Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumor: Odin Sphere and Muramasa HD remakes coming to XBLA, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/#comments According to "sources in Japan" speaking with 1UP, two of Vanillaware's already gorgeous 2D titles, Muramasa: The Demon Blade (pictured) and Odin Sphere, are being remade in HD. The report also posits that the re-releases will likely arrive on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

Additionally, both games are now listed by Australia's OFLC as "multiplatform," though each has only been released on a single console to date (Odin Sphere on PS2 and Muramasa on Wii). The evidence may be mounting, but we're still filing these HD ports in the rumor department for now.

JoystiqRumor: Odin Sphere and Muramasa HD remakes coming to XBLA, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMuramasa-the-Demon-Bladeodin-sphereplaystationps3psnvanillawarexblaxboxFri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade
Muramasa appealed to me in a way that Odin Sphere didn't, thanks to an emphasis on combo-heavy sword action instead of planting and whatever. And the RPG elements that are left, like the sword upgrades and cooking, are not only fun, but simple enough that I can get right back into the game after a long break and still know what is going on.

Also, I don't mean to be shallow, but the fact that Muramasa is the most beautiful game of 2009 helps me be positive about it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbest-of-the-rest-2009bit-trip-beatcanabaltcapybarademons-soulsDSGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-Warsignition-entertainmentindies-zeromight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesmuramasa-the-demon-bladenamco-bandainew-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendoNintendo-SPD-Group-No.1phantasy-star-zeroretro-game-challengeRhythmrhythm-heavenscribblenautssegaspace-invaders-extreme-2the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksubisoftvanillawareWiixseedFri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition: Muramasa sales 'in line with expectations']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade publisher Ignition revealed to Gamer Investments a rough estimate of the NPD sales total for its Wii sidescroller, describing the game's September performance as "in the ball park of 35K," with a margin of "15-20%."

It might sound low to us, but marketing director Melody Frieda said that the total was "in line with expectations and we're happy with how it's performing to date." She said that positive reviews should help keep sales up through the holidays. The company sees even better potential for the title in the long term: according to Frieda, Ignition is "quite confident that Muramasa will be a revered cult classic like its sister property Odin Sphere," which went on to be released under the PS2's "Greatest Hits" line.

JoystiqIgnition: Muramasa sales 'in line with expectations' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendonpdvanillawareWiiFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Muramasa prize pack [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/#comments
Update: Contest is closed! Keep an eye on your email to see if you won! Thanks for playing!

If you didn't take our word on how awesome this game is, then here's your chance to check it out first-hand. One lucky reader will not only receive a copy of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, but we've also got a small collection of poster art for the game. It's a one-two punch of free gaming goodness. Best of luck!
  • Leave a comment telling us which of the game's main characters you prefer: Kisuke or Momohime
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 3:00PM ET on Thursday, October 1
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Muramasa: The Demon Blade ($50 ARV) and a collection of art cells ($15 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Muramasa prize pack [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionjoyswagmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareFri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Muramasa: The Demon Blade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/#commentsI was honestly a bit worried about being able to review Muramasa: The Demon Blade objectively, because this game was, from the outset, completely up my alley. Making a fully 2D sidescrolling action game with lots of combo-based swordfighting and a Japanese mythological setting is like titling the game JC Will Buy This, as there is no component of that game description for which I am not a sucker.

What keeps me honest? Professionalism the other side of that coin -- if the game worked I may be more likely than most to love it, sure, but if there was anything wrong with it, my disappointment would come out pretty harshly. Luckily, I don't have to worry about my personal biases getting in the way, as I'm quite certain this is a great action game.

Continue reading Review: Muramasa: The Demon Blade

JoystiqReview: Muramasa: The Demon Blade originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiMon, 14 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out more of Muramasa's lovely gameplay in this new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/#comments Muramasa: The Demon Blade's US release is so anticipated around Joystiq HQ, our staff can constantly be spotted exchanging fist-pumps whenever it's mentioned. Today, a new gameplay trailer has found its way online, showcasing more of the game's beautiful action. Hopefully, when it hits stores Stateside on September 8, it will live up to our lofty expectations. If not, the only arm movement we'll be making is when we throw elbows during our daily "abuse the intern" training exercises.

