Dive into the demon-slaying world of Toukiden and wonder which installment reigns supreme. Are you looking to experience the original epic or the expanded sequel? Both Toukiden: Kiwami and Toukiden 2 offer thrilling monster-hunting action, but they cater to slightly different experiences.
Kiwami, the first major entry, sets the stage with its compelling story and satisfying combat mechanics. It’s the perfect starting point for newcomers to the series, laying a solid foundation for what’s to come. Prepare to face formidable foes and forge your path as a skilled Slayer.
Toukiden 2 then builds upon this legacy, introducing a more open-world structure and a host of new features. This sequel expands the narrative, deepens the gameplay, and offers a fresh take on the familiar demon-hunting formula. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which Toukiden adventure is right for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Toukiden: Kiwami | Toukiden 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PS Vita, PS4, PC | PS4, PC, PS3 |
| Release Year | 2015 (JP), 2016 (WW) | 2016 (JP), 2017 (WW) |
| Game Engine | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Core Gameplay Loop | Hunt monsters, craft gear, progress story | Hunt monsters, craft gear, explore open world |
| World Structure | Mission-based, linear progression | Open-world with hub areas |
| Story Focus | Continuation of the first game’s story | New protagonist, new era |
| Multiplayer | Online co-op | Online co-op, local co-op (PS4) |
| Character Customization | Limited visual options | More extensive visual options |
| Combat System | Action RPG, focus on weapon types and skills | Action RPG, enhanced combat mechanics, new weapon types |
| Enemy Variety | Good variety of Oni | Expanded variety of Oni, new enemy types |
| Crafting System | Robust, materials-based | Refined and expanded crafting system |
| Post-Game Content | Mission-based challenges | Open-world exploration, ongoing missions |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Combat System
- Toukiden Kiwami: Features a fast-paced, combo-driven combat system with weapon-specific movesets. It’s accessible but can feel somewhat repetitive over time due to a lack of deep strategic layers. The focus is on aggressive offense and precise dodging.
- Toukiden 2: Builds upon Kiwami’s foundation with more fluid animations, enhanced weapon variety, and the introduction of the “Demon Hand” ability, adding new offensive and defensive options. Combat feels more dynamic and allows for greater player expression and tactical depth.
- Winner: toukiden 2
Story and Lore
- Toukiden Kiwami: Presents a straightforward narrative of a chosen warrior fighting to protect humanity from Oni. The story is engaging and provides a solid introduction to the world, though it can be somewhat predictable and less character-driven.
- Toukiden 2: Offers a more expansive and intricate narrative, delving deeper into the world’s history and introducing a larger cast of characters with more complex motivations. The story is more mature and provides a richer, more immersive experience.
- Winner: toukiden 2
World Design and Exploration
- Toukiden Kiwami: Features mission-based progression with distinct, often linear, combat arenas. Exploration is limited to these zones, which can feel somewhat restrictive and less immersive for players seeking a more open world.
- Toukiden 2: Introduces a semi-open world structure, allowing players to explore a vast and interconnected map with various environments and secrets. This significantly enhances the sense of discovery and provides a more engaging exploration experience.
- Winner: toukiden 2
Character Customization and Progression
- Toukiden Kiwami: Allows for customization of the player character’s appearance and offers a wide array of weapons and armor to acquire and upgrade. The progression system is satisfying but less varied than its successor.
- Toukiden 2: Expands character customization with more intricate options and a deeper progression system that includes skill trees and the ability to develop companion characters. This offers greater player agency in shaping their playstyle and party.
- Winner: toukiden 2
Multiplayer and Co-op
- Toukiden Kiwami: Supports online co-op for up to four players, allowing for shared hunts and challenging boss battles. The co-op experience is fun and effective for tackling difficult content.
- Toukiden 2: Retains and enhances the co-op experience with improved matchmaking and more dynamic mission types. The larger world also lends itself well to cooperative exploration and tackling large-scale threats.
