Joystiq

Dragon's Crown introduces the Amazon

Sinan Kubba — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:30:00 EST

Atlus released the sixth character trailer for Dragon's Crown today, and it features the Amazon - remember when you saw that word and thought of female warriors rather than online deals? What this Amazon lacks in outerwear (or anywear), she makes up for with brute strength.

Dragon's Crown introduces the Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 May 2013 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown pre-orders get this art book

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:00:00 EST

Folks who pre-order Vanillaware and Atlus' forthcoming 2D hack-and-slash game, Dragon's Crown, will also receive a 64-page limited edition art book for their troubles. The paperback tome includes character and environmental artwork by Dragon's Crown designer/artist/Vanillaware president George Kamitani, in addition to pieces by other Japanese video game artists, such as Capcom alumnus Kinu Nishimura and Akira Yasuda.

Atlus has also revealed the game's North American box art, which does a good job of obfuscating the art design's more controversial aspects. Dragon's Crown will drop for PlayStation 3 and Vita August 6, at $49.99 and $39.99 respectively.

Gallery: Dragon's Crown (Art Book and Box Art)

Continue reading Dragon's Crown pre-orders get this art book

Dragon's Crown pre-orders get this art book originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown spells out the Wizard

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:45:00 EST

If you've been wondering what Draco Malfoy's been up to since his Hogwarts days, Dragon's Crown has the answer. He's grown his hair out and broadened his repertoire in the upcoming PS3/Vita beat-em-up, but he's clearly gone overboard on the bleach.

Dragon's Crown spells out the Wizard originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown strings along the Elf

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST

The fourth character trailer for Dragon's Crown showcases the Elf, who looks to have a dynamite range(r) of moves, able to gracefully string together mid-air attacks with kicks, fireballs, and flurries of arrows. Also, was that Medusa with laser eyes?

Dragon's Crown strings along the Elf originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown arrives on Vita and PS3 August 6

Jordan Mallory — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST

Vanillaware's pseudo-retro side-scrolling hack and/or slash game Dragon's Crown will launch for the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3 on Tuesday, August 6, at $39.99 and $49.99 respectively, publisher Atlus has announced. Can you imagine getting a new crown put in for $50? You'd figure dragon dentistry would be a lot more expensive than that, what with the size and plentiful nature of their teeth.

... Get it? Because it's a Dragon's Crown, like one you get when ... You know what? Fine. Be that way about our dentistry jokes. Here's some screenshots of various things getting hacked/slashed/exploded.

Gallery: Dragon's Crown (4/23/13)

Continue reading Dragon's Crown arrives on Vita and PS3 August 6

Dragon's Crown arrives on Vita and PS3 August 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown introduces the Dwarf

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:45:00 EST

Having previously showcased the Fighter and the Sorceress, Vanillaware beat-em-up Dragon's Crown moves onto another player class: the Dwarf. While he's not infirm in the slightest, the sudden gymnastics halfway through does remind us of that bit from Attack of the Clones.

Dragon's Crown introduces the Dwarf originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown trailer shows the Fighter mauling blighters

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

Vanillaware scrolling beat-em-up Dragon's Crown features six classes, and this video shows off the Fighter one. It doesn't matter the voiceover is Japanese, because the game's hand-animated art speaks for itself. Dragon's Crown scorches PS3 and Vita this summer.

Dragon's Crown trailer shows the Fighter mauling blighters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Muramasa Rebirth finds new life on PS Vita 'early summer'

David Hinkle — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST

During a GDC demo of Muramasa Rebirth, the PS Vita port of Vanillaware's 2D action game Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Aksys PR coordinator Russell Iriye confirmed with Joystiq that the game is currently penciled in for "early summer."

"We have not talked about a release date yet. Right now all we're saying is early summer. Within the next couple weeks we should be announcing that," Iriye said.

Aksys will also offer a pre-order bonus for early Muramasa Rebirth commitment, plus a limited edition. The standard edition will run $39.99, while the limited edition will cost $59.99. Iriye couldn't reveal any of the contents in the limited edition yet.

Muramasa Rebirth finds new life on PS Vita 'early summer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown adorning NA retail, PSN this summer

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:50:00 EST

Vita and PS3 2D hack-and-slash Dragon's Crown gets a North American coronation this summer, both at retail and on PlayStation Network. The PS3 price is $49.99, while on Vita it's $39.99. While the co-op game (for up to four players) won't support cross-platform play, multiplayer can be enjoyed both on PS3 and Vita, the latter via an ad-hoc network.

