Based on the widely popular manga and anime TV series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, the upcoming fighting game Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles will feature main characters battling it out in 3D arena environments. Developed by CyberConnect2, the game will draw some influence from the studio's successful Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja franchise but will be set completely in Demon Slayer's Taisho Period of Japan.
SEGA announced last week that Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles would be getting a Western release, with a debut date in North America and Europe on October 15. The Digital Deluxe Edition of The Hinokami Chronicles was also revealed, which will include some extra keys to unlock new characters. Now, Xbox has outlined some key playable members of the Hashira tier of the Demon Slayer Corporation in a new post, as well as revealed more about the game's story arcs.
First off, Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles will have story content from two Demon Slayer story arcs including "Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve" and "Mugen Train." The game will have both a story mode and a versus mode, but with it set to be the first major video game experience for Demon Slayer fans, The Hinokami Chronicles' story mode will be key to its success. Protagonist Tanjiro meets many unique characters on his quest to restore his sister's humanity, and with 18 playable characters in the game, it will be interesting to see how the story mode introduces them.
As for the characters themselves, several are members of the Hashira, the highest group in the Demon Slayer Corporation. Each Hashira practices a different Breathing Style, which help them during combat situations. Three of the playable Hashira in Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles will be Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, and Kyojuro Rengoku. These characters make use of the Water, Insect, and Flame Breathing techniques, although there are many more Breathing Techniques in the Demon Slayer series.
Tanjiro will also utilize his Breathing Technique skills in the game, which may be the inspiration for unique character moves. Although other Demon Slayers draw Breathing Techniques from certain elements, Tanjiro's is simply called "Hinokami Kagura." Those familiar with the manga/anime will know that this is an incredibly powerful technique, although it will probably be balanced with others in The Hinokami Chronicles for the sake of gameplay.
Ultimately, fans will have wait to see if CyberConnect2 can faithfully represent each character in Demon Slayer in The Hinokami Chronicles. While the balance of the game's versus mode will be important for its long-term success, a well-developed story may be able to hook audiences outside the Demon Slayer sphere and push the perceived limits of its player base.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles is set to launch on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on October 15, 2021.
Source: Xbox