JoystiqCheck out more of Muramasa's lovely gameplay in this new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentmarvelous-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareMon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Demon Bosses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/#comments
Ignition has released two new trailers for the always lovely Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The first features the game's bosses, a collection of mythical monsters who can withstand thousands of rapid-fire slashes from Kisuke and Momohime. We've seen many of them, but we weren't familiar with that giant centipede thing.

If you enjoy that particular boss as much as we do, be sure to watch the other trailer after the break, originally posted at UGO. Not only does it feature more of that boss, acting both as opponent and surface, it features a one thousand hit combo on that boss.

Continue reading Muramasa: The Demon Bosses

JoystiqMuramasa: The Demon Bosses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignitionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer looks at Muramasa's Momohime, release set for Sept. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/#comments Some new Muramasa: The Demon Blade media has been released. This time around, it focuses on Momohime, one of the game's main characters. She's "a princess possessed by a dark spirit and on a quest to recover the cursed demon swords," and each blade she collects gives her different abilities.

But none of that matters, really. What does matter is that she can slice and dice baddies with the best of them and, as we've come to expect from Muramasa, she looks great doing it. Watch the new trailer above and then soak up some new screens and artwork below.

One more thing, we can finally pin a date on Muramasa. Expect it to hit North American shelves September 8.

Gallery: Muramasa (8/13/09)

JoystiqNew trailer looks at Muramasa's Momohime, release set for Sept. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition opens sharp Muramasa: The Demon Blade site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/#commentsIgnition opened the official North American Muramasa: The Demon Blade website today, confrming two important facts for us:
  1. Ignition is still planning to release the game this year (we need constant reassurance that not every game is being pushed to 2010)
  2. The art is still bangin'.
In fact, the website allows you to take some of that art for your very own in the form of desktop wallpapers. You can also check out screenshots, video, and character profiles while you're there, and offer Ignition your own Muramasa art in a fan art contest.

JoystiqIgnition opens sharp Muramasa: The Demon Blade site originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareTue, 11 Aug 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanillaware: HD Muramasa wouldn't be 'a great deal of extra work']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/#commentsVanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade is quite beautiful on the Wii, but would such a work be possible in HD? Vanillaware founder and president George Kamitani told Gamasutra that he thinks so. "Well, the original art we draw is all done in double-size -- in the case of Muramasa, the animation frames then get compressed down to the Wii's native resolution," he told Gamasutra. "As a result, producing a fully HD title would not be a great deal of extra work for us; it would just mean our original art is displayed in higher resolution." This is very similar to what WayForward's Voldi Way told us about 2D development in HD.

Despite the relative ease of transitioning to HD, Kamitani said there was no plan to re-release Muramasa as an XBLA game (or to re-release it anywhere else), but that the company is "in the experimental stage" of high-definition development.

JoystiqVanillaware: HD Muramasa wouldn't be 'a great deal of extra work' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dignitionjouji-kamitanimuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Muramasa: The Demon Blade trailer is all about the blading]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/#commentsThe latest trailer for Muramasa: The Demon Blade is designed to show off the high-flying, combo-ridden swordplay found in Vanillaware's action game. Your sword is in motion at almost all times during this game, as you float around, juggling enemy after enemy. It is a little bit overwhelming at first, in a Marvel vs. Capcom sort of way.

But then, when you get the hang of it, grimacing wheels, single-file lines of monks, gigantic samurai, and even transparent horses won't be able to stop you. At least, we think. We didn't really graduate past the "panicked button-mashing" technique at E3.

JoystiqNew Muramasa: The Demon Blade trailer is all about the blading originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Muramasa trailer makes with the slicing and dicing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/#commentsThere's no better way to fully appreciate the wonderful artistic style and furious action of Muramasa: The Demon Blade than to see it in motion. And, thankfully, that's just what we got for you right now. Above, you'll find a near-minute of fabulous Muramasa gameplay footage for your eyes to drool over, and if you're wondering what all of the fuss is about, you really should be keeping up.

JoystiqNew Muramasa trailer makes with the slicing and dicing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladeThu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: the GameStop preorder bonus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/muramasa-the-gamestop-preorder-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/muramasa-the-gamestop-preorder-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/muramasa-the-gamestop-preorder-bonus/#comments
Click to Marvelous-sizeWe didn't dare think it could happen, but when we saw the pre-order bonus for Japanese copies of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, we secretly wished for Ignition (well, XSEED at the time) to bring something half as awesome to us here. The bonus is a five-foot-long scroll featuring a series of amazing pieces of character art from the game.

