Toukiden 2, the next installment in the monster-hunting franchise, will bring with it some changes to its established formula. Koei Tecmo has released several details about the gameplay and characters, as well as established an official website. Currently running in "teaser mode," it's updating with snippets of information until it officially opens.

One of the biggest changes gameplay-wise is the move away from a mission-based structure and into an open-world setting. Spirited away by a mysterious force during the battle of Oomagadoki, players take on the role of a Slayer who awakens in Mahoroba Village with a case of amnesia. Together with the gun-toting doctor Hakase, her equally-armed marionette Tokitsugu, and the Shield Sword-wielding Gwen, Toukiden 2 tasks players with taking on oni, powerful demons, as they traverse the world and uncover the story behind how it came to be.

Battling oni involves some new mechanics. Players can still destroy specific parts of an oni's body, though this time they will have the use of the "Demon's Hand" ability, which allows them to bring the oni down to the ground repeatedly during battle. This "Parts Destruction Action" means that the oni will attack in a different manner should they, say, sever an arm or hack off a leg, adding an element of strategy to the battle. Alternatively, the "Complete Parts Destruction" mechanic is also available, allowing players to attack the oni's life force directly.

Toukiden 2 releases for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and Vita in Japan sometime in 2016.

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