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Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Alana is talking about a Vanillaware oldie — Muramasa: The Demon Blade, a Wii title that is celebrating its 15th anniversary. And, in the wake of 13 Sentinels and Unicorn Overlord's success, it's time to give Vanillaware's older title some love.
Vanillaware has been pretty much everywhere. It's visited magical, mystical storybook worlds in Odin Sphere. It's returned to a medieval, warfaring world many times with Grand Knights History and Unicorn Overlord. It's been to 1980s Japan in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. We've even been able to go to witch school thanks to GrimGrimoire. But despite the wide variety of softly painted and gorgeous worlds, I always find myself looking back to Edo Japan the fondest.
It was love at first sight with Muramasa: The Demon Blade, the developer's second title on a Nintendo system after the Japanese-exclusive Kumatanchi on the DS. It's not the most unique game in Vanillaware's library, nor is it the most complicated. But it's a darn good time that, with the recent success of 13 Sentinels and Unicorn Overlord, deserves to have its moment in the (rising) sun.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade has lots in common with Metroidvanias (progression gated behind skills/weapons, an interconnected map, some light platforming) but the game centres more on combat than deep exploration or secrets. The two lead characters — Kisuke, an amnesiac ninja whose only memory is that he must steal a particular katana; and Momohime, a princess who is possessed by the spirit of a criminal rōnin — play identically and explore essentially the same map. But the interweaving stories and the crisp and challenging combat kept me coming back for more.
Aside from Vanillaware's stunning art style — which shines best when streaming through the reed-laced fields soaked in a beautiful blood-red sunset or while ascending through the honey-coloured clouds of Takamagahara — Muramasa's standout feature is, as mentioned, its combat. This is an action RPG which you control by using one button for single attacks and combos, and holding it down to dash around the screen. It's incredibly simple but stylish, particularly when paired with the watercolour splendour of Vanillaware.
The wrinkle comes in the form of the weapons. You have a huge weapon tree where, from three starting blades, you can forge various 'Demon Blades' to use during your playthrough. You can equip three different swords at once and swap between them during combat. There are two sword types — Blades, which are short and fast, and Long Blades, larger, heavier, and more powerful weapons. Every sword has its own stats, but you can't just stick to a single one. Your swords also have Soul Power, which is consumed either by blocking attacks, taking damage, or using the weapon's Secret Art — an extremely powerful attack that, again, varies per weapon. If the sword's Soul Power is fully depleted, the weapon temporarily breaks.
This is where your weapon swapping comes in handy. Sheathing a blade and drawing another weapon will allow the other swords to replenish their Soul Power. Plus, drawing another with a full Soul Power gauge will trigger an attack that hits every enemy on screen. Don't tell me you've never seen a samurai movie where a warrior draws his blade and immediately decimates the entire room and never wanted to pull that off. It's just as cool here as it is in any show or movie I've ever seen.
To me, 'collecting' the swords is the draw. I want to see every single Secret Art and find that three-weapon combination that works for me. Hell Spinner, for instance, is an extremely fast horizontal spin that shreds foes on the ground, while Wind is an aerial vertical spin. Faerie Bolt allows you to have two electrical orbs surround your character for a limited amount of time, which protects you and does contact damage. Earth Runner is a relentless rush of sword stabs. Weaving a mix of light and heavy swords with defensive skills and fast-paced offensive Arts is my favourite way to go.
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Even if the combat is simple on the surface, I still adore running into every single mob of enemies as I explore Honshu and the 16 provinces. A group of seven ninjas might halt my progress as I run through the rainy forests of Owari, but goodness is it fun to juggle them in the air and dart around the screen, taking them down one by one — or sometimes all in one fell swoop.
The combat really shines during Muramasa's incredible boss battles. Many of these are visual spectacles that require a mix of patience and aggression; learning enemy attack patterns and animations and then punishing them at the right time feels incredibly rewarding. Ippondatara is one of the game's biggest — a huge monster that towers above the clouds, you need to hack away at its feet before ascending and taking on his fists, all while reflecting projectiles with perfectly-timed sword slashes. Then you have to fight him in his boar form, where he is helpless and does no damage. Turns out, he's just been trying to keep a hot spring to himself.
