Muramasa: The Demon Blade

 Wii
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 124
  3. Negative: 11 out of 124
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  1. Fancypenguin
    Feb 27, 2014
    9
    Muramasa: The Demon Blade is one of the best games on the wii, and a thoroughly underrated title. First off, and obviously as everybody has stated before, the game's visual presentation is stunning. Its almost like a moving water color painting and fans of Japanese style artwork (myself included) will be greatly pleased by this game's aesthetics. This is the best looking 2d game I'veMuramasa: The Demon Blade is one of the best games on the wii, and a thoroughly underrated title. First off, and obviously as everybody has stated before, the game's visual presentation is stunning. Its almost like a moving water color painting and fans of Japanese style artwork (myself included) will be greatly pleased by this game's aesthetics. This is the best looking 2d game I've ever seen (maybe bar Rayman origins.) But, as I've always said, , I choose the games I like much like the women I like, for their gameplay, not their graphics. Sure at its core, Muramasa is a 2d, side scrolling hack and slash adventure game with platforming and rpg elements, the RPG elements making this game much deeper than just a run of the mill hack and slasher. There's a fun cooking mechanic that requires learning recipes from books and collecting the ingredients to make food that increases your stats and health, as well as a crafting system to make your own blades. These elements, while adding to the depth of the game overall, may not be deep enough for hardcore rpg gamers. Of course, as with any hack and slash game, it runs the risk of becoming repetitive and stale. And while the combat isn't varied in and of itself, it never became a chore to play because the combos are fluid, and satisfying to pull off, as well as each blade having its own unique powers and strengths. There is also enough variation in enemies, each having different strategies you will need to figure out to dispatch them easily. Boss battles are long, epic, challenging and satisfying. The story and characters are strong, based on classic Japanese culture, and the soundtrack is beautiful and matches the games tone well. As far as criticism goes, I do have a few things. One being that while the backgrounds are gorgeous, they do tend to repeat themselves A LOT. There are different backdrops for different parts of the world in each area obviously, but what I mean is for example there is one area where you are in a town setting. The first background you see in that setting will be the one you will see until the area changes (In this case fields of beautiful cherry trees.) This is really a shame seeing as how stunning the art design is, I really wish they would have had 5 or 6 backdrops per area instead of just two or three. This repetition in scenery is only compounded by the enormous amount of backtracking that is required of you in this game. Every time you beat a boss, you have to backtrack all the way to the energy field that was blocking your way to get to the next area, that you can now access with the blade you've just acquired. This game needed some sort of fast travel or hub world system where you could quickly go from one place to another, because this is not a hardcore enough RPG that you will enjoy grinding in battles for exp. My last complaint is that, as I touched on before, I feel like the rpg elements in this game could have been fleshed out more, which leaves them feeling like sort of an afterthought. Overall, this game is an amazing 2d sidescroller that has all of its elements come together beautifully to make it greater than the sum of its parts. This is one of my all time favorite games and just a purely enjoyable game to play. While it does have some flaws, it is still a shining gem in the WII library and a strong contender for most underrated game of all time.… Expand
  2. LifeHistory
    Sep 8, 2018
    5
    At first I thought It was very enjoyable with that beautiful art style. Then the game had lots of unnecessary backtrack and it got VERY repetitive. The game also long. I'd rather quality decent length of a game over quantity that makes it long and boring.
  3. RomanP
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    Best 2D hack and slash game in a decade. Beautiful graphics. This is the best game on the Wii.
  4. Borg
    Feb 12, 2011
    10
    Muramasa: The Demon Blade is an excellent wii game that will captivate. The graphics of course are the best part, with everything being beautiful hand drawn pictures for sprites and backgrounds. The combat is quick and beautiful, and you've an abundance of blades to use throughout the game, each with different abilites. The music is extremely beautiful, and fit perfectly with the mood ofMuramasa: The Demon Blade is an excellent wii game that will captivate. The graphics of course are the best part, with everything being beautiful hand drawn pictures for sprites and backgrounds. The combat is quick and beautiful, and you've an abundance of blades to use throughout the game, each with different abilites. The music is extremely beautiful, and fit perfectly with the mood of the game (You'll be humming them every now and then). The voice acting is of course excellent. The storyline is enjoyable and the cutscenes are embracing.… Expand
  5. c0mmander
    Dec 20, 2011
    9
    Gameplay:9- The gameplay is fantastically well executed and fits the controller well although doesn't boast the move features of the Wii which is why it loses a mark in gameplay but don't let that put you off this is an absolute gem in the Nintendo Wii library. Imagine a hack and slash game that requires a level of depth enough to get the player involved fully.