GameStop has just revealed the North American pre-order bonus, and it's exactly that! We couldn't be more thrilled. Well, we could be more thrilled if two things happened:
  1. We confirmed that the back of the scroll had the same enemy and stage artwork as the Japanese version
  2. We found out that GameStop's September 1 release date (a Tuesday!) was the real release date for the game.
We've contacted Ignition about those two points. In the meantime, we can all enjoy the prospect of getting a really nice-looking free thing by buying another thing.

JoystiqMuramasa: the GameStop preorder bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopignitionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladepreorderMon, 29 Jun 2009 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-nintendo-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-nintendo-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-nintendo-roundup/#comments Nintendo E3 2009 checklist:
  • Mario? *check*
  • Zelda? *check*
  • Metroid? *check*
Are we missing something? Head past the break to find out!

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

JoystiqE3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-boy-and-his-blobastro-boyBoy-And-His-BlobCookingCooking-Mamacooking-mama-3Cooking-Mama-3-Shop-and-ChopCooking-Mama-Ltdcop-the-recruitdancedancerevolutiondead-space-extractiondj-herodrawn-to-life-the-next-chapterDSe3-2009eaElectronic-Artsendless-ocean-2facebookffcc-crystal-bearersflipnote-studiosfragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moonfriswiigladiator-adgolden-sun-dsju-onkingdom-hearts-3582-dayskonamilegend-of-zeldalegend-of-zelda-spirit-trackslego-rock-bandMajesco-EntertainmentMajesco-Gamesmario-and-luigi-bowsers-inside-storymario-and-sonic-at-the-winter-olympicsmario-vs-donkey-kong-march-of-the-minis-againmetroid-other-mMinigamesmonado-beginning-of-the-worldmuramasa-the-demon-bladenew-super-mario-bros-wiinintendono-more-heroes-2overlord-dark-legendpop-n-musicprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxred-steel-2resident-evil-archivesroundupscribblenautssilent-hill-shattered-memoriessin-and-punishment-2six-in-one-translatorsuper-mario-galaxy-2tales-of-monkey-islandtatsunoko-vs-capcomthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-grindertmnt-smash-uptony-hawk-ridetwisted-worldubisfotwarioware-diywasabiWayforwardWayforward-TechnologiesWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortwii-vitality-sensoryour-shapezephyr-rise-of-the-elementalsFri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: XSEED on what happened with Muramasa and more [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/interview-xseed-on-what-happened-with-muramasa-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/interview-xseed-on-what-happened-with-muramasa-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/interview-xseed-on-what-happened-with-muramasa-and-more/#comments[Update: we had attributed some of these remarks to the wrong person. Our apologies to Mr. Berry.]

Last September, XSEED Games announced its intent to publish Vanillaware's Wii side-scroller Muramasa: The Demon Blade in North America, to the delight of hardcore action gamers and people who like to see pretty things. Then, in April, it announced that it wouldn't be publishing the title, a duty that then fell to Ignition Entertainment.

At the time, we wondered why XSEED would decide not to publish such an eye-catching game. The short answer: it wouldn't decide to do that. XSEED's Jun Iwasaki and Ken Berry gave us details on the Muramasa situation, as well as the recent Fragile announcement, and the timing of Flower, Sun, and Rain. And, of course, they gamely accepted our pleas for Retro Game Challenge 2.

Continue reading Interview: XSEED on what happened with Muramasa and more [update]

JoystiqInterview: XSEED on what happened with Muramasa and more [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSe3-2009flower-sun-and-rainfragileinterviewmuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendoWiixseedSat, 06 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Muramasa: The Demon Blade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/hands-on-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/hands-on-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/hands-on-muramasa-the-demon-blade/#comments Vanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade was one of the flashier games being demonstrated on the show floor. Positioned right in front of the door at E3's West Hall, every attendee is greeted by the game's signature woodblock-esque look, with vividly colorful, swirling forest scenery. Our demo took place inside Ignition's booth, guided by new director of business development Shane Bettenhausen.

We know Vanillaware from its RPG titles like Odin Sphere, but while Muramasa shares the same lavish 2D look, it differs sharply in gameplay style -- this is a pure action game similar to something like Legend of Kage. First you choose one of two characters, princess Momohime or ninja Kisuke (each have their own divergent story), and then a difficulty level, "Muso" (easier) or "Shura" (hard). Then you run, jump, and slash monsters. It's pretty simple!

