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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 cover image

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2
Item: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 5, 2025

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperCyberConnect2

Overview

Become the blade that destroys demons! In Solo Mode, follow Tanjiro through the story from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibaanime as he faces demons in order to turn his sister Nezuko, who has become a demon, back into a human. In Versus Mode, characters from the anime, including Tanjiro and Nezuko, can be freely matched against each another in a one-versus-one setting with up to two players online or offline! Enjoy this simple but exhilarating battle system, and become the greatest demon slayer you can!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2" impresses with stunning visuals and faithful adaptations of key arcs, delighting fans and critics alike. However, it suffers from rushed pacing, shallow narrative depth, and a linear structure that may alienate newcomers. While visually appealing, the game ultimately lacks the emotional weight and character development needed for a truly engaging experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2" highlights several positive aspects that resonate well with critics. Many reviewers, such as LevelUp and Gameliner, appreciate the game's ability to capture the essence of the anime, with impressive visuals and detailed cinematics that enhance the narrative experience. Critics like IGN Spain and Loot Level Chill commend the integration of side quests and secondary tasks, which contribute to a more engaging experience. The adaptation of key arcs, including the Entertainment District and Hashira Training arcs, is noted for its faithfulness to the source material, which fans of the franchise find satisfying. Furthermore, critics like COGconnected and Generación Xbox remark on the cinematic presentation that brings the story to life, making it accessible for both fans and newcomers. Despite these strengths, the game faces significant criticism regarding its narrative execution. Many reviewers, including Voxel and Worth Playing, express concerns about the pacing and depth of the story, indicating that it often feels rushed and lacks the emotional weight found in the original anime. Critics like Shacknews and Gamekult point out that the reliance on cutscenes and linear storytelling can lead to a less immersive experience, with some sections feeling like filler. Additionally, several reviewers, such as My critic name is CGMagazine and GameSpew, highlight the lack of character development and depth, suggesting that the game may not fully engage players who are unfamiliar with the series or those seeking a more expansive narrative. The overall consensus among critics is that while "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2" successfully adapts key arcs from the anime and delivers a visually appealing experience, it falls short in terms of narrative depth and pacing. Many critics, including IGN and TheSixthAxis, agree that the game is best suited for fans of the franchise, as newcomers may struggle to fully appreciate the story due to its reliance on prior knowledge. The game’s linear structure and occasional padding detract from the overall experience, leaving some players wanting more from the narrative. Ultimately, while the game offers a solid adaptation of beloved arcs, it struggles to provide a compelling and engaging story that stands independently.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 impresses with accessible, engaging combat and new features like the Gear System, but falls short on depth and innovation. Critics praise its intuitive controls and aggressive gameplay, making it enjoyable for casual gamers. However, a limited move list and repetitive missions leave hardcore fighting fans wanting more complexity. Ultimately, it’s a fun title for franchise fans and newcomers, but it lacks the challenge and variety sought by dedicated players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its accessibility and engaging combat mechanics. Reviewers such as CGMagazine and LevelUp appreciate the improvements in the combat system, noting that it rewards aggressive play while remaining approachable for casual gamers. Critics like Voxel and Loot Level Chill emphasize the intuitive controls and enjoyable arena combat, which allows players to execute beautiful attacks with ease. The introduction of new features such as the Gear System and Dual Ultimates has been praised for adding strategic depth, as noted by Gameliner and IGN Spain, making the gameplay experience more dynamic and enhancing the overall enjoyment. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that affect the longevity and depth of the gameplay experience. Many reviews, including those from But Why Tho? and Worth Playing, mention a limited move list and a lack of new mechanics that could challenge returning players. The repetitive nature of combat and exploration missions is a common theme, with Final Weapon and Shacknews noting that while the combat is initially fun, it can become monotonous over time. Critics like Gamepressure and Gamereactor UK also highlight the absence of innovation, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable, it may not satisfy hardcore fighting game fans looking for more complexity and depth. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 offers a solid, accessible combat experience that is enjoyable for casual players but lacks the depth and innovation that might appeal to more dedicated fighting game enthusiasts. While the game successfully builds on its predecessor with new features and improvements, as noted by critics like Hobby Consolas and Game8, it still falls short in terms of providing a truly engaging and varied gameplay experience. The balance of fun and simplicity, as highlighted by multiple reviewers, ultimately positions the game as a title that is best suited for fans of the franchise and newcomers rather than competitive players seeking a deep fighting game experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 wows critics with its stunning visuals and fluid animations that faithfully capture the anime's aesthetic. Praise flows for its character designs and combat sequences, but flaws emerge with lackluster exploration areas and blurry models on the Switch. Despite these issues, the game is celebrated for its impressive graphics, making it a solid addition to the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to replicate the anime's aesthetic with impressive fidelity. Reviewers from various platforms, including But Why Tho? and Voxel, praised the game for its excellent visuals, fluid animations, and character designs that closely resemble their anime counterparts. Critics like CGMagazine and IGN noted the sharpness of the visuals and the quality of animations, particularly during combat and cinematic sequences, which contribute to an engaging visual experience. The cel-shaded graphics were frequently mentioned as a standout feature, effectively capturing the essence of the series and enhancing the overall production value, as highlighted by LevelUp and Gameliner. However, despite the accolades, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the game's visual design. Worth Playing and Eurogamer Portugal remarked on the lack of personality in some exploration areas, while Loot Level Chill criticized the blurry character models on the Nintendo Switch, indicating that the visuals suffered in certain contexts. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Vgames, expressed disappointment in the animation quality during story scenes, which felt less dynamic compared to the rest of the game. Issues like low-resolution textures and pop-in problems were also mentioned by critics like Hobby Consolas, detracting from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 successfully delivers a visually appealing experience that resonates with fans of the anime. While there are valid criticisms regarding environmental quality and certain performance issues, the game is largely celebrated for its stunning character designs and animations, with many reviewers, including Gamepressure and Gamereactor UK, emphasizing the impressive combat visuals and cinematic presentation. The majority of opinions suggest that the game's graphics are a significant strength, showcasing CyberConnect2's expertise in anime adaptations, making it a worthy addition to the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 boasts impressive sound design and a compelling soundtrack that enhance immersion, especially for anime fans. Critics praise the original voice cast and orchestral elements, although some note repetitiveness and occasional unconvincing voice acting. Overall, the audio experience is a strong highlight, overshadowing its minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 have garnered generally positive feedback from critics across various platforms. Reviewers like Worth Playing and Atomix praised the excellent sound design, highlighting impactful sound effects and a soundtrack that complements the gameplay. The inclusion of the original voice cast, particularly noted by IGN Spain and Gamereactor UK, adds authenticity and enhances immersion, which is a significant plus for fans of the anime. Critics also appreciated the orchestral elements of the soundtrack, as mentioned by CGMagazine, and the incorporation of traditional Japanese instruments, as noted by COGconnected, which enriches the overall audio experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design and music. CGMagazine pointed out that the soundtrack can become repetitive during longer play sessions, which may detract from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, while several reviewers acknowledged the quality of the voice acting, GamingBolt criticized it for being unconvincing at times, with excessive shouting that could detract from the experience. Some critics, like Voxel and IGN, noted a lack of extensive detail on sound design, which might leave players wanting more in-depth analysis of the audio elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 features a strong sound design and music that effectively enhances the gaming experience, particularly for fans of the series. The combination of original voice acting and a well-crafted soundtrack has been well-received, with many reviewers, including Game8 and Generación Xbox, emphasizing its contribution to immersion. While there are some concerns about repetitiveness and occasional issues with voice acting, the strengths of the audio elements seem to outweigh the negatives, making it a notable aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 features strong voice acting that enhances the game's narrative, especially with the original anime cast. Critics praise standout performances, particularly Natsuki Hanae as Tanjiro. However, the English dub faces backlash for poor quality and lack of conviction, leading to a mixed reception. While the overall voice acting elevates the game, players may want to choose between the Japanese and English versions based on personal preference.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 has garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Reviewers such as CGMagazine and Worth Playing praised both the English and Japanese voice casts for delivering strong performances that enhance the narrative experience and emotional moments. The inclusion of the original cast from the anime, as highlighted by IGN Spain and Atomix, adds a layer of authenticity that resonates well with fans. Critics like Game8 specifically noted standout performances, such as Natsuki Hanae’s portrayal of Tanjiro, which effectively captures the character's emotional depth. Overall, many reviewers agree that the voice acting significantly contributes to the storytelling and enjoyment of the game. However, not all feedback has been uniformly positive. Some critics, particularly COGconnected and GamingBolt, expressed concerns regarding the quality of the English voice acting, describing it as poor and lacking conviction, which detracts from immersion during intense scenes. This sentiment is echoed by IGN, which noted excessive internal monologue and yelling that may detract from the overall experience. While some players found the English voice acting enjoyable, as mentioned by XboxEra, the criticisms suggest a divide in preference, with some players favoring the Japanese dub for a more authentic experience. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a strong point of the game, particularly with the original cast's involvement, there are notable criticisms regarding the English voice performances. Reviewers like Gamereactor UK and Vandal emphasized the positive contributions of voice acting to character immersion, while others highlighted the shortcomings that could affect player enjoyment. Ultimately, the game succeeds in delivering a compelling audio experience, but the mixed reception of the English dub suggests that players may want to consider their preferences before diving in.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2" shines on PC and Nintendo Switch with stellar performance and smooth gameplay, but the PS5 and Xbox Series X struggle with significant technical issues like laggy online play and frame rate drops. While single-player modes are solid, the game's online experience needs urgent optimization to fix netcode and camera problems.