Upon starting a game, players may choose either Momohime or Kisuke from a simple selection screen that lists their names but not their portraits. We chose Momohime (left selection) because kunoichi are much cooler than ninja. Kunoichi are also more presentable at cocktail parties. At the outset, a simple tutorial teaches players the basic moves where the "A" button attacks and pushing up on the analog thumbstick makes the hero jump. An impressive assortment of moves is available including a rolling slash and a dashing aerial attack where the kunoichi's entire body serves as the weapon. When performing the aerial dash, a total of three sequential attacks may be made before the game engine resets and calls time out.

Jan Code: 4535506300928

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.

NCS Game Notes
» The intro to the game shows a cloudy mountainside dotted by trees. The scene gives way to a kunoichi named Momohime who unsheaths her sword followed by a scene of two swords which are dug deep into the earth and the game logo pops up. If you decide to continue watching, there's some more footage featuring the ninja boy Kisuke, sliding sword scenes, and the visage of an old dude which gives way to the setting sun.

» The proper title screen appears afterwards where a big koi swims across the screen accompanied by falling leaves that spin downwards onto the water's surface.

» Choose your hero and the game starts with a short tutorial that teaches the controls which utilize both the Nunchuk and the Wii Remote. You'll learn how to jump, double jump, duck, roll, and slash. By pressing up or down on the analog stick along with pressing the "A" button, special rolling attacks may be meted out. There's also a sweet flying dash-attack move which is activated by pressing and holding the "A" button and then pushing the analog stick left or right. Pushing and then holding the "A" button by itself activates the hero's guard/block move. Projectiles hurled by enemies may also be reflected back at them by slashing the projectile with a perfectly timed sword stroke.

» After the tutorial is over, the game will ask if you wish to repeat the tutorial. If you're still a little shaky, highlight the left selection and press "A" to learn the moves again. If you're good to go, highlight the right selection and press "A" to move onto the first level.

» The first stage allows for tree branch hopping where the hero leaps from tree branch to tree branch... just like the old game Legend of Kage. The kunoichi can glide if you perform a double jump and then continue pressing up on the analog stick. She'll sort of slow her descent by billowing up her robes. If you want her to drop downwards quicker, simply press down on the analog stick and she'll plummet. A group of four ninja will attack on the second screen but they're not very formidable.

» Things are fairly cookie cutter in the first forest area but once you get out into the countryside, the background scenery is eye candy with bright golden hues, green fields, and the shadows of the clouds above may be seen slowly moving across the landscape. In the foreground, the flora moves as if brushed by firm breezes. A scarecrow may also be seen as it stands against the wind. The first group of ninja that attack in this area aren't much of a challenge but there's two samurai later on who put up more of a fight.

» When surrounded by a bunch of ninja who are jumping, slashing, and throwing shuriken, it's pretty impressive to watch someone tackle all of them at once by counter-attacking, reflecting shuriken back at the thrower, and basically kicking ass by using the moves that were taught in the beginning of the game.

» Near the end of the first stage, the hero will enter a graveyard and hold a soliloquy before moving onwards to greet some spirits and hold short conversations with them. Soon afterwards, the first end-level boss appears. He's a giant Cyclops with blue skin and balled fists. In his left hand, he grips a necklace made from skulls. He attacks by leaping and going horizontal in an attempt to squash his prey but it's fairly simple to get out of his way as he leaps and then home in on his body for the kill. He'll also fire off flames which are again, easy to avoid. As he weakens, he'll get a little more aggressive and start throwing out spinning projectiles that land with a thud and then erupt into miniature energy geysers. Another attack is a mass firing of spirit energy that travels like an undulating wave. Note that if he connects, your hero's sword will be broken. To fix your weapon, press the "C" button. After defeating the Cyclops, some more spirits may be interacted with in the graveyard including a female fox spirit carrying a lantern and two actual foxes, You'll be given a chance to save your progress afterwards.

» An underground passage later in the game is filled with goblins that attack like a pack of hyenas. There's also a powerful porcupine later on in the forest which attacks by charging at full tilt. We didn't really want to kill it since the poor animal was probably just defending its turf.

» A little eatery may be visited later in the game where four menu items are available. We ordered a bowl of rice with some bits of vittles in there and ate it by pressing the "A" button until all of the rice and bits was gone. We think Momohime can eat a lot if given the opportunity.

» Oboro Muramasa is visually stunning and screen captures of the stages would make nice pieces to be hung in a frame. We weren't too keen on playing a platformer with a combination of the Nunchuk and Wii Remote but it works well and the controls are snappy.

Region Lock-out
Please note Japanese Wii games will not boot on USA or European Wii consoles due to the inherent region-lockout on Japanese Wii game discs. A Freeloader (and a Wii with 3.2U firmware) is required to play Japanese Wii games.

Torrance, Calif., (October 2, 2008) – Game publishers Marvelous Entertainment USA and XSEED Games announced today that the highly anticipated title, Muramasa: The Demon Blade (known in Japan as “Oboro Muramasa Youtouden”), is currently in development and will be released for the North American market. A unique, highly stylized action RPG (role playing game) videogame, Muramasa: The Demon Blade will ship in North America in 2009, exclusively for the Wii.

“Muramasa: The Demon Blade is an incredibly special title,” stated Yasuhiro Wada, Managing Director of Marvelous Entertainment. “From the team that created the critically acclaimed Odin Sphere, Muramasa features a stunning visual look and palette that will be embraced by gamers world wide. We’re pleased to continue our relationship with XSEED Games to bring such an anticipated title to the massive North American gaming market.”

Jun Iwasaki, President of XSEED Games, shared Mr. Wada’s sentiments. “Gamers are already excited for Muramasa. The game has already been included in many ‘must-have Wii games’ lists. We feel this enthusiasm will only continue to grow as gamers learn more about the mysterious ‘Demon Blades, and have the opportunity to experience the life of a ninja warrior.”

Based on ancient Japanese lore, Murumasa: The Demon Blade plunges players into the mystical Genroku era, ruled by the skilled shogun Tsunayoshi Tokogawa. But this culture is threatened; Tokogawa’s thirst for power leads to a conflict over the enormously powerful, though cursed, Demon Blades. Used in hatred, drenched in blood, the cursed blades condemn those who use them to tragedy, madness, and untimely deaths. As chaos spreads, denizens from the netherworld breach their realm as these malevolent swords summon evil spirits - and the Dragon and Demon Gods as well.

Featuring hand-drawn 2D art reflecting the heritage and tone of the storyline, Muramasa: The Demon Blade transports players into a little known mythology, envisioned by the creators of the critically acclaimed Odin Sphere. Players take on the role of a male ninja or female kunoichi, utilizing their ninja prowess to traverse the clever side-scrolling levels that feature vertical progression as well as the traditional horizontal stage advancement.

Muramasa: The Demon Blade is currently in development by Marvelous Entertainment and Vanillaware exclusively for the Wii, and will be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show in Japan (October 9-12). The game will be co-published by Marvelous Entertainment USA and XSEED Games in North America and is expected to ship in 2009.

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