Toukiden 2

The sequel to the rather disappointing Toukiden at its core is a motivating demon hunt with an entertaining story and an open world, that shows a few visuals deficits.

What seems at first glance like a fairly standard genre game, Toukiden 2 ultimately offers an interesting setting, imaginative creature designs, story- and exploration-driven gameplay, and unique combat elements. While its flaws are obvious, it’s not hard to forgive them when you’re in the heat of battle, chopping off a hellish spider-demon’s legs one by one and watching its life force disappear with every slash, shot, and punch.

Toukiden 2 is a packed title that sacrifices complex depth, but in exchange continues to offer people a faster, more easy to understand hunting game for anyone who does not gel with the methodical style of Monster Hunter, while also bringing a fun single player story. Omega Force switched up the formula with the inclusion of an open world, an idea that works well within its framework, but isn’t perfect – it could do to express the “open” aspect further, and also branch it out to the multiplayer component of the game. Fans should be happy to know that the sequel is a good follow up to the original, adding a little creative divergence, but upholding what was fun about the first title, while also allowing single or multiplayer gamers to jump in and enjoy without frustration.

Toukiden 2 manages to stay interesting by providing a wealth of abilities that can be used in exploration and fighting. However, it doesn't do a ton to break apart from its mostly one-note formula of traversing large open lands in order to find and take down oni.

Another enjoyable but greatly perfectible new entry in the Toukiden series. If you liked Kiwami, this is the “more of the same” you're waiting for.

Even though Toukiden 2 lacks depth in its combat, the game still manages to provide a story and world that players will enjoy spending time with.

Kind of addictive, due to a lot of content and an enjoyable multiplayer mode. The story, however, is weak and clichéd at best, and Toukiden 2's visuals are mediocre as well.

Toukiden 2 elevates the series with new gameplay features and an open-world setting that makes the game feel more cohesive and different to other titles in the genre. It manages to keep intact the best traits of its predecessors like an interesting lore, well-defined characters and a complex battle system, while also adding elements that improve the overall result. However, the lackluster graphics will reduce its mainstream appeal.

Toukiden 2 is packed with so much content that you can enjoy by yourself or with four other friends. The crafting is simple enough for anyone to get into and taking down a giant Oni can be incredibly satisfying. It’s just a shame that for everything good Toukiden 2 does, there is always something holding it back.

Adding a true open world to the Monster Hunter formula works just as well as you’d expect, even if this sequel is still a long way from perfecting the concept.

Toukiden 2 comes with plenty of missions, dozens of weapons and some nice bosses, but also an empty open world and modest graphics.

Toukiden 2 repeats the same formula from Kiwami in almost every aspect. Open world doesn't feel bad, although it isn't something you will remember for long. There's still a lack of dynamism in combat, that are almost identical to the earlier entries in the franchise, that will not surprise anyone when it comes to visuals. There is potential here, but the series needs to evolve if it wants to have international repercussion.

Toukiden 2 isn’t a bad game but there are enough flaws to stop it from being what could’ve been a great. I believe fans of the hunting style action RPG will easily get the most out of this, enjoying what they already love about the genre as they’re introduced to Toukiden 2's new ideas. If you’re not already a fan of this type of game however, it’s unlikely that this title will be the one to change your mind.

Not unlike the gray pebble on the bed of gaming’s great river, Toukiden 2 does nothing to harm or hinder the flow, but does nothing special to draw anyone in either. Action RPG first and prototype ice skating hack and slash second, Toukiden 2 is as worthy of a look as it is a pass.

Toukiden 2 is a game only suitable for fans of the franchise or lovers of Omega Force. Otherwise you'll have to make an effort to go through its basic cliché-driven narrative and gameplay.

Toukiden 2 is a well-crafted action RPG with plenty to do, but its combat doesn’t quite hit the spot.