- Winner: toukiden 2
Enemy Variety and Boss Fights
- Toukiden Kiwami: Features a good variety of Oni with distinct attack patterns and weaknesses, making for challenging and engaging boss encounters. The core boss fight mechanics are solid.
- Toukiden 2: Introduces a wider array of new Oni and more complex, multi-phased boss battles that require greater tactical awareness and utilization of new combat mechanics. The scale and intensity of some fights are significantly elevated.
- Winner: toukiden 2
Graphics and Presentation
- Toukiden Kiwami: Offers a distinct anime-inspired art style that is visually appealing, though some character models and environments can appear dated by modern standards. The overall presentation is good for its time.
- Toukiden 2: Features improved character models, more detailed environments, and enhanced visual effects, resulting in a more polished and immersive presentation. The art style remains consistent but is executed with greater fidelity.
- Winner: toukiden 2
New Mechanics and Features
- Toukiden Kiwami: Introduced the core “cutting” mechanic to sever parts of Oni, a defining feature of the series. It also laid the groundwork for the combat loop.
- Toukiden 2: Introduced the “Demon Hand” ability, offering new offensive and defensive maneuvers, a more open world, and a more complex narrative structure. These additions significantly evolve the gameplay and player experience.
- Winner: toukiden 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| World Design | Toukiden 2 |
| Story Progression | Toukiden: Kiwami |
| Combat Refinement | Toukiden 2 |
| Character Customization | Toukiden 2 |
| Overall Polish | Toukiden 2 |
| Accessibility for Newcomers | Toukiden 2 |
| Narrative Cohesion (within its own game) | Toukiden: Kiwami |
What They Have in Common
- Core Gameplay Loop: Both Toukiden: Kiwami and Toukiden 2 revolve around players taking on the role of a Slayer, a warrior tasked with hunting down monstrous beings known as Oni. This involves engaging in fast-paced action combat, collecting materials dropped by defeated enemies, and using these to craft and upgrade weapons, armor, and other essential gear. The satisfaction of overcoming challenging hunts and seeing your character grow stronger is a central pillar of both titles.
- Monster Hunter Roots: Both games draw significant inspiration from the monster-hunting genre, particularly titles like Capcom’s Monster Hunter series. Players will find familiar mechanics such as targeting specific monster parts, learning attack patterns, and coordinating with teammates to take down formidable foes. The emphasis on preparation, strategy, and skillful execution in combat is a shared characteristic.
- Weapon Variety: A wide array of weapon types is available in both Toukiden: Kiwami and Toukiden 2, catering to different playstyles. Whether you prefer the swift strikes of a sword, the long reach of a spear, or the explosive power of a rifle, both games offer a diverse selection. Mastering each weapon’s unique moveset and special abilities is key to success.
- Team-Based Combat: While playable solo, both titles shine brightest in their multiplayer modes. Players can team up with friends or other online Slayers to tackle tougher missions and more dangerous Oni. Effective communication and coordinated attacks are crucial for survival and victory, making the cooperative experience a significant draw for many.
- Spiritual and Mythological Themes: The Toukiden series is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology and folklore. Players will encounter a variety of Oni inspired by traditional Japanese legends, and the narrative often delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, and the preservation of humanity. This rich thematic backdrop contributes to the unique atmosphere of both games.
Toukiden Kiwami Vs Toukiden 2 Buying Guide
Platform Availability and Cost
Toukiden Kiwami is available on PlayStation Vita and PC (Steam). As an older title, it can often be found at a lower price point, especially during digital sales. Its availability on the Vita makes it a great option for portable Monster Hunter-style gaming on a budget. PC players can also enjoy it with potentially enhanced graphical options depending on their hardware. (See Also: Playstation 5 Digital Edition Vs Standard )
Content and Gameplay Differences
Toukiden Kiwami serves as an enhanced port of the original Toukiden, introducing new story elements and missions. Toukiden 2, however, is a true sequel that significantly expands upon the established formula. It introduces an open-world structure, a new combat system with more fluid animations, and a greater emphasis on player freedom and exploration. This evolution means Toukiden 2 offers a more substantial and modern gameplay experience.
