Maximizing Demon Slayer Gaming: Dismemberment and Day/Night Separation

The Hinokami Chronicles game adaptation of Demon Slayer has been well-received for its cinematic combat styles and faithful retelling of the beloved story. However, with the potential for future video game adaptations, there are still many untapped possibilities within the Demon Slayer universe. One avenue to explore could be incorporating features from recent zombie games, as the similarities between demons and zombies in video game media are striking. While they may differ in lore, both can provide immersive and intense combat experiences that could elevate future Demon Slayer games to new heights.

Combat in Future Demon Slayer Games Shouldn’t Miss Out on Dismemberment

The combat in Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles, though successful in bringing the anime's combat techniques and styles to life, lacks variety and falls into the same patterns as most fighting games. While it is essentially a battle of attrition, there is room for innovative features that could potentially revolutionize the game. One such feature that would be a perfect fit for the Demon Slayer universe is the complex dismemberment system from Dead Island 2.

Dead Island 2's F.L.E.S.H. dismemberment system considers the type of weapons used by players and where they strike their enemies. This allows players to target specific limbs with particular weaponry to sever them from unique zombies in the game. While Demon Slayers and Hashira traditionally use swords and other bladed weapons, incorporating attention to detail on where attacks land could elevate the combat system in future Demon Slayer games.

In the world of Demon Slayer, beheading Demons is a reliable way to defeat them, along with exposing them to sunlight. However, there are exceptions for upper-Rank Demons. Dismemberment of limbs during combat is a common occurrence in the anime and often leads up to the final blow. This is due to the fact that Demons possess the ability to regenerate their lost limbs and even fully heal themselves by expending their energy. A video game adaptation of Demon Slayer without a dismemberment system would be a missed opportunity.

The noncombat encounters in Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles were lacking and left much to be desired. While the story was a faithful adaptation that included amazing performances and memorable scenes, the exploration in-between felt a bit awkward and minimalist. To improve future Demon Slayer games, developers could learn from open-world zombie games, such as Dying Light 2, and incorporate more engaging noncombat encounters.

The day/night cycle in both Dying Light games has set a new standard, and Dying Light 2's cycle is even more justifiable in the Demon Slayer universe. With demons being fatally vulnerable to sunlight, the separation of day and night could create an immersive experience for players. In addition, dividing combat and exploration could provide players with the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Demon Slayer universe, allowing them to develop relationships and explore its complex mythology.