Continue reading Hands-on: Muramasa: The Demon Blade

JoystiqHands-on: Muramasa: The Demon Blade originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009ignitionmuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiThu, 04 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa rights picked up by Ignition, due in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/muramasa-rights-picked-up-by-ignition-due-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/muramasa-rights-picked-up-by-ignition-due-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/muramasa-rights-picked-up-by-ignition-due-in-september/#comments
We love it when the wheels of progress turn quickly, but this is a bit much. Just a day after we learned that publisher XSEED had dropped the rights to Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Vanillaware's followup to the PS2's Odin Sphere, we hear from Ignition that it will be scooping the game up for a North American release on Wii in September.

Jeez, Ignition, you didn't even give us time to mount an elaborate, multi-pronged effort to take to the streets to save Murasama. Now what the hell are we going to do with all this poster board and puffy paint?

JoystiqMuramasa rights picked up by Ignition, due in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawarexseedTue, 21 Apr 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED no longer publishing Muramasa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/xseed-no-longer-publishing-murasama/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/xseed-no-longer-publishing-murasama/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/xseed-no-longer-publishing-murasama/#comments
You should probably sit down, we have some bad news. According to NintendoEverything, XSEED has decided it will not publish the Wii exclusive Muramasa: The Demon Blade in North America. Muramasa: The Demon Blade -- which recently landed on store shelves in Japan -- is the new action role-playing title from Japanese developer Vanillaware, makers of the cult-hit Odin Sphere on PlayStation 2.

Muramasa was originally planned for release in North America as part of its US publishing agreement with Marvelous Entertainment US. According to NintendoEverything, XSEED states it still believes in the game and "will look forward to seeing it release in North America" -- as long as it isn't released by them, apparently. If you thought the wait was going to be long before... grab a Snickers bar, kids.

JoystiqXSEED no longer publishing Muramasa originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-role-playingaction-rpgmarvelous-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladexseedMon, 20 Apr 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa staff answers fans' disgusting questions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/muramasa-staff-answers-fans-disgusting-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/muramasa-staff-answers-fans-disgusting-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/muramasa-staff-answers-fans-disgusting-questions/#commentsNakamura and Mori, two of the developers working on Muramasa: The Demon Blade, posted a Q&A column on the game's Japanese site, offering answers to questions some fans may have, and to questions that nobody should ever ask.

Describing the difference between the "Musou" and "Shura" modes, Nakamura said that the Musou system is for people invigorated by raising levels, and the Shura system is more for action gamers who "have the habit of saying 'I am a god,'" and can play at godlike levels. He adds that players can switch modes at any time!

The final question in the column is from a 19-year-old otaku who asks if the female protagonist, Momohime, ever flashes her panties in battle. Nakamura responds, according to Siliconera's translation, with a historical defense that immediately turns into a huge mistake:

"N...never! Wearing panties underneath a kimono is unsophisticated. You can't see something that isn't there! Absolutely... you won't be able to see... Wait a second, Sayo..." Mori interjects with, "Hey! Please stop looking at Muramasa: The Demon Blade with such a wicked perspective!"

JoystiqMuramasa staff answers fans' disgusting questions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareWed, 01 Apr 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvelous Entertainment asks 17% of staff to retire, downgrades to 'Okay Entertainment']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/marvelous-entertainment-asks-17-of-staff-to-retire-downgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/marvelous-entertainment-asks-17-of-staff-to-retire-downgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/marvelous-entertainment-asks-17-of-staff-to-retire-downgrades/#commentsMarvelous Entertainment, whose game division develops and publishes the Harvest Moon series, in addition to publishing games like No More Heroes, Muramasa, and Hero for 30Sec, is seeking "voluntary retirement" from around 20 staff members as a cost-cutting measure.