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While fights with huge demons, giant spiders, or even the god of storms, Raijin, himself are incredibly memorable, the best are (as with many action games) those fights with another person. In Kisuke's story, he has to fight the woman he loves most in the world, Torahime. Commanding an army of undead soldiers and riding atop her skeletal, ghostly steed, Torahime dashes to the other side of the bamboo thicket, commanding her soldiers to battle against Kisuke. Then you have to chase her, avoiding her arrows by deflecting them or hiding behind the bamboo, It's not a particularly difficult fight — particularly compared to some of the later battles — but the sheer spectacle, the narrative revelations that come after, and the fact you're fighting a badass warrior princess atop a dead horse make it pretty darn amazing.
Some of those more difficult fights — like the final bosses, or even Wanyuudo the flaming wheel on Momohime's side — expose the beauty and balance of Muramasa's combat. If you're smart with your weapon choices and know when to block, you can get some incredibly satisfying combos and victories out of these encounters. But then there are the Caves of Evil dotted around the map. These unlockable challenges throw enemies and boss encounters at you in a short gauntlet, and get progressively harder the later into the game you get. These "caves" can be found by the dead tree trunks you'll discover as you explore, and are locked behind various different coloured barriers — meaning you need to get specific swords, usually from story bosses, to even tackle them.
Trials such as the Light Blue one which forces you to tackle seven samurai (ha!) enemies at once test your patience and your ability to break enemy guards. An earlier one, locked behind a green barrier, pits you against poison-inducing enemies. There's also a challenge where you have to rechallenge a boss from earlier in Kisuke's playthrough — except this time, there are four of them. The variety here once again tests your knowledge, and while it does force you to backtrack (I mean, it's got some Metroidvania DNA in there), who can complain about running through these gorgeous locations every single time? Not me.
With Vanillaware getting more attention than ever nowadays, I really wish Muramasa: The Demon Blade was easier to access. You can currently only play this game officially on the Wii or the PlayStation Vita — which is, admittedly, the far superior version with a better localisation and four DLC episodes with new characters and playstyles (one of which has you playing as a cat). The company's president George Kamitani has said that he wants to port the game to modern platforms — and god would Muramasa look good on the Switch OLED — but has said that "there are issues".
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Having played multiple Vanillaware titles, it's fun to see the shared DNA in every single game despite how many genre differences there are in the developer's library. The action brawler-style combat of Dragon's Crown is in Muramasa, and almost every game has multiple storylines that intertwine with one another.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade might be Vanillaware's simplest title, and it doesn't defy many genre conventions like its other games do, but do I fondly miss the days of running through snowy mountains, hacking my way through the depths of hell, and forging the legendary sword? Of course I do.
Have you ever played Muramasa: The Demon Blade? Do you want to see the game on Switch (or modern platforms)? Let us know down below!
Comments 68
Would love to have Muramasa Rebirth, Dragon's Crown and Odin's Sphere on Switch. I already own them all on Vita and PS4 but having them on Switch would be so convenient since I wouldn't have to choose between playing them portable or on the TV .
Still got my Wii copy but it's been forever since I played it. Really enjoyed it back in the day and if they rereleased it on Switch or the Switch successor I'd buy it day one.
I always thought that all of Vanillaware's games looked really good. Odin's Sphere was the only Vanillaware title I've played on the PS2 back then at the time I also bought Disgaea 2 since both of them were on sale at Walmart or Target...I forgot which.
Yeah, I have this game on Wii and thought it was great! It'd be nice to see a remaster, though it was already a very pretty game.
I would love to see this game on Switch, I got both the Wii and PS Vita versions and I hope they at least port the PS Vita one complete with all DLCs for Switch and PC.
I still have my Wii copy. The game even supported the GameCube controller. One of the best action games I’ve ever played. I’d love to see this on the Switch.
Aww... Saw the image and thought we were getting this game on Switch... It really does need to happen though. It's probably my favorite Vanillaware game.
I had this one on Wii, and never finished it. Something about the simpler, button-mashy combat turned me off after a few hours, and I only pressed on because of how pretty the game was.
If it ever does get another release, I'd consider trying it again.
Played this on Vita and loved it. How is it NOT on switch?!
This is still literally one of my favorite Wii games. I actually bought it on a whim, used, at a GameStop not even knowing that it was considered to be a somewhat rare title with a limited release in NA.
