Gaming

‘Hinokami Chronicles 2’ is great before AND after watching ‘Infinity Castle’

Demon Slayer fans are spoiled!

Published

August 21, 2025

When a feature film comes out with an accompanying game, the game usually suffers in overall quality. That was the case, at least, in the PS2 to PS3/ Xbox to Xbox 360 era. And while Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Hinokami Chronicles 2 isn’t exactly marketed as an accompanying game to Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the events of the two pieces of media lead directly to each other.

The story mode of Hinokami Chronicles 2 (This is what we’ll call the game henceforth) covers the Entertainment District, Swordssmith Village, and Hashira Training Arcs. All these lead up to the events of Infinity Castle (This is what we’ll call the feature film henceforth). Suffice to say, if you’re a Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- fan, you’re eating well.

Before AND after?

Yes, you read that right. Hinokami Chronicles 2 is great both before and after watching Infinity Castle despite the events of the game being those that directly preceded the film.

I say this because this is exactly how I experienced the two Demon Slayer offerings. I was in the middle of my Story Mode playthrough when I received an early screening invitation for Infinity Castle.

For the film, it’s important that you’re at least caught up with the anime. That’s really all you need to fully enjoy both Demon Slayer things.

READ: Now Playing: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

I’ve been quite busy preparing for a couple of overseas coverages when I received the code to review Hinokami Chronicles 2. That’s why when the invite to watch the film came, I was still very early on in the story mode.

I had hoped to finish the game prior but my schedule just didn’t allow for it. Fortunately, it didn’t sour my experience of either the game nor the film.

After seeing Infinity Castle, I was even more hyped to immerse myself in more Demon Slayer things. Thankfully, Hinokami Chronicles 2 was right there to satisfy my craving.

Hinokami Chronicles 2: Visual stunner

The game is stylish and visually striking! Aniplex and CyberConnect2 is top-of-the-hill when it comes to presentation of anime in games. Hinokami Chronicles 2 is just another testament to that.

Each move, every attack, and all the specials scream “Sakuga” with how much of a feast to the eyes they are. With over 40 characters to choose from -each one feeling mostly unique- you’ll find yourself burning a few hours on the game pretty easily.

The game also added Dual Ultimates. These are extra flashy finishing moves if you pair the right characters together. Finding the right pairs and executing their specials is one of the many thrills of the game.

Better than Hinokami Chronicles 1?

I never really got to play the first game so I can’t comment substantially about the changes. I will say, though, that the Story Mode does feel robust.

To keep players engaged, some key moments offer some changes that will certainly elicit a reaction from the player. Won’t spoil any of them here. It’s best experienced while playing!

Based on what I’ve read and seen from other reviews so far, it appears that Hinokami Chronicles 2 is an excellent refinement of the first game. That’s usually the case with good sequel games – especially with those that you already know the story of.

The game does mix things up when you get to the Hashira Training Arc. It offers a roguelike mode which is perfect for upping the game’s replayability.

Core gameplay

If you’ve played arena fighting games before, then this game will feel familiar. I, for one, have spent significant time playing the My Hero Academia: One’s Justice and Naruto Storm games, among others.

Hinokami Chronicles 2 offers technical differences but the general gameplay will be relatively easy to pick up if you’ve played similar games before.

Crowding, when to attack, when to pull-back, and when to unleash your devastating special attacks will all be determined by your innate action fighting game timing.

It’s easy to feel that you’re pretty good at the game early on. However, there are a handful of mini bosses and boss level battles in the story mode that will truly test you.

Infinity Castle DLC?

Many are already speculating that there will be some Infinify Castle DLC down the line. After all, I’m sure many Demon Slayer fans will be itching to recreate the match-ups in the film.

While I am personally hopeful, my gut tells me that the entire Infinity Castle Arc will be a third game that will come out at around the same time that the third film in the Infinity Castle trilogy will be released in theaters.

I would point to My Hero Academia which is doing exactly just that. It’ll certainly build up anticipation for both the game and the ending of the story if they execute it this way.

Should you play Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Hinokami Chronicles 2?

If you’re a Demon Slayer fan AND a gamer, this isn’t even a question. It’s an easy Super Swipe. The game lets you relive key battles in the anime while also letting you play out ‘fantasy matches’ in the versus fighting mode.

The game is now available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. If you can get it on the current generation platforms, definitely go for that. If you’re on the Nintendo Switch 2, maybe wait for a version that’s actually made for the platform. The current one available on the Switch just isn’t as visually good as the current gen version.

All told, it’s a fantastic anime arena fighting game that will have you conjuring your own breathing forms as you play.

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: