Toukiden: The Age of Demons – Review
Even though there’s a distinct lack of a new Monster Hunter on the PlayStation Vita, there are at least several games that aim at that certain niche group’s hunger. Ragnarok Odyssey and Soul Sacrifice, for instance, offer up some great hunting gameplay.
But while both are great titles with their own distinct gameplay, they’re still decidedly different from a true Monster Hunter experience. Enter Toukiden: The Age of Demons, a game that takes everything that made Monster Hunter a fan-favourite, while adding a story set in feudal Japan.
Story
Toukiden tells a story about an alternate Feudal Japan, where historical figures were killed by Oni that came to Earth through tears in the time-space continuum. History was, of course, changed, important events never took place and the demonic horde invaded pretty much the entire world, confining humans to small villages protected by mystical barriers. A group of hunters called Slayers protect the populace, making sure their people are safe.
Players take on the role of a new Slayer recruit. A silent protagonist whose only form of communication is through a few dialogue options.
Graphics
Toukiden’s graphics won’t blow you away. The scenery consists of set-pieces stereotypical for Feudal Japan. You’ll have seen it plenty of times before and even the more conventional enemies lack a distinct look.
Let’s compare this game to Monster Hunter itself for a second. In Monster Hunter, every adversary has always been designed in such a way that it was immediatly recognisable. Bodyparts like tails or specifically colored limbs made sure you knew what to look out for when hunting. In Toukiden, sadly, that’s not the case. There are imps that look exactly the same as in thousands of other games and enemies in general lack a certain amount of detail.
Things do get better as the game progresses and bosses can look absolutely stunning, but they’re a small solace in a game that looks bland most of the time.
Sound
Toukiden’s spoken dialogue is completely presented in Japanese. It certainly adds a layer of authenticity to a game that takes place in Feudal Japan.
The soundtrack is your standard fare of orchestrated music, only this time flutes and Eastern-style drums add some variety.
The tempo increases during boss battles, while providing more lyrical melodies at calmer times.
Gameplay
Gameplay consists largely of the same mechanics Monster Hunter is known for. You select missions one at a time and go out to hunt down demons or gather a certain amount of ingredients. Each mission opens up a certain amount of areas, with later missions unlocking the entire map more often.
Most missions, like in Monster Hunter, are only there to help you gather materials to gear up for the real deal; killing enormous oni that require require more tactical insight than the rest of the demons’ legions. Those bosses all have their own set of moves and the further down the story you get, the more you’ll be forced to watch out for signs a boss is about to launch a devastating attack. Every boss has several body-parts you can cut off in order to gather rare ingredients, so expect to farm them a lot in order to get the best equipment there is.
Toukiden: The Age of Demons does add its own flavour, though. For instance, there’s no mining, farming or fishing in this game, instead materials are gathered by finding glowing spots on the ground and purifying the demons you’ve slain – in contrast to cutting up monsters in Monster Hunter. This does mean that there’s a distinct lack of things to do besides hunting down demons, while at the same time reducing the impact creating your gear is supposed to have..
It’s a good thing, then, that the basics are presented so well. Combat, after all, is satisfyingly fluid, letting you choose between six different weapons, each with their own skill set.
The biggest change compared to other such games, lies in Mitama. Mitama are fallen heroes – Japan’s slain historical figureheads – that grant you additional powers. Think of them as invisible companions, aiding you by letting you cast buffs and damaging and healing spells. Mitama level up through use, unlocking more abilities for you to choose from. Luckily, they never feel overpowered, instead offering a fine balance during what would otherwise be difficult battles.
Like almost every game in its genre, Toukiden also allows you to team up with three other players, while letting you take A.I.-controlled party members with you while soloing. Online play works smoothly and I had no problems connecting with other players.
Conclusion
It might not be Monster Hunter, and the gathering and crafting aspects of the game, might not be up to par, but for now Toukiden is the closest you’ll get to a true Monster Hunter experience on the PS Vita.
Hunting down large demons offers a great amount of fun, largely thanks to the fluid combat and even online play works like a charm.
Toukiden: The Age of Demons - Review,
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