Muramasa: The Demon Blade

 Wii
Muramasa: The Demon Blade Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 124 Ratings

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  • Summary: 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.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. [XSeed Games]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 58
  3. Negative: 1 out of 58
  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Other than Princess Crown and Odin Sphere (which were equally superior in their time), Muramasa defies comparison. The art and animation throughout is so refined it almost seems unfair, the gameplay is intuitive and never grows old; the RPG elements are unique and superbly presented and the score is simply mesmerizing.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Eurogamer Portugal
    90
    Muramasa is positioned as a compelling work and highlights a passion for Japanese culture.
  3. Nintendo Gamer
    89
    Expect the depth of an RPG and you may be disappointed, but for latent ninjas this blisteringly quick and beautiful action title will be like manna from heaven. [JPN Import; July 2009, p.64]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Game Revolution
    83
    But perhaps its best unrecognized feature is that it actually got a hardcore “gamer” like me to stop playing my Xbox 360 and pick up the Wii for the first time in months, possibly years, not just because it was my assignment, but because I wanted to. And I’m not sure I can give better praise than that.
  5. Nintendo Power
    80
    You've-got-to-see-it-to-believe-it graphics certainly don't hurt. [Oct 2009, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Cheat Code Central
    78
    It's a surprisingly long game, since it offers two different storylines and endings with two different characters. There are also challenges scattered throughout, as well as an incredible amount of swords to forge or collect.
  7. GameCritics
    30
    In every way save the graphics, I found Muramasa: The Demon Blade to be a failure.

See all 58 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
  1. RomanP
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    Best 2D hack and slash game in a decade. Beautiful graphics. This is the best game on the Wii.
  2. hunterd
    Sep 9, 2009
    10
    Stellar 2D artwork, killer soundtrack, and addictive swordplay make this even better than Odin Sphere!
  4. RPGROB
    Jun 27, 2011
    10
    This game rocks! The graphics are illustrated, thus making the Wii's graphical inferiority irrelevant, since 2D is being used, not 3D. DozensThis game rocks! The graphics are illustrated, thus making the Wii's graphical inferiority irrelevant, since 2D is being used, not 3D. Dozens of swords to make, all with their own special powers. A must buy!… Expand
  5. PouyanN
    Sep 9, 2009
    9
    Gorgeous game. The action, while simple, is fast and a sight to behold. If you enjoy simple slashers, then you'll love this one. I Gorgeous game. The action, while simple, is fast and a sight to behold. If you enjoy simple slashers, then you'll love this one. I don't need to tell you how good this game looks. I also love how they kept the Japanese language and had English subtitles. I can see how this could turn off a lot of potential customers, but I think it really fits the setting. It doesn't get a perfect score from me because of all the backtracking, but the backgrounds are so beautiful that even the backracking is somewhat enjoyable. It's a very niche title and won't appeal to the masses, but if you liked Odin Sphere, or like side-scrollers in general then definitely get this.… Expand
  6. gabrielct
    Dec 27, 2012
    9
    Muramasa have quited impressed me. The visuals are extremely beautifull and at times can confuse you if this game is really playing on a SDMuramasa have quited impressed me. The visuals are extremely beautifull and at times can confuse you if this game is really playing on a SD machine, the Wii. Even with a large TV, the graphics at 480p are remarkably astonishing. The gameplay is fun, you will want to hack and slash the freaking out of your enemies, performing grandious combos and incredibly movements. Very good musical score set in feudal japan with some notable places. Deserves high praise and it is among one of the best of the best on the Wii. Certified quality game, thats to be sure… Expand
  7. juanlobo
    Dec 17, 2016
    7
    The graphics are awesome, the voice acting ( in Japanese ) is cool, the game is pretty simple, it doesn't use any motion controls but it haveThe graphics are awesome, the voice acting ( in Japanese ) is cool, the game is pretty simple, it doesn't use any motion controls but it have a nice story… Expand
  8. BattleAxeRX
    Oct 15, 2013
    0
    Muramasa is among the most overrated games ever made. The "Graphics" that people rave about are simply an anime, cell shaded, low-frameMuramasa is among the most overrated games ever made. The "Graphics" that people rave about are simply an anime, cell shaded, low-frame animated sprites, un-original blends of color style of presentation that REALLY does not, could not keep this game from being a stale experience.

    It's a hack-n-slash platforming game first and a light RPG second. If you were an actual gamer, you'd only play this game for the story and lore if at all.    … Expand

See all 25 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Wii Game of 2009
14
#14 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2009
36
#36 Most Shared Wii Game of 2009