Yes, PS4 can now play Demon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles at 60fps!

In an exciting March 2022 update, the developers enabled a 60fps performance mode for PS4 players of the anime fighting game Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles. This guide will dive deep into the PS4 experience and if the game is worth buying on this platform.

Originally launched in October 2021 for modern consoles and PC, Hinokami Chronicles stood out for its stunning anime visuals and fast-paced 3D arena combat. However, the PS4 version was capped at 30fps, which was disappointing for fans eager to play the Demon Slayer game at higher frame rates.

Thankfully, the development team at CyberConnect2 listened to PS4 players and delivered the 60fps patch they were asking for. By enabling "Performance Mode" on PS4, the frame rate doubles to a smooth 60fps during gameplay and exploration. This makes combat feel remarkably quicker and more responsive.

As a long-time gamer and anime fan, this upgrade is a huge deal in my opinion. Having played the game on both PS5 and PS4, the difference an uncapped frame rate makes is massive. Animations flow seamlessly, attacks feel snappier, and it‘s easier to pull off complex combos. 60fps brings Hinokami Chronicles on PS4 closer to the buttery-smooth battles of Arc System Works‘ Dragon Ball FighterZ or Guilty Gear Strive.

Below I‘ll dig deeper into the PS4 experience and whether Hinokami Chronicles is worth buying on this platform. As a big fan of the Demon Slayer series who has played every version, I‘ll share my insights on content, performance, and cross-platform support across PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC. Let‘s dive in!

How Does Hinokami Chronicles Perform on PS4?

While the PS5 and Xbox Series X boast 4K graphics and effects, the PS4 version holds up remarkably well. The charming anime aesthetic shines through thanks to a strong art direction. Clean lines, vibrant colors, and expressive characters still pop on PS4, just at a 1080p resolution. In stills you may notice more jagged edges compared to PS5, but in motion it looks great.

Here‘s a technical breakdown of Hinokami Chronicles on PS4:

• Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
• Framerate: 30fps or 60fps (Performance Mode)
• Graphical Settings: Equivalent to Low-Medium on PC
• Loading Times: Generally 30-40 seconds

Of course, performance will vary based on if you play on base PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro. But even on base PS4, the optimized graphics engine maintains a smooth experience throughout.

On PS5, the resolution gets bumped up to 2880×1620 with more advanced lighting and post-processing effects. Draw distances are further as well. So visuals are downgraded on PS4, but gameplay remains fast and fluid.

Content and Features Comparison

Importantly, PS4 owners aren‘t missing out on any gameplay content or modes by opting for last-gen. Hinokami Chronicles contains the same wealth of features across all platforms:

• Story Mode: 12+ hour cinematic campaign covering Demon Slayer arcs
• Versus Battles: Vs CPU, local and online PVP
• Tower of Trials: 100-floor battle challenge
• Mini-games: Kimetsu Gakuen – fun bonus activities
• Gallery: View unlocked artwork, movies, and more

The only exception is that PS4 requires an internet connection to initially unlock Gallery Mode and Tower of Trials. But once unlocked, they can be played offline. Ps5 has full offline support. A minor difference.

Otherwise, the PS4 experience is identical. I thoroughly enjoyed replaying the story on PS4 and competing online. The roster of 19 playable characters offers combat variety and tactical depth against human opponents. Both platforms receive the same future content updates too.

Does PS4 Support Cross-Play with Other Platforms?

Unfortunately Hinokami Chronicles does not support cross-platform multiplayer between PS4, PS5, Xbox consoles, and PC. Each platform has its own separate online player pool.

Here is the cross-play support status:

So PS4 users can only play against others on PS4 online. While cross-platform matches would have been nice, the game still has a thriving player base on PSN. I never struggle finding matches quickly in Versus mode. But do wish I could play against my PC friends someday.

On the plus side, you can transfer save data between PS4 and PS5 by uploading/downloading your saves through the cloud storage system. So progression does carry over between Sony platforms at least.

Is Hinokami Chronicles Worth Buying on PS4?

In my opinion, absolutely yes! Here is a recap of the biggest reasons why Hinokami Chronicles is worth owning on PS4:

• Affordable Price – Usually $10-20 cheaper than other versions. Great value.
• Smooth Performance – Consistent 30fps, now with 60fps mode. Plays great.
• Complete Experience – No cut content compared to other platforms.
• Visual Fidelity – While downgraded, anime art style still shines in 1080p.
• Active Community – Lots of PS4 players online to battle against.
• Current Gen Support – Can transfer saves to PS5.
• Developer Support – Continuing free updates and patches.

While not the shiniest version visually, PS4 owners can rest assured knowing they get the full Hinokami Chronicles package. For anime fighting game fans, the upgrade to 60fps makes PS4 an even more enticing option.

There are no glaring compromises or downsides. I‘d only recommend springing for the PS5 edition if you highly prize cutting-edge 4K visuals and own a compatible TV. Otherwise, save your money and enjoy all the Demon Slaying action wonderfully adapted on PS4.

The Verdict

For Demon Slayer fans eager to play Hinokami Chronicles, the PS4 edition is an excellent choice. It delivers slick arena combat and faithfully recreates the anime‘s stylish world. Performance is smooth even at base 30fps, and now accelerated to 60fps via a free patch.

While not matching the visual polish of PS5, the art direction still shines on PS4. And owning the game on PlayStation 4 means you can replay the story or take your skills online against the massive PSN community. No player base fragmentation here.

Considering its lower price point, extensive content, and developer support, Hinokami Chronicles is absolutely worth buying on PS4. The option to transfer saves to PS5 down the road is just icing on the cake.

So if you love Demon Slayer and PlayStation, don‘t hesitate picking this anime fighter up for PS4. It‘s a great experience that will only improve over time. Unlock Performance Mode and enjoy all the action at 60 buttery-smooth frames per second!