Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a Japanese Wii-exclusive action adventure game developed by Vanillaware, the same company that made the side-scrolling PS2 fantasy action game Odin Sphere.
Just published in Japan, the game was originally going to be published in the U.S. by XSEED Games. However it is now coming from publisher Ignition Entertainment who has bought the rights to the North American distribution of the title from XSEED and will release it this September.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade is described as a “unique, highly stylized action adventure that showcases a striking visual look and a colorful cast of more than 100 characters.” The game features beautiful, eye-popping hand-drawn art and has been hailed by some in the media (such as IGN) as the prettiest Wii game yet.
Set in the little-known feudal Japanese era of Genroku, players are invited to take on the role of a male ninja or female kunoichi, utilizing their prowess to traverse the perilous yet picturesque levels.
Key Features of Muramasa: The Demon Blade include:
* Beautiful 2D graphics.
* Large variety of environments.
* Two playable characters.
* Replayability (multiple playable paths throughout the game).
* Supports Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic controller, and GameCube controller.
* 16:9 widescreen support.
* Excellent music and sound.
* Timeless side-scrolling game play.
* Optional challenge stages and mini-games throughout
* Satisfying action elements leading to nice depth of combat (Combat is fast yet intuitive)
* Story elements and cut scenes are well integrated and not obtrusive.
Here is a preview video of the game in which you can see it in action.
Here are some more screenshots of the beautiful game.
“Ignition Entertainment is immensely proud for the opportunity to bring Muramasa: The Demon Blade to the legions of North American gamers yearning for top-quality, original action games on Wii.” said Shane Bettenhausen, New Business Development Director of Ignition Entertainment. “The talented developers at Vanillaware have crafted an absolutely stunning adventure through feudal Japan that balances subtle, sophisticated artistry with razor-sharp, addictive gameplay.”
“We developed Muramasa: The Demon Blade in the same way as we did Odin Sphere, so there are bound to be a lot of similarities. I want it to be a very fun game for everyone who picks it up,” said George Kamitani, game director and Vanillaware President.