I was - and am still - blown away by the art. It is fiercely and unapologetically Japanese, such that it feels at once both realistic and otherworldly. Large portions of this game feel like a living, breathing painting. Just as excellent is the music, which is also very traditionally Japanese sounding. The decidedly dark-yet-enchanting-and-magical vibe of the melody choices still make my hair stand on end - even if the graphics sucked, the music alone would be worth the price of admission.
Needless to say, I would love, love, love an HD remaster of Muramasa: The Demon Blade on Switch. And while I wouldn't call the game underrated - many people love the game, including critics - but it is far more obscure than it deserves to be.
Absolutely stunning game. I also credit it for being one of the most physically comfortable action games to play, due in no small part to the Wii mote and nunchuck combo.
I was so used to having to keep my hands together in front of me, but with Muramasa, I was leaning back and dangling my arms and either side like I was doing nothing but lounging--that, and slaying ninjas and demons.
This was a great game. I have fond memories of playing through this in 2020 (when I probably should've been working). I don't know if I would pick up a remaster on the Switch, but if you haven't experienced it, you absolutely should.
I was shocked when NL main page loaded and I saw this image. I froze there for a second.
It's no exaggeration when I say Muramasa is my most wanted port/remaster from Vanillaware. Easily top 5 most wanted of all remasters
I would absolutely buy an updated Muramasa on Switch.
Such a great game, especially all the swords you could unlock and the two different sides of the story. Would love to have it updated and out again on Switch
First played Muramasa on the Wii. That actually my first Vanillaware game to be honest. Would love to play this game again.
I remember this game was pretty huge among my friends. We were always looking for the best "hardcore-gamer" experiences on the system and this one was on our radar for about a year before its release. People want to peg the Wii as a "console for kids and family," but it was really just a typical Nintendo system; something that offers a wide variety of experiences. Sure, the majority of games for the hardcore audience were on 360 and PS3 at the time, but games like MURAMASA showed there were really beautiful and interesting titles on the Wii as well.
@coolaggro Hey what? Is the story / levels different for each character?
What I had seen and heard of Muramasa even back in the day quite intrigued me, but I unfortunately wasn't able to get it then.
Not that long ago I've finally found a copy of it at a good price so luckily now I could play it at least that way, but I really hope it will eventually come to Switch and/or its successor and play it that way other than of course it being much more easily accessible to others, too!
@nkarafo yeah, the story was different and you had to play both to see everything
@Bobb Wow! I never knew it and I still have it on Wii !!! Thanks!!
vanillaware needs to port this over to switch like they did with unicorn overlord seriously i want to play this game again.
Muramasa is 15 years old?! Holy beep, this is the game that introduced me to Vanillaware and their titles, I also have both the original version and the Rebirth version. Such good times…☺️
This one should be ported a.s.a.p.! Fantastic game!
I don’t think you know what the word „underrated“ means. This game always got glowing reviews and plenty of praise from most played that played it.
It might have sold badly and might not have been played as much as it deserves. But this game is about as far away from being „underrated“ as a game can be.
Muramasa and Dragon's Crown Pro are defo my fav Vanillaware games. To have both on Switch or its successor would be stellar.
Absolutely adored this in the Wii days. My fav game by this dev and easily a top 15 Wii game of mine. I would love an HD port for this console or the next.
I have both versions (i preordered the original even and still have the poster from it) but I would love vanillaware to keep porting their back catalog to Switch.
Never thought of this game as underrated. I've always loved it, and everyone I know who has played it loved it as well!
Of all their games on my Vita, this was my favourite. Then there was the creature with the extrz large testicles.
@AlanaHagues Love these ‘hidden gem’ articles. I wish they became a regular feature, rather that a ‘soapbox’ article
@PinderSchloss Hmm, I'm sure I have plenty more in the tank... so we'll see (no promises)
I think it's still my favourite Vanillaware game. All of their games are high art but there's just something about this one and its theme deeply tied to Japanese folklore that literally nobody else could do better.
100%, this. I loved Muramasa. It's one of my favorite games on Wii!
Just port them all! Quick and easy cash right there!
This came out on the Vita as rebirth. I would love to see it ported to switch though, great game!
@BenAV Me too!! I still have my Wii copy. Definitely an underrated tittle. My only complaint was the story but the gameplay was great
Muramasa is a great game. Wouldn't touch a re-cash grab though considering it emulates well at 4x resolution so any graphic upgrades would be moot.
