Toukiden 2 features pretty similar gameplay to its predecessor. Players start off by creating a character to their own tastes. Once you finish creating your character, however many days later, you take control of that character and head off to adventure. You are a slayer, and this means your job is to slay demons. Unfortunately, you aren’t some kind of super hero or otherworldly being. You’re a normal human who just so happens to be able to purify demonic energy. Sure, you can take a hit, but the Health gauge at the top of the screen shows exactly how many hits you can take. Once it runs empty, that’s the end of it. Underneath the Health gauge is the Stamina gauge which depletes when you perform certain actions such as sprinting and refills over time. There’s also a mini-map in the top right corner so you don’t lose your way.
If you want to stay alive, and I think we all do, then you should get briefed on combat basics. The Left Stick allows you to run around and the Right Stick allows you to control the camera. You can also control the camera with the D-pad. Movement is only the first part of the battle. If you can’t move, you’re a sitting duck for enemy attacks. You also should know how to retaliate, which you can do with the (Square) and (Triangle) buttons. These are your light and heavy attacks, respectively. Tapping either one in a series will allow you to perform a combo. Pressing the (X) button allows you to evade. The (Circle) button allows you to perform a special ability generally exclusive to the weapon you’re wielding. Weapon combos are important, but also check out their specials and find the right fit for you!
The main hub of Toukiden 2 is the quaint village of Mahoroba. You’ll find a blacksmith who can create, fortify, or reforge weapons and armor for you. You’ll need materials to create and reforge equipment, but you’ll get some nice weapons out of the deal. Besides, what else would you use all those demon parts for? There’s a shop where you can buy and sell items, weapons, and armor, and a local runs the shrine and restaurant. At the shrine, you gain more information about hero spirits, and enjoy a meal while you do so. Lastly, the command center is where you can take on missions. It never hurts to be familiar with the village you’ll be spending most of your time in, so get well acquainted with it.
The demons are interesting creatures in that they don’t have traditional health bars, especially as they grow in size. Well, I mean, they do have health bars, but they deplete a lot faster if you methodically take out their body parts. Arms, legs, stomach, tail – the part depends on the demon you’re facing. You can check which parts are vulnerable by pressing the (R3) button and getting a glimpse of their being with your trusty slayer powers. Try not to get too much of a glimpse, though…
It’s dangerous to go - Ok, ok I won’t make the reference. A little help goes a long way and thankfully, Toukiden 2 gives us a little hand on the battlefield. The party members with you will be shown underneath your name in the top left corner of the screen, along with their health and stamina bars. They’ll do what they can to aid you in battle and you can even issue commands by pressing the (L2) button and selecting something via the D-pad. You can assign specific commands to a specific party member by pressing the (R1) or (L1) button or just give general commands to everyone.