    Presentation: 10- There's    Gameplay:9- The gameplay is fantastically well executed and fits the controller well although doesn't boast the move features of the Wii which is why it loses a mark in gameplay but don't let that put you off this is an absolute gem in the Nintendo Wii library. Imagine a hack and slash game that requires a level of depth enough to get the player involved fully.
    Presentation: 10- There's no denying the presentation style is fantastic one of the best presentation styles to be found on Wii.
    Graphics:10- The charm of this artistic Japanese game will mesmerise with the colours extremely effective in creating a BEAUTIFUL setting.
    Lasting Appeal: 7.5- While the game is a masterpiece in itself there's not much to come back for although two separate story lines and wanting to better yourself on separate playthroughs add to the lasting appeal.    … Expand
  6. redTurtle
    Nov 18, 2011
    6
    Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a aesthetically pleasing game. There are tons of different swords and you can even play as two different characters. This really adds to the length of the game. Other than this, I felt no real draw to the game. I found the gameplay to be a little bit boring and repetitive. It seemed like all I was doing was pressing the same button over and over again! TheMuramasa: The Demon Blade is a aesthetically pleasing game. There are tons of different swords and you can even play as two different characters. This really adds to the length of the game. Other than this, I felt no real draw to the game. I found the gameplay to be a little bit boring and repetitive. It seemed like all I was doing was pressing the same button over and over again! The swords are the only thing that really made me stay with the game as long as I did. I beat both stories, but I have not yet gotten all the swords. Finally, sometimes when you try to attack a certain way, the motion controls seem very unresponsive.… Expand
  7. 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 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 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
  8. Matt
    Sep 8, 2009
    10
    This game is amazing. The graphics are top notch, the hand drawn animations are some of the best I've ever seen, and the combat system keeps getting better with each weapon forged. The story is pretty simple but it's enough to hold the attention of the player. One of my favorite things about this game are the boss battles. From giant centipedes to a giant octopus in the middle This game is amazing. The graphics are top notch, the hand drawn animations are some of the best I've ever seen, and the combat system keeps getting better with each weapon forged. The story is pretty simple but it's enough to hold the attention of the player. One of my favorite things about this game are the boss battles. From giant centipedes to a giant octopus in the middle of the sea, you really can't go wrong with this game. I highly recommend Muramasa to any fan of fast, frenetic gameplay, interesting characters, and great voice acting coupled with an amazing soundtrack.… Expand
  9. JackZhang
    Oct 6, 2009
    9
    I love the way reviewers like GameCritics gives a 3/10 and users give 9 or 10/10. Honestly, do you really think this game is a 3?? 3 is more like SPOGS Racing or Balls of Fury. 3 means Overwhelming dislike. Are you giving it a 3 because the game is truely horrible or simply because you didn't get enough paid for your last check?
  10. henriquer
    Sep 8, 2009
    10
    Can't believe in some review in here, people judging the game only by its combat, it's the big picture that's so beautifull, the story telling, the music, the visuals, and yes the combat. The combat is shallow? try fun, sometimes people forget that games are meant to be fun, hell I don't wan't a overly complex combat system, I wan't something simple that I Can't believe in some review in here, people judging the game only by its combat, it's the big picture that's so beautifull, the story telling, the music, the visuals, and yes the combat. The combat is shallow? try fun, sometimes people forget that games are meant to be fun, hell I don't wan't a overly complex combat system, I wan't something simple that I can enjoy while going trhough a story. seriously, this game is well worth a purchase, its allready a great game, and for wii standards it's a damn masterpiece.… Expand
  11. DerekT
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    This game deserves a 9 because the graphics were outstanding and many people think that we are just bitching at the fact that it couldve had wifi but its true this game wouldve been perfect with wifi and a multiplayer system but overral this game story was awesome and the characters were the perfect addtion to an epic story that let you feel the way of a samurai. I cant really explain the This game deserves a 9 because the graphics were outstanding and many people think that we are just bitching at the fact that it couldve had wifi but its true this game wouldve been perfect with wifi and a multiplayer system but overral this game story was awesome and the characters were the perfect addtion to an epic story that let you feel the way of a samurai. I cant really explain the whole game in just words but i can say that it deserves more recognition than what it actually got… Expand
  12. [ANONYMOUS]
    Sep 11, 2009
    10
    This is the hardcore wii game people have been waiting for. It does everything right, and is a nicely polished game that is extremely fun, simple, and highly addictive. Anyone who has a wii and is really into gaming needs this in their collection otherwise they are just posers.