The news swiftly follows the reveal of the Vanillaware game's Japanese release date of July 25, along with a two-minute trailer which displayed once more the Muramasa and Odin Sphere studio's hand-animated style, along with some interesting character designs.

Gallery: Dragon's Crown (3/25/13)

Continue reading Dragon's Crown adorning NA retail, PSN this summer

Dragon's Crown adorning NA retail, PSN this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown reigns in new trailer, bonus art book unveiled

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

After Vanillaware finally unveiled a new 30-second teaser for PS3 and Vita game Dragon's Crown last month, the Muramasa and Odin Sphere studio hurried back to the drawing board to rustle up a full two minutes of hand-animated, 2D action-RPG trailerness. Which is why it's here for your viewing enjoyment this morning.

Not that you need us to tell you the trailer's for a Vanillaware game. The studio's inimitable, time-intensive style makes its games easily stand out, which is why an art book sounds like a great bonus for a limited number of early adopters in Japan. Publisher Atlus revealed the 64-page hardback includes art by Vanillaware, and tribute work from Kinu Nishimura, Akira Yasuda, and Bengus of Capcom fame.

Today's trailer confirms the reported Japanese release date of July 25. Last we heard, Atlus said it's bringing Dragon's Crown to North America sometime this year.

Dragon's Crown reigns in new trailer, bonus art book unveiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown shines in new trailer

JC Fletcher — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST

The Vita price drop is great, and Final Fantasy X is exciting and all, but the real news out of Sony's Japanese PlayStation event is this Dragon's Crown trailer. The Vanillaware action game inspired by Capcom's Dungeons & Dragons brawlers, hasn't made a peep since Atlus picked up publishing duties (and development assistance) from Ignition.

Even before that, footage was rare. Now we can see what was happening during all that quiet development time: a lot of drawing. A lot.

Dragon's Crown is still billed for a 2013 release in Japan on both PS3 and Vita.

Dragon's Crown shines in new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Muramasa: The Demon Blade takes a stab at PS Vita

David Hinkle — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:18:00 EST

Vanillaware's Wii action game, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, is being ported to the PS Vita. The new edition will be available on March 28, 2013 and be further bolstered by DLC, Sony said during its TGS 2012 press conference.

The PS Vita port has only been confirmed for Japan so far, but we expect plenty of people are interested in revisiting or becoming acquainted with this overlooked gem.

Muramasa: The Demon Blade takes a stab at PS Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST

XSEED Games announced late yesterday that it will not publish turn-based RPG Grand Knights History in North America as previously announced.

"Unfortunately, it was determined that development resources required to localize the game were not available, necessitating its cancellation," the official statement from XSEED sent to Joystiq reads. "We regret not being able to bring the game to our fans, but we are committed to our 2012 lineup and look forward to sharing more on these games in the coming weeks and months."

Vanillaware, the developer of eye candy like Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Odin Sphere and the upcoming Dragon's Crown; will still see Grand Knights History published on PSP later this year in Europe by Rising Star Games.

Gallery: Grand Knights History (PSP)

Grand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown has not been canceled

JC Fletcher — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

Vanillaware's lushly illustrated 2D action game for PS3 and Vita, Dragon's Crown, was originally given a Spring 2012 release date. Rumors have since popped up about the game's cancellation -- mostly due to Amazon cancelling pre-orders. Illustrator Shigatake responded to the rumors on Twitter, letting us know that we can still expect our ogre-destroying action and bodice-straining sorceresses.

"I personally can't say much," Shigatake said (as translated by Andriasang), "but I'll just say, 'Regarding Dragon's Crown, although there are lots of rumors and conjecture, it's still in development. Please wait patiently for an official update.'"

We have our own inquiry in with publisher Ignition, and will update you when we get an "official update."

Dragon's Crown has not been canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xseed publishing Vanillaware's online RPG 'Grand Knights History'

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:45:00 EST

XSEED has picked up Vanillaware's recent PSP release, the turn-based RPG Grand Knights History, with the intention to publish it in both UMD and digital releases this winter. Rising Star Games will publish it in Europe at an unspecified time. Vanillaware, if you can't quite place the name, is the developer of absurdly pretty 2D games like Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Odin Sphere, and the upcoming Dragon's Crown.

