Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board! - A Missed Opportunity for Fans and Gamers Alike

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping tale and vivid characters. My wife and I, being ardent fans, eagerly awaited the digital adaptation of the series in the form of Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board!, a board game from CyberConnect 2 and Sega. With a multitude of figurines from Banpresto and Figurizm gracing our collection, our expectations were high. Sadly, upon the game's release on additional platforms, including PC, our enthusiasm dwindled, leaving us pondering the game's true audience and purpose.

Adapting the Iconic Arcs

The game adapts various arcs from the anime and manga into board layouts reminiscent of Mario Party. Every map, from Asakusa to Sword Village, is rife with references that are certain to delight fans of the series. In Mt. Natagumo, for example, a drum in Tsuzumi Mansion randomly transports characters to different locations, whereas, in the Swordsmith Village, players encounter hot springs, mechanical dolls, and the quirky Haganezuka. These nods to the source material provide fleeting moments of joy.

Traversing the Board

The gameplay involves rolling dice and maneuvering across branching paths that connect different areas. Each map has unique transportation modes, such as boats in Asakusa and the Mugen Train in the Entertainment District, adding a layer of thematic authenticity. Players encounter various NPCs along the way, including familiar characters such as Tamayo’s cat and Tengen Uzui’s honeys, contributing to the game's replayability.

Character Selection

The game offers a roster of 12 heroes, including fan favorites like Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, along with Hashira warriors like Mitsuri, Gyomei, and Rengoku. Nezuko, although not playable, serves as an assist character, often helping the player in last place by providing extra dice rolls or items. Her role as a supportive figure aligns well with her character in the series, adding a touch of authenticity to the gameplay.

Visuals and Voice Acting

One of the game's highlights is its beautiful character animations and voice acting by the original cast. The characters' personalities are well captured, with Zenitsu’s exuberance, Inosuke’s boldness, and Shinobu’s cheerful demeanor, all adding to the immersion. However, a notable downside is the lack of unique abilities for each character, reducing the strategic depth expected in a board game centred around powerful fighters.

Gameplay Mechanics and Minigames

The primary objective in Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board is to accumulate Rank Points by participating in minigames and reaching destination spots. The variety of minigames is a mixed bag, with some being genuinely enjoyable, like Team Memory Matching and Don’t Miss a Beat!. However, others are overly simplistic or monotonous, leading to a lackluster gaming experience.

Control Issues

Additionally, the game's controls proved problematic. Playing on a keyboard felt cumbersome, especially in minigames requiring precision. Button prompts occasionally changed unexpectedly, adding to the frustration—a potential bug that hindered the overall experience.

Night Phase and Greater Demons

The game introduces Greater Demons during night phases, featuring opponents such as Yahaba, Susamaru, and the Hand Demon. These encounters are initially thrilling, complete with cutscenes from the anime. However, the boss battles soon devolve into repetitive button mashing or quick-time events, failing to offer the expected variety and challenge.

Lack of Competitive Elements

One major drawback is the game's failure to embrace the competitive spirit often found in party and board games. Titles like Mario Party Superstars and The Jackbox Party Pack are renowned for their chaotic, engaging moments and the opportunity to disrupt opponents' progress. In Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board, such mechanics are scarce. The game lacks the tension and excitement of stealing from or obstructing other players, reducing it to a straightforward race to earn Rank Points.

Random Rewards System

The post-game rewards system is also randomized, which can be frustrating. Rewards can vary from match to match, eliminating any sense of strategy or consistency. The ability to retry minigames and boss encounters for quick runs, as well as unlock cosmetic rewards, does little to enhance the overall engagement.

Conclusion

Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board struggles to captivate even the most passionate fans of the series. Its repetitive and tedious gameplay, coupled with lackluster competitive elements, makes it hard to recommend. For those seeking a more fulfilling Demon Slayer gaming experience, The Hinokami Chronicles offers a more rewarding alternative. Party game enthusiasts would fare better exploring the myriad of other options available in the genre.

In conclusion, while the game offers moments of fan service and visual appeal, its numerous shortcomings render it a disappointment for those who hoped to find an engaging and competitive Demon Slayer board game experience.