  13. EricL.
    Sep 8, 2009
    10
    This is the best game I have for the Wii. It's like Viewtiful Joe put together with Ninja Gaiden. There really isn't much "RPG" to this "Action RPG" but that doesn't make it any less fun!! This game reminds me of Crysis because reviewers pay more attention to the (awesome) graphics, rather than the amazing music and addicting gameplay. The only small complaint is that some This is the best game I have for the Wii. It's like Viewtiful Joe put together with Ninja Gaiden. There really isn't much "RPG" to this "Action RPG" but that doesn't make it any less fun!! This game reminds me of Crysis because reviewers pay more attention to the (awesome) graphics, rather than the amazing music and addicting gameplay. The only small complaint is that some bosses have way too many hitpoints and there are no English voiceovers.… Expand
  14. hunterd
    Sep 9, 2009
    10
    Stellar 2D artwork, killer soundtrack, and addictive swordplay make this even better than Odin Sphere!
  15. 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. Dozens of swords to make, all with their own special powers. A must buy!
  16. 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 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 musicalMuramasa 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
  17. SleepingLionX
    Apr 9, 2012
    10
    As captivating as it is beautiful, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a fantasy hack-and-slasher with enough challenge, exploration, and gorgeous art to please the gamer who sees the Wii as casual. The gameplay is simple enough to understand easily, yet deep enough to last for weeks on end. With over 100 different swords to forge, each with their own special power, it makes combat dynamic andAs captivating as it is beautiful, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a fantasy hack-and-slasher with enough challenge, exploration, and gorgeous art to please the gamer who sees the Wii as casual. The gameplay is simple enough to understand easily, yet deep enough to last for weeks on end. With over 100 different swords to forge, each with their own special power, it makes combat dynamic and fun to experiment with. The game also has high replay value with the challenge bosses and challenge rooms scattered around the massive recreation of ancient Japan. The game will also keep player busy if they want to unlock all six endings, three per character. For any gamer looking for a hardcore title for the Wii, look no further.… Expand
  18. Justin
    Sep 24, 2009
    10
    I haven't played this game to its end, but if Metacritic will put up a so called "professional review" that did the same, than I have no problem admitting it either. This site should be ashamed of themselves, for putting up reviews that readily admit, they didn't finish the game that they reviewed. So they give a game a 3 out of 10 from only playing half the game.
  19. BobbyJ
    Jan 5, 2010
    0
    Maybe it's because I'm from a generation of low graphics but, depth is more important and this game is definitely lacking in it. If it wasn't for software return policies I would be taking this back pronto.
  20. 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-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    Muramasa 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
  21. obthegeek
    Nov 22, 2020
    9
    absolutely gorgeous graphics and incredibly tight hack-n-slash gameplay. combined with the japanese theming and locations and voice acting done by some of my favourite VAs from anime, this is good ****
  22. 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 have a nice story
  23. Retro_indepecat
    Sep 7, 2017
    8
    Els gràfics són impressionants, una bellesa increible, amb una estètica típica del japó medieval que farà que no li donis tanta importància al fet de que el joc es bastant repetitiu, però tot i això, un gran joc!!
  24. antenneone
    Aug 7, 2018
    5
    Tiene una estética preciosa, una buena jugabilidad y una bonita historia. Todos los ingredientes para ser un juegazo. Pero a mi en los dos horas que le he prestado mi atención no me ha sabido a mucho. Cuestión de gustos
  25. Raknner44
    Feb 24, 2021
    1
    Al japonés que se le haya ocurrido ponerle un ataque al jefe mono que sea un tornado que te golpea 10 veces seguidas y te saca más de 1000 de vida es un hijo de mil put4.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 58
  3. Negative: 1 out of 58
  1. Destructoid
    70
    Overall, it's a very solid title. Flawed, certainly, but a lot of fun to play if you don't mind a little repetitive combat and a story that feels a bit slow.
    Read full review
  2. GameFocus
    80
    It is a beautiful game that is a victim of its own success as the story so badly eclipses the gameplay. Muramasa is an imperfect jewel. It’s a precious stone for sure, but the cut’s not quite right.
    Read full review
  3. Giant Bomb
    80
    For all it's got going for it, though, Muramasa's problem is that it simply overstays its welcome. This is a good 14-hour game, and the gameplay cannot support that kind of play time. I found myself wishing that the game was about half the length it is, which would've left me satisfied, rather than fully exhausted.
    Read full review
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