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2" varies across different gaming platforms, with generally positive sentiments for PC and Nintendo Switch. On PC, critics like But Why Tho? and CGMagazine highlight the game's flawless performance, stable frame rates, and brief load times, even during intense gameplay. Worth Playing notes that the game performs well on the Steam Deck, maintaining a good frame rate during fights, which is a commendable achievement for a handheld device. For the Nintendo Switch, several reviewers, including IGN Spain and Final Weapon, commend the game for maintaining stable performance and good resolution in both handheld and docked modes, with LevelUp acknowledging the solid visuals and responsive controls. Overall, the technical performance on these platforms is seen as robust, providing players with a smooth gaming experience. However, the PS5 version presents a mixed bag of technical issues. Critics like Game8 and Gamekult point out significant problems with the online mode, including poor netcode and server stability, which can lead to lag spikes and inconsistent matches. Additionally, GameBlast mentions camera issues that can hinder gameplay, especially during boss battles, while Hobby Consolas notes frame rate drops and pop-in issues that affect the overall experience. Critics such as GamingBolt and Gamepressure acknowledge that while the game runs smoothly overall, there are minor stutters in certain areas that detract from the experience. On the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox reports frame rate drops and instability, which is surprising given the platform's capabilities. In summary, while the PC and Nintendo Switch versions of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2" receive praise for their technical performance, the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions face notable challenges. The consensus among critics indicates that the game excels in single-player and local modes but struggles with online play, particularly on the PS5, where issues like poor netcode and camera problems are prevalent. Overall, the game showcases potential but requires further optimization to enhance the online experience and address the technical shortcomings that some platforms face.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 boasts an impressive roster of over 40 characters and diverse modes, including online play, enhancing its replay value for dedicated fans. However, critics warn of a lack of substantial content beyond the main story, leading to repetitiveness and limited long-term engagement. While the game offers character mastery and challenges, its shallow content and absence of cross-play may leave casual players feeling unfulfilled.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 highlight several positive aspects that appeal to players. Many critics, such as IGN Spain and Loot Level Chill, emphasize the game's extensive roster of over forty characters and the variety of modes available, including online play and arcade options. This character diversity and the inclusion of modes like the robust Training Paths, noted by Shacknews, provide ample opportunities for players to experiment and engage with the game beyond the main storyline. Critics like Worth Playing and Final Weapon also mention that the unlockable content encourages players to explore different characters and modes, enhancing the overall replay value for those who enjoy character mastery and multiplayer experiences. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value that cannot be overlooked. Several reviewers, including Voxel and Checkpoint Gaming, point out the lack of substantial content beyond the main story, which may lead to a sense of repetitiveness and limit long-term engagement. Critics like CGMagazine and Gamekult express that the game feels safe and familiar, lacking the depth and variety that some players seek. Additionally, the absence of cross-play and limited multiplayer options, as highlighted by Vgames, raises concerns about the game's longevity, suggesting that it may not hold players' attention after the initial playthrough. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception regarding replay value. While many reviewers acknowledge the game's variety of modes and character options as strengths, there is a prevailing sentiment that the content may not be enough to sustain long-term interest for all players. Critics like Eurogamer Portugal and GamingBolt recognize the potential for replayability through various challenges and side missions, yet others, such as Atomix and Noisy Pixel, caution that the shallow nature of some content may deter players from returning after completing the story. Ultimately, the game's replay value appears to be most appealing to dedicated fans of the franchise, while casual players might find themselves less engaged over time.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is predominantly positive, especially among fans of the franchise. Critics like But Why Tho? and Worth Playing highlight the game's strong narrative and gameplay experience, noting that it effectively builds on its predecessor. Many reviewers, including Final Weapon and Gamereactor UK, appreciate the expanded roster of characters and modes, which contribute to a richer gaming experience. The visuals have also received acclaim, with several critics, such as Gamepressure and GAMES.CH, praising the game's graphical fidelity. Additionally, the combat system is generally regarded as enjoyable, with Checkpoint Gaming emphasizing its focus on teamwork and strategic play. However, the game is not without its flaws, which have been pointed out by multiple critics. A recurring theme in the reviews is the lack of innovation; CGMagazine and Atomix both mention that the game plays it safe and does not introduce significant new mechanics to the genre. Critics like Voxel and Gamekult express concerns about the game's content, noting that it suffers from an incomplete story and a lack of depth in certain areas. Additionally, issues such as animation problems and a limited multiplayer experience, as highlighted by Vgames, detract from the overall enjoyment for some players. In summary, the consensus among critics leans towards Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 being a solid sequel that successfully caters to fans of the series while improving upon its predecessor. While many reviewers, including IGN and Hobby Consolas, acknowledge the game's strengths in storytelling and character development, they also note its shortcomings in innovation and depth. Overall, the game is recommended primarily for dedicated fans of the franchise, as it provides an enjoyable experience that may not resonate as strongly with newcomers or those seeking a groundbreaking gaming experience.

TL;DR

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 impresses fans with its strong narrative, expanded character roster, and stunning visuals, making it a solid sequel. However, critics note a lack of innovation and depth, with issues like animation problems and limited multiplayer detracting from the experience. Recommended for dedicated fans, but may not satisfy newcomers seeking fresh gameplay.

MONSTER

Reviews

80 reviews found

IGN France

PlayStation 5

Jul 31, 2025