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

The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow

The Continent comes alive

Published

March 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.

And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.

With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.

As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:

Relics from the Continent: official merchandise

For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.

This includes the following:

Event Tee (PhP2,200)
Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
Beanie (PhP1,800)
Tote bag (PhP1,800)
Key chain (PhP1,400)
Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
Event magnet (PhP800)
Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)

It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.

The path to Solaire: getting there made easier

Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.

A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach

For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.

To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.

Answer the call

As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.

The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?

Gaming

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11

Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game

Published

March 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.

The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.

This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.

Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.

The full reveal will be on April 29.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.

The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.

Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.

Gaming

Switch 2 now lets you play old games in 1080p

It tricks old games into thinking that the console is docked.

Published

March 18, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The Switch 2’s popularity is astonishing, to say the least. Just recently, a single game, Pokémon Pokopia, was responsible for taking the free times of over two million players on the Switch 2. Now, Nintendo has released a new feature which should make the console much more playable, especially for those who already had the original Switch.

Today, the Switch 2 received the 22.0.0 system update. Though the update is mostly a variety of smaller updates, one feature, called the Handheld Mode Boost, stands out among the rest. As per the patch notes, “Handheld Mode Boost will cause compatible Nintendo Switch software to run as if the console is being played in TV mode.” Put simply, the feature will unlock 1080p resolution for older games.

For gamers who had the original Switch, game resolution was a huge problem. The first console lived on a 720p screen, so the early games supported only lower resolutions. The only exception is when the console was docked, which allows 1080p resolution.

Now, the Switch 2 supports backwards compatibility. Players can access their older Switch games on the new console. The catch, however, is that these games are still stuck in 720p. Some titles, at least, have released an update to increase resolution on the new console.

Handheld Mode Boost tricks the console into thinking that it’s hooked up to the dock. In effect, the game will play in 1080p. The catch, however, is that it also thinks that the Joy-Cons are a single Pro controller, so players might lose some game features. It’s still a decent price to pay, though.

In other news, the update has also updated the naming of the “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea” to “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea/Southeast Asia,” potentially hinting that Southeast Asia might finally get an online store.