Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board is an unusual entry in the field of anime-based games, but it’s one that other series should take a look at. While not the only Demon Slayer video game, Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board is a unique creation in its own right. That is doubly true when one compares it to other games based on popular anime. One could argue that the game’s uniqueness is one of its strengths, and that helps it draw attention. At the same time, Sweep the Board could be just the first in a line of games following its example.
While the Demon Slayer anime is over, its legacy in video games is still ongoing. Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles was the first—a fighting game featuring several characters from the series. Sweep the Board goes in a completely different direction. Rather than following up on The Hinokami Chronicles, it switched genres entirely, instead being a party game starring the main characters and their allies. Considering that Demon Slayer itself is an action-packed shonen series, it seems like an odd choice to make at first glance. At the same time, the sheer unexpectedness of the concept deserves a few points for creativity.
Related
A Proper Demon Slayer Game Would be Wise to Learn from Dead Island 2, Dying Light 2
Future Demon Slayer games could have a lot of success copying some features from zombie games that would fit well into the anime’s canon mythology.
Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board Could Open the Door For More Anime Party Games
Sweep the Board is Like a Demon Slayer-themed Mario Party
Sweep the Board has been influenced more by Mario Party than the likes of even its own predecessor in its design. It’s a board game with several mechanics that Mario Party veterans will be familiar with, such as collecting coins, mini-games, and even allies that will boost the player’s roll. Of course, there are a few distinctions, most notably the cast itself. The game still focuses on fighting demons through its board mechanics, but in the style of a party game rather than a fighting game. As the second big gaming release for Demon Slayer, it does something that few anime games have dared to do.
Most Anime Games Are Usually Either RPGs or Fighting Games
As can be seen by the record-breaking Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, fighting games are one of the most common genres when it comes to anime. If not that, it will often be an RPG like One Piece Odyssey. After all, many popular anime, especially shonen, heavily feature fights, and a lot of the biggest anime in the business have long, epic stories. However, a party game would be able to make use of other aspects of those series, such as their large rosters and interesting personalities among the cast. With a little ingenuity, a lot of anime series could have their own party games.
Some sports and racing manga have also seen video game adaptations, such as
Captain Tsubasa
and
Initial D
.
Party Games Could Help More Anime Get Video Game Adaptations
While some anime may only have a chance at a crossover skin in Fortnite at first glance, a new approach to anime games could give many more a chance to shine. There are several anime that may not be able to put up a fighter or RPG, but have the possibility to be the source of a good party game. Anime such as Spy X Family, The Way of the Househusband, and many slice-of-life anime are popular, but would have a hard time in the fighter or RPG genres. However, party games open a whole new dimension for anime tie-in titles.
Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board won’t singlehandedly change the industry. However, what it could mean for not only future Demon Slayer games, but anime games in general, could be dramatic. Diving into new genres will give more series a chance to succeed in the gaming sphere. Not only that, but more anime getting games could also help said anime find wider fanbases. More variety in the gaming world is almost always a good thing, and Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board could herald a new movement regarding anime games.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board!
- Franchise
- Demon Slayer
- Developer(s)
- Aniplex
- Publisher(s)
- SEGA
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Blood, Language
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
