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

Dune: Awakening is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

The spice flows to consoles

Published

June 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

The spice must flow, and this September, it flows into consoles for the very first time. Fresh off its standout feature during PlayStation’s State of Play, the highly anticipated open-world survival epic Dune: Awakening is officially launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 22.

Funcom also premiered the first PlayStation 5 gameplay footage at Sony’s event, giving players a first look at the console experience ahead of its late-third-quarter launch.

Brought to the region in collaboration with Level Infinite, this major console release promises to deliver an unforgiving, cinematic sci-fi experience directly to your living room.

A full single-player adventure

While Dune: Awakening is set in a massive shared world, solo players won’t be left out in the heat. Players can experience the entire game flawlessly as a deep, single-player journey.

You can choose to survive the brutal desert, build your legacy, and experience the dramatic grand finale of Book One entirely on your own terms.

Step into the cinematic universe

Created in close collaboration with Legendary Entertainment, the game is directly inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster films.

Players can expect movie tie-in content right out of the gate, seamlessly blending the film’s distinct aesthetic and massive scale with deep survival gameplay.

The journey continues on the Polar Cap

The journey doesn’t end when the credits roll at launch. Funcom has already promised ongoing massive updates to keep the experience fresh.

A brand-new survival region called The Polar Cap will arrive later this year as a completely free content update, bringing a shifting, icy pole full of hidden secrets to Arrakis.

Additions, improvements

New players on both PC and console will also get to enjoy a refined experience with a massive wave of additions and improvements.

Funcom has fundamentally shifted how the game plays based on community feedback, starting with the introduction of optional PvP.

In multiplayer, the entire game can now be played in full PvE, which extends even to the vast, open Deep Desert and participation in faction-versus-faction conflicts.

The endgame has also received a massive overhaul. The late-game loop has been rebuilt from the ground up to provide a much more balanced, immersive, and content-rich experience.

Moreover, players no longer have to worry about losing their hard work during extended breaks. Thanks to the newly implemented vehicle backup tool and base reconstruction tool, your progress remains safe.

Lastly, rounding out the updates are self-hosted servers for PC players. These allow anyone to host and fully customize their own server without rental fees.

Countless quality-of-life improvements have also been integrated, including character re-customization and the total removal of in-game taxes, making life on Arrakis just a little more manageable.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Revelation arrives in Spring 2027

The journey ends

Published

June 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Square Enix has officially unveiled Final Fantasy VII Revelation, the third and final entry in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. The game launches in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox PC.

Revealed at Summer Game Fest Live

The announcement debuted during Summer Game Fest Live. Director Naoki Hamaguchi and Vincent Valentine voice actor Matt Mercer also showcased the game’s first trailer and an extended gameplay presentation.

Revelation picks up as Cloud Strife and his allies race to stop Meteor and prevent the destruction of the planet. Sephiroth stands closer than ever to godhood, while the party takes flight aboard the iconic Highwind airship for the trilogy’s final adventure.

For the first time in the Remake series, players can freely explore the entire world using the Highwind. They can parachute into locations, tackle objectives in different orders, and make decisions that affect parts of their companions’ stories. The hybrid combat system also returns with new playable characters and expanded abilities.

Major locations revealed

The gameplay showcase revealed several major locations, including Wutai, Mideel, and the Northern Continent. Vincent Valentine and Cid Highwind will also join the playable roster. A new FITS system lets players equip outfits that unlock different abilities inspired by classic Final Fantasy jobs such as Black Mage and Warrior.

Producer Yoshinori Kitase described Revelation as the culmination of 30 years of Final Fantasy VII storytelling. Director Naoki Hamaguchi added that the game’s central theme is “resolve” as Cloud and his companions move toward the battle that will decide the planet’s fate.

Remake and Rebirth available in multiple platforms

Players can prepare for the finale by playing Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, both of which are already available across current platforms. Save data from those games will also unlock bonus summon materia in Final Fantasy VII Revelation.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation launches in Spring 2027.

Watch the trailer:

Gaming

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH physical Switch 2 edition out now

REBIRTH expands its reach

Published

June 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

The FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH physical edition for Nintendo Switch 2 is now available in Southeast Asia.

As previously announced, the award-winning, critically acclaimed RPG made its way to the Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC (complete with Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming support).

The new physical release brings the massive adventure to retail shelves across the region.

And with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE already available on the platform, the physical and digital arrival of REBIRTH means the first two entries in the remake trilogy are now available across all modern platforms.

No matter where they play, fans can catch up and prepare for the third installment — which is currently in production.

To make diving into the massive sequel easier, Square Enix has highlighted the optional “Streamlined Progression” feature. Originally introduced in REMAKE INTERGRADE, this option allows players to focus entirely on the narrative without worrying about the grind.

When toggled, it grants players unlimited HP (hit points), MP (magic points), limit breaks, and a constantly maxed-out ATB gauge during combat.

It also boosts attack power to a flat 9,999 damage and simplifies weapon ability acquisition. For those who want a smoother ride, the feature is also available on the PlayStation 5 and Steam versions via a free update.

Free demo

For players still on the fence, a free playable demo is available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox. This demo covers Chapters 1 and 2 of the main game.

Players can control a younger Cloud Strife alongside the legendary war hero Sephiroth during the infamous Nibelheim incident in Chapter 1.

Afterwards, Chapter 2 opens up into the expansive Grasslands region, offering several hours of open-world exploration, hidden treasures, side quests, and early matches of the popular Queen’s Blood card mini-game.

Best of all, all progress made in the demo seamlessly carries over to the full game.