Muramasa: The Demon Blade (Must play Wii game)

[Robert1986]

I have this on import(just shipped this morning) as my Wii is NTSC but unfortunately it doesn't come out over here till late November.

I know this game is going to be amazing as its by the same guys that made Odin Sphere on the PS2. Also, it can be played with the GAMECUBE controller.

The artwork is just draw dropping.

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STORY

Kisuke is a fugitive being chased for a crime he no longer remembers. His only desire is to find a certain katana. After defeating his arresters, he meets Yuzuruha who offers to guide his path. Meanwhile, Momohime, after being possessed by the soul of foul swordsman Jinkuro Izuna, is forced to flee her castle and accept Jinkuro's offer to complete his plan.

SETTING

The game takes place during the Genroku era at the time of shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi on Honsh?, the main island of Japan. Because of his thirst for power, a conflict over immensely powerful swords, the Demon Blades, occurs. The swords are cursed and are said to bring tragedy, madness, and untimely deaths. As the chaos from the conflict spreads, creatures from the netherworld are summoned by these blades, along with Dragon and Demon Gods.

 

[Streeteh]

Odin Sphere you say... loved that a lot. The graphical styling was unlike anything i'd ever seen before.

 

[Robert1986]

I've played about an hour of it so far. Theres not much to it (yet), its pretty much a one button mashing game right now. Just nail down on the A button untill enemies disappear. Although, I've heard it does get quite intense and crazy later on in the game.

Theres like 500 different swords to unlock, each sword having its own special power/ability. I guess theres some depth to it in that regards.

Heres a quick look of the first 20 minutes. This game is so Japanese btw. You'll see why at the boss fight.

http://www.giantbomb.com/quick-look-muramasa-the-demon-blade/17-1350/

The game looks so amazing. I was blown away by the art work when you first start it.

 

[Phatjayunoi]

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18002567

*Cough*

Oh well at least this has pretty pictures and videos!

I've played about just under an hour of this game and so far really loving it. I really enjoyed Odin Sphere as well and so I was really looking forward to this game when it was announced.

The 2D artstyle is fantastic as ever and much improved over Odin Sphere, especially in terms of the backgrounds (So many layers that move!) and then of course the much better and smoother performance.

Gameplay wise it is very similar to Odin Sphere, but Muramasa is a lot more action based and you really do just end up mashing the attack button most of the time. I like how the weapon breaking mechanic adds to a certain level of strategic play, just like how Odin Sphere had that power bar mechanic which whilst annoying at times did add something to the game.

The level/stage progession system is much easier to play through and gives a better flow to things whereas back on Odin Sphere it was quite confusing with the circular route grid system thing it had and the fact that each stage was just an endless loop.

Voice acting in this game is top quality, Japanese only with English subtitles which isn't surprising due to the theme of this game. Odin Sphere or Anime fans will recognise the voice work done in this. Miyuki Sawashiro who voices Momohime also did Velvet back in Odin Sphere, and just as Ayako Kawasumi plays Torahime and also did Gwendolyn. Music is by Hitoshi Sakimoto/Basiscape who also composed for Odin Sphere, so quite a few of the same people in the audio side of things are back again.

Anyways, so anyone who enjoyed Odin Sphere before and has a Wii should definately pick this game up. Hell even Wii owners in general who wants to try something different or see a game that proves 2D graphics and gameplay can still match up by today's standards should also try this.