Grand Knights History depicts a war between three European-style nations, Union, Avalon, and Logres. Players choose one of the factions, recruit teams of soldiers, and face off against the other two armies in battles that take place over 30 hours. Each team member is fully customizable.

During TGS, I spoke with producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto, from development partner and publisher Marvelous, who explained the unique online functionality of this title -- the part that he thinks will help appeal to western audiences. "The way it works is you have these four parties online," composed from within a group of 32 characters you've built. "When you're online, you can take direct control of one of these; the other three will battle automatically. The other three parties are synced up to the server. But if you can't get online, all four will fight on their own."

While the online play is seen as a feature to draw in western players, the choice of gameplay system displays what seems to be a uniquely Japanese view. "The reason this was chosen: we did Muramasa: The Demon Blade with Vanillaware previously," Hashimoto said, "an action game. Some people are good at action, and some people are not. So with this game -- everybody can play a turn-based battle, and so every player will be able to get through the story and see the end, which is what we wanted."

Gallery: Grand Knights History (PSP)

Continue reading Xseed publishing Vanillaware's online RPG 'Grand Knights History'

Xseed publishing Vanillaware's online RPG 'Grand Knights History' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown announced as VanillaWare's next project, coming to PS3/Vita

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:59:00 EST

Like so, so many E3 2011 games before it, Muramasa and Odin Sphere developer VanillaWare's just "officially announced" PlayStation 3 and Vita title, Dragon's Crown, was already outed. In fairness to the publisher UTV Ignition, the game only showed up in last night's Vita sizzle reel from the Sony press conference, and now we know much more.

For one, the very VanillaWare-looking game is described as a "dazzling new multiplayer online adventure," and outs it as the first VanillaWare game to feature HD graphics. Furthermore, DC has four player co-op with online functionality, and arrives in 2012. As for what the game is about, all we know is that it's a class-based dungeon crawler set in a medieval fantasy world, and the goal is to "unlock the secret behind the ancient dragon threatening the world." A lofty goal indeed!

As with past VanillaWare games, DC is promised to be rich with hand-drawn animation. And like other PS3/Vita titles, some form of cross-platform functionality will come packed in -- what that functionality is remains to be seen.

Gallery: Dragon's Crown (E3 2011)

Continue reading Dragon's Crown announced as VanillaWare's next project, coming to PS3/Vita

Dragon's Crown announced as VanillaWare's next project, coming to PS3/Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vita sizzle reel teases lineup, shows mystery game 'Dragon's Crown'

JC Fletcher — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST

Sony flashed footage of a lot of upcoming PlayStation Vita games during its presentation tonight, including some things that remain unannounced. For example, Shinobido 2, a new ninja stealth game in the style of Tenchu, from original Tenchu developer Acquire.

And soon after that is "Dragon's Crown," an unannounced, 2D side-scroller that can only be from Muramasa developer Vanillaware. Or someone biting Vanillaware's style big time. We would guess it's Vanillaware, because the title shows up in a trademark by Ignition, who published Muramasa.

Vita sizzle reel teases lineup, shows mystery game 'Dragon's Crown' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Muramasa dev Vanillaware creating 'Grand Knights History' for PSP

JC Fletcher — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST

The latest (leaked) issue of Famitsu brings word of a new project from Vanillaware, creators of Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Odin Sphere. Vanillaware's Grand Knights History is a new RPG for PSP to be published by Marvelous -- with whom the dev worked with on Muramasa -- and planned for release this summer.

Players control the leader of one of three warring factions -- "Logress, the ancient kingdom," "Union, kingdom of the knights," or "Avalon, kingdom of magic," -- and take part in turn-based battles accompanied by a group of knights. Grand Knights History is said to include some kind of innovative online play that Vanillaware has yet to explain, but it involves connecting with other players during battle -- and allows for "infinity" players.

Chances are we'll hear more about the online system soon, as the game is reportedly 70 percent complete. And knowing Vanillaware's previous output, we can't wait to see the first screens.

Muramasa dev Vanillaware creating 'Grand Knights History' for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Odin Sphere and Muramasa HD remakes coming to XBLA, PSN

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST

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.

Rumor: 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.

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Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009

JC Fletcher — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST

Muramasa: 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

Best 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.

