Finally! I can dust my Wii off and actually use it to play...wait for it...A game! Not another Wii Sports incantation, not another puzzle game or rail shooter but an actual game built from the ground up. Perhaps I should explain the real reason I'm so happy. Back when I was still gaming on the Playstation 2 I came across one of the most underrated games of all time: Odin Sphere. This game was a hybrid RPG with hand drawn sprites that were simply beyond gorgeous. The game play was nothing like I had ever played before and the action was consistently challenging yet delightful. So why am I explaining this to you? Well, developer Vanillaware (the guys behind Odin Sphere) are at it again with Muramasa: Demon Blade; a brand new game set in ancient times...with lots and lots of swords.
Yes, I know the game has been out for nearly two months now but I cant stopping thinking of the fact that I will finally be able to utilize my Wii once again; it's been so long! The system just doesn't have the types of games I'm interested in at all or like to play. Sure they have casual games that I can play with my wife but nothing along the lines of a killer RPG that I can sink some serious man hours into. I digress. Muramasa looks to have the same elements transfused into it as Odin Sphere did...and that's I'll I need to know! RPG mechanics, over 30 different story locations, hand drawn sprites, power leveling, derivative story line and structure and did I mention HAND DRAWN 2D SPRITES?
Let's Run Down The Setting and Story!
Setting [wiki]
The game takes place during the Genroku era at the time of shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi on Honshū, 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.
Story
Kisuke, who has lost his memories, 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, an Inari fox deity, Yuzuruha (弓弦葉 ?) appears to guide his path. Meanwhile, Momohime, after being possessed by a foul swordsman, Jinkuro Izuna (飯綱 陣九朗 ?)'s soul, is forced to flee her castle and accept Jinkuro's offer to complete his plan.
Here's an excellent link to the weapon sets available and gameplay structure in Muramasa: Demon Blade!
Sound complicated? Well, Vanillaware games usually are. But it's because of these outlandish story premises and 2D graphical schemes that grip you from the get go and don't let up until the game is finished. Another thing to touch on is the fact that you will be bale to use both the Wii-mote or a conventional controller. I'll most likely be using the controller for a more accurate and responsive play through.
The game takes place during the Genroku era at the time of shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi on Honshū, 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.
Story
Kisuke, who has lost his memories, 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, an Inari fox deity, Yuzuruha (弓弦葉 ?) appears to guide his path. Meanwhile, Momohime, after being possessed by a foul swordsman, Jinkuro Izuna (飯綱 陣九朗 ?)'s soul, is forced to flee her castle and accept Jinkuro's offer to complete his plan.
Here's an excellent link to the weapon sets available and gameplay structure in Muramasa: Demon Blade!
Sound complicated? Well, Vanillaware games usually are. But it's because of these outlandish story premises and 2D graphical schemes that grip you from the get go and don't let up until the game is finished. Another thing to touch on is the fact that you will be bale to use both the Wii-mote or a conventional controller. I'll most likely be using the controller for a more accurate and responsive play through.
If I could say one thing to someone contemplating whether or not to buy this game I would have to say this: "it will be unlike anything you have ever played before hands down." I will not lie, these games tend to be extremely unforgiving in the difficulty category, however, give it a shot, play for more than an hour and you will see just why this game should be on every one's list of "must buys!"-GAME HARD-
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