As revealed in Toukiden: The Age of Demons, humanity was protected for centuries by a secret clan of warriors, the Slayers, trained to dispose of the supernatural threat before it could consume the world. An event known as the Awakening caused rifts to appear in space and time – resurfacing places that had long disappeared from the world and unleashing swarms of Oni that relentlessly hunted humans.

Set shortly after the events detailed in Toukiden: Kiwami, Toukiden 2 introduces an all-new, captivating narrative featuring a compelling cast of companions and more devious demons to defeat. Players will step into the shoes of a Slayer tasked with saving humankind by carrying out special quests to reduce the monstrous hordes and liberate Oni-infested areas. Toukiden 2 boasts a vast and extensive open world full of danger and wonder, and takes the player deep into enemy territory. Slayers and Oni will battle it out in the Otherworld, a tormented battleground divided into six distinct Ages. Revisit the redesigned Ages of Yore, Grace, Honor, War, Peace and Chaos, each distinctively representing an era of Japanese history, and discover more about the Oni threat and your character’s unique role in its resolution!

Set for a digital release on May 30, 2017, Toukiden 2: Free Alliances Version (PS4 and vita only) is a new free-to-play version of Toukiden 2 in which players worldwide can fight alongside players of the full version of the recently-released demon-hunting action RPG.

Free-to-play Slayers will experience the diverse, action-packed gameplay of the Toukiden series while they encounter a variety of unique and devastating Oni.

To help repel the cataclysmic forces of demons known as Oni, players of Toukiden 2: Free Alliances Version are able to take on Group Missions offered at the Command Center. There, players will visit various Ages to slay the monstrous beasts with up to four other companions from across the globe. For players of the Free Alliances Version of Toukiden 2, each mission has a Stamina Cost associated, and before venturing out into the Ages the player must ensure they have the appropriate amount of Stamina required to participate.

Staminais a key part of Toukiden 2: Free Alliances Version, as it allows players to explore and carry out missions in the surrounding areas of Maharoba Village. Each player starts with a Stamina Levelof 3, and each unit of Stamina requires eight real-time hours to replenish. To dive straight back into the action without the wait, players can spend Gems purchasable at the Slayer’s Headquarters (via the PlayStation®Store). Not only can Gems recover Stamina to its maximum value, but they can also be used to increase the Stamina Level to a maximum of 8. Further upgrades are also possible to the Equipment and Material Chests which allow for an abundance of items to be stored, as well as the ability to draw Mitama Tickets. These tickets are used to obtain the souls of fallen heroes which provide new combat possibilities when applied to armor and weaponry.

Players can also get a taste of the full title’s gripping narrative in Toukiden 2: Free Alliances Version by playing through the first chapter of the main campaign. Slayers who purchase the full version of Toukiden 2 are able to import their Save Data from the Free Alliances Version, allowing them to continue their adventures and experience the complete tale of the Awakening and humanity’s subsequent struggle for survival.

During an event known as the Awakening, when Oni ravaged the world and left it in ruins, a group of Slayers – defenders of mankind – set out to defend the city of Yokohama and drive back an attacking force of Oni. In the midst of their fierce battle, a giant demon emerged, and opened a portal that swallowed a lone Slayer. Ten years later, and with no memory of the past, that Slayer awakens in Mahoroba Village. Toukiden 2 puts players into the boots of this mysterious Slayer, who is accompanied by a unique cast of compelling characters: Hakase, a professor keen to learn the truth of the world, Tokitsugu, a Machina imbued with a human soul, Gwen, a young British Slayer and master of sword and shield, Benizuki, a kind-hearted fellow considered to be the strongest Slayer in town, and Homura, an ex-thief turned Slayer who wields a chain whip.

The ever-inventive Professor has constructed a unique device for Slayers which creates a physical manifestation of their thoughts: the Demon Hand. Using this strange apparatus, players can grab onto foes and throw themselves into the air to land blows from above, as well as execute evasive attacks to slam Oni into the ground. Not only is the Demon Hand useful in combat and it also aids in exploration of the game’s vast open landscape, the Otherworld. Areas may be blocked off or out of reach, but using an Oni Smash with the Demon Hand, players can destroy obstacles without ever leaving a trace, and otherwise inaccessible ledges are easily reached with an Oni Grapple.

Besides the beasts that threaten to eliminate humanity, the world of Toukiden 2 is also home to creatures that aid players on their quest. For example, materials for improving weapons and armor can be easily gathered by ordering hardworking Machina out to explore the Otherworld. By upgrading and repairing these robotic partners, Machina are able to bring back rarer and higher quantities of materials to create better equipment at the Blacksmith. In addition, the adorable Tenko companions make their return in Toukiden 2 and can be saved from peril while exploring the Otherworld. Once rescued, Tenko can be cared for, and once a Slayer’s bond with their Tenko is great enough, they can journey together in the Otherworld.

Toukiden 2 is currently available on PS4, vita and PC.