks to their skins. Furthermore, the game is considered too expensive for the current content at 59.99 euros.
Players say that the story is too short and they would have liked more content. However, they also express understanding that the Hinokami Chronicles might not want to spoil the story of the anime and manga.
Moreover, the game currently runs only at 30 FPS; the 60 FPS are expected to be patched in by the developers, which also keeps some fans from purchasing it.
All in all, Demon Slayer – The Hinokami Chronicles is a hit on Steam and receives a mass of positive reviews from fans and newcomers. If you enjoy a character-focused story, fighting games, and the anime style, you will find joy in this game.
What do you think of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles? Have you tried it and are a fan of the series or is this not for you? Feel free to write it in the comments.
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