Graphics and Performance
Visually, Toukiden 2 presents a noticeable upgrade over Kiwami. The environments are more detailed and expansive, reflecting the move to an open-world design. Character models and monster designs also see improvements in fidelity and animation. While Kiwami holds up reasonably well, especially on PC, Toukiden 2 offers a more polished and visually engaging presentation across its available platforms, benefiting from newer hardware and development techniques.
Multiplayer and Community
Both games offer online co-op multiplayer, a core component of the Toukiden experience. However, the community size and activity will naturally skew towards the newer title. Toukiden 2, being the more recent release, is likely to have a more active player base for online matches, making it easier to find teammates for hunts. Kiwami’s community might be smaller but dedicated, especially for those who prefer the original game’s structure. (See Also: Azek Vs Trex Decking )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Toukiden: Kiwami If…
- You are new to the Toukiden series and want to experience the original story that sets the stage for its successor.
- You prefer a more focused, mission-based progression system over an open world.
- You have access to a PlayStation Vita or PC and are looking for a solid monster-hunting experience on those platforms.
- You enjoy a well-defined narrative that builds upon established lore and characters.
Buy Toukiden 2 If…
- You are a fan of Toukiden: Kiwami and want to continue the journey with an expanded and refined experience.
- You enjoy the freedom and exploration offered by open-world game design.
- You desire more robust character customization options and a broader array of combat mechanics.
- You are looking for a more modern presentation and a fresh story set in a new era of the Toukiden universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which game is better for newcomers to the series?
Toukiden 2 is generally recommended for newcomers. Its open-world design and more refined combat mechanics offer a more accessible entry point. The game also provides clearer tutorials and a more intuitive progression system. While Kiwami is also a solid introduction, Toukiden 2’s modern approach makes it easier to grasp the core gameplay loop and enjoy the expansive world.
Does Toukiden 2 have more content than Kiwami?
Yes, Toukiden 2 significantly expands on content. It features a much larger world to explore, a more intricate story, and a wider variety of demons and missions. The introduction of new combat mechanics and player progression systems also adds considerable depth. Kiwami is a substantial game, but Toukiden 2 offers a more complete and feature-rich experience, building upon its predecessor’s foundation.
Are the storylines connected? Can I play Kiwami after Toukiden 2?
While Toukiden 2 is a sequel, the storylines are largely self-contained, allowing players to jump into either game without extensive prior knowledge. However, playing Kiwami first can provide a deeper appreciation for the series’ lore and character development. You’ll encounter recurring themes and characters, but Toukiden 2 is designed to be enjoyed as a standalone experience as well. (See Also: Hp Omen Vs Dell Alienware )
Which game has better combat?
Toukiden 2 features a more evolved and fluid combat system. It introduces new weapon types, more dynamic animations, and a greater emphasis on strategic movement and combo potential. The addition of the “Gauntlet” ability adds another layer of tactical depth. Kiwami’s combat is solid and enjoyable, but Toukiden 2 refines it further, offering a more satisfying and engaging fighting experience against the demons.
Is Toukiden Kiwami still worth playing if I own Toukiden 2?
Absolutely. Toukiden Kiwami offers a unique experience that complements Toukiden 2. It provides a more focused, mission-based structure that some players may prefer. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent introduction to the lore and world of Toukiden, allowing you to experience the series’ origins. If you enjoy the core gameplay loop, Kiwami offers a substantial amount of content worth exploring.
Final Verdict
Toukiden 2 represents a significant evolution for the series, offering a vast open world, refined combat, and a wealth of content. While Toukiden Kiwami is a strong entry and a great starting point, Toukiden 2 provides a more modern, expansive, and polished hunting experience that builds upon its predecessor’s foundations in nearly every aspect. For those seeking the definitive Toukiden adventure, Toukiden 2 is the clear choice.
Winner: Toukiden 2