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Ignition: Muramasa sales 'in line with expectations'

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Muramasa: 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.

Ignition: 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.

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Muramasa publisher: UK retailers avoiding original IP

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Rising Star Games, the European publishing partner of Marvelous Entertainment, is speaking out against UK retailers declining to stock Muramasa: The Demon Blade, which comes out November 13th in the region. COO Martin DeFries told MCV in an open letter, "Here in the UK, the game will not be available to buy in the majority of games retail outlets."

He claims that the issue is not with the game itself, but retailers' over-reliance on safer, existing intellectual property. "If it is not first-party, a sequel or supported by a multi-million pound advertising spend, they are just not interested." Defries lamented that Muramasa could find its way into stores -- when it's traded in.

Defries pondered in his letter whether the seemingly growing emphasis on franchises represents a "dumbing-down of the medium" that results in consumers having "little or no exposure to a rich and different gaming experience." Of course, retailers (and publishers) have preferred the sure thing for as long as there have been sequels, but actually not being able to market your game, especially one as interesting as Muramasa, seems especially frustrating.

Muramasa publisher: UK retailers avoiding original IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: Muramasa prize pack [update]

David Hinkle — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

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

Joyswag: 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.

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Review: Muramasa: The Demon Blade

JC Fletcher — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST

I 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

Review: 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.

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Check out more of Muramasa's lovely gameplay in this new trailer

Xav de Matos — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST

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.

Check 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.

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Muramasa: The Demon Bosses

JC Fletcher — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

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

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

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Video: The pretty, violent locations of Muramasa

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST

Ignition has released a new video of Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The video highlights the game's locations, all set in beautiful feudal Japanese backdrops. Of course, the problem with beautiful feudal Japanese backdrops is they're always being ransacked by ninjas, demons and evil snow witches. You're just walking along, admiring the cherry blossoms, and then it's like, bam: Snow witch. Happens every time. Watch the trailer and see for yourself.

Muramasa hits shelves next month.

Video: The pretty, violent locations of Muramasa originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New trailer looks at Muramasa's Momohime, release set for Sept. 8

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 EST

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)

New 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.

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Ignition opens sharp Muramasa: The Demon Blade site

JC Fletcher — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:15:00 EST

Ignition opened the official North American Muramasa: The Demon Blade website today, confrming two important facts for us:

Ignition is still planning to release the game this year (we need constant reassurance that not every game is being pushed to 2010)
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.

Ignition 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.

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Vanillaware: HD Muramasa wouldn't be 'a great deal of extra work'

JC Fletcher — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

Vanillaware'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.

Vanillaware: 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.

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New Muramasa: The Demon Blade trailer is all about the blading

JC Fletcher — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

The 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.

New 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.

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Interview: Vanillaware's Jouji Kamitani on Muramasa

JC Fletcher — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Jouji "George" Kamitani is the person most responsible for Vanillaware's signature look. Not only is he the company's president and director of its games, he's also in charge of the art. We were able to pull him away briefly from his busy day of signing Muramasa posters at Ignition's E3 booth to speak about action games on the Wii, selling a very Japanese game in America, and why we won't see the quirky DS title Kumatanchi in North America anytime soon. As a bonus, we were treated to an enthusiastic live demonstration of Kamitani's dream Wii minigame.

Continue reading Interview: Vanillaware's Jouji Kamitani on Muramasa

Interview: Vanillaware's Jouji Kamitani on Muramasa originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Muramasa: The Demon Blade

JC Fletcher — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

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

Hands-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.

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Muramasa rights picked up by Ignition, due in September

Justin McElroy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:10:00 EST

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?

Muramasa 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.

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Muramasa staff answers fans' disgusting questions

JC Fletcher — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:50:00 EST

Nakamura 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!"

Muramasa 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.

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Muramasa: The Demon Blade will accommodate action and RPG fans

JC Fletcher — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST

According 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.

Muramasa: 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.

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A welcome Muramasa: The Demon Blade media overload

JC Fletcher — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Video, Screens, Imports

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

A 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.

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XSEED drawing Muramasa: The Demon Blade this summer?

JC Fletcher — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

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]

XSEED 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.

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Muramasa slicing up Europe in November 2009

Chris Greenhough — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Screens

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

Muramasa 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.

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TGS08: Muramasa gameplay footage will change you

JC Fletcher — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video

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.

TGS08: 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.

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