Toukiden 2

Lore & Background

The game takes place two years after the events of Toukiden: Kiwami. Players assume the role of a mysterious Slayer who awakens after a ten-year slumber to a world shrouded in darkness. An event known as the Awakening has caused rifts in space and time, resurfacing lost places and unleashing swarms of Oni that relentlessly hunt humans. The Slayers, a secret clan of warriors who have protected humanity for over a millennium, now stand at the center stage of history as guardians of mankind. Defeating Oni frees the souls of fallen heroes called Mitama, based on Japanese historical figures, which can be used to power up the player's character, weapons, armor, and the Demon Hand.

Reader's Guide

Toukiden 2 is significant for overhauling the series' structure with an open world, replacing the previous hub-and-mission format. Hunting grounds from earlier games return but are now seamlessly connected, and the world map features locked areas tied to story progression, day and night cycles, and hazard levels that shift from safe to dangerous as demons are eliminated. Combat is now seamless, occurring anywhere in the field, and the new Demon Hand allows players to hook onto objects or minor demons to close distances, stun giant demons, lock onto body parts, or obliterate them entirely. The game introduces medium-sized demons as a middle ground between common and giant foes, and new weapons such as the sword and shield and the trick whip. Mitama now grant a Control element that summons Oni to fight for the player, with each Mitama able to learn up to nine Boosts, though only three can be equipped at a time. Other additions include a faster running ability, automatons that scavenge for items, a miasma gauge in corrupted areas, and the ability to craft better materials at the Professor's research facility. The game received generally favorable reviews, with critics noting its improved storytelling, open world, reduced item farming, and greater variety in quests and Oni.

Did You Know?

• The Demon Hand can pulverize the limbs of Oni, leaving no trace, and can also interact with natural and supernatural objects.
• Players can raise multiple Tenko, name them, and if well-cared for, they will occasionally find items and follow the protagonist.
• A limited 'Treasure Box' edition in Japan included an art book, original soundtrack CD, nine character illustrations, and DLC for exclusive armor.
• The PS3 version of Toukiden 2 was only released in Japan.