Employees are incentivized to take the company up on its "offer" between now and April 3 with a special severance package. The retirements will take effect April 30 -- right around when Muramasa comes out in Japan. That's kind of unfortunate, because it'll make playing this awesome-looking game in a bit more bittersweet for all those former employees.
[Via Edge]

JoystiqMarvelous Entertainment asks 17% of staff to retire, downgrades to 'Okay Entertainment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonlayoffsmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeno-more-heroesTue, 24 Mar 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Demon Blade will accommodate action and RPG fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/muramasa-the-demon-blade-will-accommodate-action-and-rpg-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/muramasa-the-demon-blade-will-accommodate-action-and-rpg-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/muramasa-the-demon-blade-will-accommodate-action-and-rpg-fans/#commentsAccording to (our iffy translation of) Famitsu, Muramasa: The Demon Blade will be playable in two different modes: "Musou" and "Shura." Musou mode may be best-suited for fans of previous Vanillaware action-RPGs like Odin Sphere: it focuses on character leveling rather than action. Shura mode is all action, with less emphasis on strategy. We don't know how the modes differ mechanically, but it may be as simple as easier enemies in one mode and fewer character customization options in the other.

Along with this news, Marvelous released new screens of Muramasa. As usual, yum. Muramasa comes out April 9 in Japan, which is not fair at all. It's out in Europe in spring of 2010, and in North America sometime this year. But probably not next month.

JoystiqMuramasa: The Demon Blade will accommodate action and RPG fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareTue, 03 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A welcome Muramasa: The Demon Blade media overload]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/a-welcome-muramasa-the-demon-blade-media-overload/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/a-welcome-muramasa-the-demon-blade-media-overload/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/a-welcome-muramasa-the-demon-blade-media-overload/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're going to take the rest of the day off. We just uploaded a ton of new screens of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, and we just need a little mini-vacation to stare at them. We are always surprised when we see this game again and realize that it's even more beautiful than we remember it being. This is what it feels like to care about graphics. We totally understand it. The gorgeous boxart is also in the gallery.

If you're as awestruck by the backgrounds as we are, you should have a look around the newly redesigned website (updated in anticipation of the April 9 Japanese release date), which has character/UI-free background images. Marvelous also added a new trailer to the page, which we've embedded after the break.

Apparently, there will be some sort of preorder bonus for the Japanese version, an unknown item that will show off the character art and other artwork. A poster? Art book? Whatever it is, we want it.

Source -- screens, via NeoGAF
Source -- site, via AndriaSang

Continue reading A welcome Muramasa: The Demon Blade media overload

JoystiqA welcome Muramasa: The Demon Blade media overload originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareFri, 06 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Demon Blade cuts down Japan this April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/muramasa-the-demon-blade-cuts-down-japan-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/muramasa-the-demon-blade-cuts-down-japan-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/muramasa-the-demon-blade-cuts-down-japan-this-april/#commentsFiled under: ,


Word on the street is that the highly stylish and, well, one of our most-watched games, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, will hit Japanese retail in April of this year. We've got no firm date yet, however an April release in Japan means that we could be seeing it localized in North America this holiday season. It is coming to Europe in November, after all (not taking into account summer placeholders).

It's a long wait, but one we'll gladly suffer for what we're sure is going to be a wonderful game.

JoystiqMuramasa: The Demon Blade cuts down Japan this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dmarvelousmarvelous-interactivemuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladexseedFri, 16 Jan 2009 19:09:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED drawing Muramasa: The Demon Blade this summer?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/xseed-drawing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/xseed-drawing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/xseed-drawing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-this-summer/#commentsFiled under:


We were thrilled by the implication that Muramasa: The Demon Blade's planned November 2009 European release date meant a similar date for North America -- just because the date made the whole thing seem more real. Now, according to retailers, we may have a release window for Vanillaware's unsettlingly gorgeous side-scrolling action RPG that doesn't seem like it's five million years away.

Both GameStop and Amazon report summer release dates for the title: Gamestop says July 15, and Amazon on July 28. Even if it is earlier than November, July may seem like a long time from now -- but Wii action gamers will probably have a lot to play in the first half of the year, including stuff like House of the Dead: Overkill, MadWorld, Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers, and The Conduit.


[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqXSEED drawing Muramasa: The Demon Blade this summer? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenrpgvanillawarexseedThu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa slicing up Europe in November 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/muramasa-slicing-up-europe-in-november-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/muramasa-slicing-up-europe-in-november-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/muramasa-slicing-up-europe-in-november-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rising Star Games has already confirmed it will localize gorgeous 2D ninja romp Muramasa: The Demon Blade in Europe, and now the official site has pinpointed a release date of November 2009.

