SEGA rolled into Summer Game Fest 2025 with a diverse lineup that showcased its range across genres and fanbases, offering everything from anime-fueled showdowns to retro-styled ninja brawls and customizable kart racing chaos. Each of the three featured titles: Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2, Shinobi: Act of Vengeance, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, brought something distinctly different to the show floor. Whether it was the cinematic combat and story arcs of Hinokami Chronicles 2, the fluid combo-driven action of Shinobi, or the gadget-heavy personalization of CrossWorlds, SEGA’s demo lineup proved the publisher isn’t afraid to evolve its legacy and licensed IPs alike. Hands-on time with all three titles revealed smart mechanical updates, fan-forward features, and plenty of promise heading into late 2025 and beyond.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2
Developer: CyberConnect2
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam, Nintendo Switch (later release)
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 continues CyberConnect2’s signature blend of high-octane combat and anime-accurate storytelling, diving deeper into the dramatic arcs that have made the series a global phenomenon. My preview covered Chapter 2, set in the heart of the Entertainment District arc, where Tanjiro and his allies investigate the disappearances linked to a lurking demon. The sequel picks up where the original left off, but it’s clearly more refined: combat is faster, smoother, and more responsive, with new mechanics and tighter synergy between characters. You still get those cinematic flourishes, arena battles explode with style, but now with added depth for players looking to master their fighters. The visuals remain stunning, capturing the look and feel of the anime with near-perfect fidelity. New story content includes the Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs, helping set the stage for the upcoming Infinity Castle movie. With its stronger mechanics and richer story arcs, Hinokami Chronicles 2 looks poised to be both a fan-pleasing follow-up and a legitimately great anime game in its own right.
Shinobi: Act of Vengeance
Developer: Lizardcube
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: August 29, 2025
Shinobi: Act of Vengeance channels the spirit of classic beat-’em-ups like Streets of Rage and Wonder Boy, while layering in modern design sensibilities that keep its ninja action fluid and engaging. In my hands-on time with the demo, I tackled two stages: a border village tutorial and the more challenging Lantern Festival, which showcased the game’s blend of brawler combat and platforming exploration. Combo-driven combat lies at the game’s core, rewarding players who can rack up 15-hit streaks or higher with enhanced damage. Weapon and skill customization in arcade mode adds replay value and allows for distinct builds, encouraging experimentation. Highlights include the Ninja Claws, which unlock wall-scaling traversal, and the Cannon Punch, a powerful charged move that breaks enemy shields and barriers. Beyond the flash and flurry of attacks, the game smartly incorporates light puzzle elements and branching paths, giving each stage more depth than your typical side-scroller. Developer Lizardcube’s homage to retro action games is clear, but Act of Vengeance brings enough new tools, movement options, and combo tech to feel like more than just a throwback.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Developer: Sonic Team
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds amps up the kart racing formula with a heavy emphasis on player customization and strategic gadget use, offering a deeper, more personalized racing experience than past Sonic racers. The demo showcases a flexible vehicle customization system, letting players tweak everything from paint jobs and tires to performance-focused gadgets tailored to specific playstyles. Whether you’re a precision drifter or a chaotic bumper-car brawler, CrossWorlds gives you the tools to thrive. One standout feature is the collision boost system, which rewards aggressive driving styles by propelling you forward upon impact rather than slowing you down. Combined with item-collecting mechanics and varied gadget loadouts, the game encourages experimentation and adaptability on the track. It’s about outfitting your ride to match how you race. While the tutorial only scratches the surface, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds already hints at a layered, competitive kart racer with enough flexibility to appeal to both casual fans and die-hard tinkerers.