@Servbot_EJ Same.But glad this article exists since its spread awareness.
Been waiting for Dragon’s Crown to release on the Switch since 2017.
Played on the Vita, great portable game.
Still have my Wii and VIta physical copies. If any Vanillaware game deserves a modern port, it's Muramasa.
Beat this game 100% on the Wii. The battles were so much fun, even when I could only take one hit.
@KeeperBvK I came here to say this. I thought it was going to be an article about Princess Crown, even though it never left Japan
Another insanely awesome looking Vanillaware game i haven’t played. Gimmie on Switch!
And an excellent and lovely collection of words. Thank you!
Even though I would love to see Muramasa on the Switch, I would vastly prefer the Odin Sphere remake. Absolutely fantastic game right there. Even Dragon's Crown would be a better fit for the Switch, with its pick up and play co-op nature. Muramasa is still great, but it does get a bit repetitive in its latter half compared to the other two games.
The disc is still in my WiiU. Never did finish Momohime's story. Last boss is ugh.
Sold my Wii copy like a big dope… ☹️
I absolutely loved Muramasa. It was my go to example to what I think is genuinely the most underrated era in Nintendo's history, genuinely unfair how many cool games in that time were ignored because they were non-casual 3rd party games on Nintendo systems. I've yet to play it myself but Sakuna's success felt like redemption for Muramasa, in a weird sort of way.
Heck yeah we need Muramasa and Odin Sphere on Switch
I loved how much inspiration Sakuna took from Muramasa. I'd love a Muramasa X Sakuna crossover!
One of my favorite Wii games. I sold it after playing, only to rebuy and keep to this day. One of maybe 30 physical Wii/u games in my actual collection. Digitally, nearly 1tb hard drive is full. I’d love to see a switch port.
@AlanaHagues truly your most tepid of takes, doubt you'd find anyone to argue the toss over this one! 😜
Any 3rd party game that’s at all decent on Wii can be considered a hidden gem. There are so many of them that next to no one has heard of
Damn I forgot how beautiful and kinetic this game was! Definitely a good time. I guess that's why I have a passing interest in Astlibra when I look at it.
Muramasa is my favorite Vanillaware title with Odin Sphere coming second. Not really interested in strategy games so their two last games are not really for me and Grim Grimoire wasn't either. I tried their brawler but did not think it was really good unfortunately.
So yeah Muramasa and Odin Sphere is where it's at as far as I'm concerned and I would so love to see their respective remakes make the jump to the switch. I would buy a double pack full price without even thinking really.
@Otoemetry This is going to haunt me for life, isn't it? 😅
@AlanaHagues until you come up with a few scorchers I'd say yes
Really a stunning game. I had it on the Wii but didn't finish it. Jumping is done by pressing up on the d-pad. And impossible to remap. Annoying!
@TheExile285 My exact sentiments. These are the ONLY 3 games I’ve been waiting for them to bring to Switch! I still pull out my Vita occasionally to Play Odin Sphere.
Damn straight its more than a pretty picture. Such a good side scroller and pretty damn good gameplay. I need this on my Switch right now...may when 2 comes out.
Yeah this game is awesome plus the little side quests and 2 characters with special rooms boom pow wow
I still have the Vita version of Muramasa but I would gladly buy it again if it ever came to Switch. Odin Sphere is another VanillaWare classic that needs to be brought to modern systems.
TBH, the title of this article threw me off. SURELY they couldn't be talking about Wii-darling MURAMASA???
I repurchased a mint copy of this for the Wii a few years back. Need to play this again at some point. An HD remaster seems like a no brainer for me.
I had it on the wii but you had to press up to jump so I sold it.
With Muramasa being the Ninty Vanillaware game I really expected them to make it available on the switch. I mean we've got three Vanillaware games on the switch so they definitely invested in the platform but yeah. Muramasa is the crazy weird Wii Vanillaware game that looks nothing like any of their other stuff. It's just perfect for the nintendo crowd.
I remember playing this game, and I never had a Vita, so it must have been on the Wii. Wish I still had my copy!
Did this one have the huge framerate issues that Odin Sphere did? I loved OS so much except basically every boss fight became nearly unplayable because it slowed down so much.
Played it on Wii, but didn't like it and sold it.
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