Sleeper Warning - Muramasa: The Demon Blade

As much as I would love to see Vanillaware's latest work of art, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, on a "real" console, I will settle for the Wii. After all, the 2007 release of Vanillaware's Odin Sphere was on a similarly powerful machine(PS2), and it was still one of the most beautiful games I have ever seen. And much like Odin Sphere, I'm sure screen-shots and streaming video don't do this game justice.

Here is a trailer anyway:


Also like Odin Sphere, I expect the game to offer some deep and interesting gameplay. While Muramasa may look like a standard side scrolling action game, realize that this studio does not usually dabble within the realms of "standard". While I still have a hard time classifying just what the hell Odin Sphere is (side scrolling brawler action rpg or something?), in 2007 Vanillaware also released Grim Grimoire, a completely side-scrolling RTS for the PS2. So to expect some strange twist in the gameplay of Muramasa is far from a stretch.

The game looks to move a lot faster than, the often clunky,Odin Sphere as well. It also appears that the girl pictured above will be playable. Best of all, the game seems to be ditching the strange, sphere-like level style of Odin Sphere. My concern though, lies in Wiimote functionality. I really hope Vanillaware will be allowed to ignore waggle completely. The NDS has great touch screen games(Elite Beat Agents, Kirby's Canvas) and superb games that don't use the touch screen at all(Advance Wars, New Super Mario Bros, Castlevania); I really hope Nintendo realizes the Wii can be the same way. This is one of the many games I hope David will get some hands on with at TGS this year.

Spread the word. Don't let this game become some under-appreciated cult hit that ends up on Ebay for 3 times its value.

Some screens (CLICK TO ENLARGE):





Thanks to corvus and school for finding some of these pics and keeping the forum users informed on the game.

Brad