Why is this good news for North Americans? Spencer at Siliconera believes that Marvelous is attempting to align release dates for its biggest titles in the U.S. and Europe (No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle and Little King's Story have similar launch dates in both regions), and hypothesizes that Muramasa could fall into the same pattern. Now seems like an appropriate time to celebrate with half a dozen new screens!


Source: European release window
Source: Screens

JoystiqMuramasa slicing up Europe in November 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtudenrising-star-gamesvanillawareThu, 23 Oct 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rising Star Games announces Valhalla Knights, Muramasa, Arc Rise Fantasia for Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/rising-star-games-announces-valhalla-knights-muramasa-arc-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/rising-star-games-announces-valhalla-knights-muramasa-arc-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/rising-star-games-announces-valhalla-knights-muramasa-arc-rise/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rising Star Games has announced European releases for another set of Marvelous Wii games shown at TGS. Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga, Marvelous's RPG, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, the superhot sidescroller from Vanillaware, and Image Epoch's Arc Rise Fantasia are all headed to Europe sometime in 2009-2010. They're joining a pile of upcoming DS, Wii, and PSP games including Rune Factory Frontier, Avalon Code, Luminous Arc 2, and of course No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle.

Even if nobody else released any Wii games in Europe, it would seem that Rising Star Games would have you covered!

JoystiqRising Star Games announces Valhalla Knights, Muramasa, Arc Rise Fantasia for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-rise-fantasiamarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeno-more-heroesNo-More-Heroes-2-Desperate-Strugglerising-star-gamesvalhalla-knights-eldar-sagaMon, 13 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS08: Muramasa gameplay footage will change you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-muramasa-gameplay-footage-will-change-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-muramasa-gameplay-footage-will-change-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-muramasa-gameplay-footage-will-change-you/#commentsFiled under:


We have been keeping up with Muramasa: The Demon Blade. We read the interview in which the director namechecked The Legend of Kage. We've stared at screens. We've even seen video from as far back as last year's TGS and as recently as the Nintendo press event (though we saw only seconds then). We thought we knew Muramasa. We were not prepared for this video.

It looks like Odin Sphere, sure, but with sharper graphics and more beautiful settings. It also appears to be far more actiony than its predecessor, and also less beset by slowdown. It looks like, well, Ninja Gaiden crossed with Ninja Gaiden. Enjoy these seven minutes of amazing Muramasa footage.

JoystiqTGS08: Muramasa gameplay footage will change you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareThu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Awesome Screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/muramasa-the-awesome-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/muramasa-the-awesome-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/muramasa-the-awesome-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's been a long time, but we're glad Nintendo's press event and TGS have kick-started the release of news regarding Vanillaware's Oboro Muramasa Youtouden, coming here as Muramasa: The Demon Blade. Only a few days after the last release of screens, we have another ... couple of screens!

While we'd love to read hands-on impressions, or learn more about the release date for any region beyond "2009," we can state honestly that it's quite enough for us to look at screens of this incredibly beautiful game. We'll need a couple more months to take all this in before we'll need to play it or anything.

Well, actually, it isn't enough for us. Marvelous will be handing out Oboro Muramasa screen-cleaners at TGS, and we would definitely like to see one of those. In our hands.

JoystiqMuramasa: The Awesome Screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudentgs08vanillawareMon, 06 Oct 2008 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade coming stateside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/vanillaware-s-muramasa-the-demon-blade-coming-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/vanillaware-s-muramasa-the-demon-blade-coming-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/vanillaware-s-muramasa-the-demon-blade-coming-stateside/#commentsFiled under: ,


The publishing duo of XSEED and Marvelous Entertainment announced plans to bring Vanillaware's Wii-exclusive ninja-action title, Oboro Muramasa Youtouden, to the US sometime next year. The game, which will be redubbed as Muramasa: The Demon Blade for the local market, marks the second title to emerge from a co-publishing deal inked in May, following this week's release of Valhalla Knights 2 for the PSP.

Muramasa looks to continue the tradition of Vanillaware's eye-poppingly gorgeous titles, Odin Sphere and Grim Grimoire, promising hand-drawn 2D sprites and side-scrolling levels. Beyond this, details are scarce, though more is expected to be revealed next week when the game is officially unveiled during TGS.

JoystiqVanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade coming stateside originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvelous-entertainmentmarvelous-interactivemarvelousinteractiveMuramasaMuramasa-the-demon-bladeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenvanillawareWiixseedFri, 03 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST