Demon Slayer Could Be the Perfect Anime to Hop on the Soulslite Train

by

Finding excellent video game adaptations from anime and manga is quite rare. Yet, some productions manage to get it right, such as Dragon Ball Fighter Z, which fits the anime’s theme seamlessly because it’s all about spectacular fight scenes, making a 2D team-up fighting game the perfect fit for DBZ. Anime titles with strong folklore influences and sword fights, like Demon Slayer, can suit various genres – such as turn-based RPGs or action RPGs. In the case of Demon Slayer, though, a genre that best suits it could be what today’s gamers often refer to as “Soulslite.

Currently, there’s a game titled “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles” available, offering action-packed adventure gameplay. This game includes a versus mode where players can select two characters to battle against AI opponents or other gamers. The storyline follows events from the beginning of the series up until the Mugen Train arc. Although it garnered average ratings from critics and audiences, it sold exceptionally well on the PS5 in Japan. If a sequel were to be developed for this popular video game series, introducing a different genre could potentially enhance its appeal further.

Why Demon Slayer Would Be Perfect as a Soulslite

What is Soulslite?

To grasp what a Soulslite is, you should first familiarize yourself with its origin, often referred to as the Soulslike genre. This term was created by gamers to describe games that share characteristics similar to From Software’s ‘Soulsborne’ series. Typically, these games revolve around battling numerous tough bosses and mini-bosses, featuring large health bars, high damage, and unique attack patterns in close combat. Consequently, players must learn each boss’ attacks to know when to evade and find the ideal moment to launch their own assaults. These games often provide limited healing options and save points, increasing their challenge level.

In essence, a Soulslite game is a more accessible version of the Soulslike genre. While it may keep the tough boss fights characteristic of Soulslike games, it introduces features to make the experience smoother. This could be through improved save systems, fewer battles with bosses, and adjustable difficulty levels that soften the game for new players or those who appreciate the story more than the challenge. Some notable Soulslite games currently available are the Star Wars Jedi series, Remnant 2, and Darksiders 3.

Demon Slayer’s Big Potential as a Soulslite

As a dedicated fan, I wholeheartedly believe that the “Demon Slayer” series is an ideal candidate to be transformed into a Soulslike game. Here’s why:

The intricate and rich lore of the series, coupled with its dark and suspenseful atmosphere, perfectly aligns with the challenging and immersive nature of Soulslike games. The strategic combat system in “Demon Slayer” already echoes this genre, making the transition seem natural. Moreover, the deep character development and emotional depth found within the anime would be a captivating element for players to explore and engage with in a more interactive format.

In essence, I firmly believe that a Soulslike adaptation of “Demon Slayer” would not only honor the original work but also provide fans and gamers alike with an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

  • The Ranked Demons Make for Excellent Bosses: The Twelve Demon Moons are an elite group of killers chosen and made stronger by the big bad himself: Kibutsuji Muzan. Tanjiro and the gang have encountered these enemies in the anime, and they’ve always ended up close to dead, even with the Hashiras helping them out. These lower-ranked Demons make for great mini-bosses, while the upper-ranked ones are the obvious choice for main bosses until the players have to face Muzan himself.
  • Demon Slayer’s Fight Choreography Fits the Soulslite Genre: Most Soulslite and Soulslike games feature close-quarters combat, which fits perfectly with Demon Slayer. The characters primarily engage their targets with special “Nichirin” blades and use various breathing techniques to enhance their attacks. The Demon Slayers also need quick reflexes to stay mobile and dodge enemy attacks, as a single hit from an upper or lower moon Demon could lead to major or even fatal injuries. This coincides with the dodge, roll, and attack combat patterns that Soulslite games usually have.

What draws players to games like Soulslites and Soulslikes is the distinct battles each boss presents, which can be conquered through careful observation and experimentation. This strategy mirrors how Tanjiro and his Demon Slayer comrades approach their enemies: they study their weaknesses and strive to survive during combat. The adjustable or progressive difficulty of Soulslites makes this genre ideal for anime video game adaptations, as it caters not only to dedicated gamers but also to a broader audience within the anime fandom.

Read More

2025-03-01 01:35