Probably one of the most artistically stunning game of the year, we received word from Ignition Entertainment yesterday that have picked up the publishing rights to Muramasa: The Demon Blade after publisher XSEED dropped the title. Notable games Ignition Entertainment has published or will publish includes Lux-Pain, Blue Dragon Plus, The King of Fighters XII, and Metal Slug 7.

Fans who liked Odin Sphere's side scrolling action will enjoy this game. I've played the game briefly for a couple hours on an imported copy of the game and loved every minute of it. I am definitely looking forward to reviewing the localization of this game. Full press release inside and a short promo video included.

Vanillaware's Long-Awaited Masterwork Arrives in North America September
2009!

 

Glendale, CA - April 21, 2009 - Ignition Entertainment Ltd., a UTV
Enterprise, a worldwide publisher and developer of videogames, in
conjunction with Marvelous Entertainment and Vanillaware, today announced
the September 2009 U.S. release of the much-anticipated video game,
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, exclusively for the Nintendo Wii.

 

Developed by Vanillaware, the creative team behind the critically acclaimed
game Odin Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a unique, highly stylized
action adventure that showcases a striking visual look and a colorful cast
of more than 100 characters.   Hailed by Kotaku as "this year's prettiest,
most enticing Wii game," and by IGN as "the most visually stunning game I've
ever seen on the Wii," Muramasa: The Demon Blade features eye-popping
hand-drawn 2D art that reflects the heritage and tone of its ancient
Japanese storyline. Set in the little-known feudal Genroku era, players are
invited to take on the role of a male ninja or female kunoichi, utilizing
their prowess to traverse the perilous yet picturesque levels.

 

"Ignition Entertainment is immensely proud for the opportunity to bring
Muramasa: The Demon Blade to the legions of North American gamers yearning
for top-quality, original action games on Wii." said Shane Bettenhausen, New
Business Development Director of Ignition Entertainment. "The talented
developers at Vanillaware have crafted an absolutely stunning adventure
through feudal Japan that balances subtle, sophisticated artistry with
razor-sharp, addictive gameplay."

 

"We continue to maintain our strong commitment to bring quality games to the
marketplace," said Ajay Chadha, President of Ignition Entertainment. "We
feel deeply honored for the opportunity to bring Vanillaware's magnificent
masterpiece Muramasa: The Demon Blade to gamers stateside." 

 

"We developed Muramasa: The Demon Blade in the same way as we did Odin
Sphere, so there are bound to be a lot of similarities.   I want it to be a
very fun game for everyone who picks it up," said George Kamitani, game
director and Vanillaware President.

 

Key Game Features:

. Beautiful 2D graphics

. Large variety of environments

. Two playable characters

. Replayability (multiple playable paths throughout the game)

. Supports Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic controller, and GameCube
controller

. 16:9 widescreen support

. Excellent music and sound

. Timeless side-scrolling game play.

. Optional challenge stages and mini-games throughout

. Satisfying action elements leading to nice depth of combat (Combat is fast
yet intuitive)

. Story elements and cut scenes are well integrated and not obtrusive.

 
 ABOUT IGNITION ENTERTAINMENT LTD: 

Ignition Entertainment Limited is a UTV Media Communication company.
Ignition was created by a core team of gaming industry veterans with the
purpose of building upon their successful track record to develop and
publish within the international games industry. You can find more
information about Ignition Entertainment Ltd. At www.ignitionusa.com

 

ABOUT UTV SOFTWARE COMMUNICATIONS LTD: 

UTV Software Communications Ltd. is India's foremost Media & Entertainment
Company with leadership position in four Verticals that includes Motion
Pictures, Broadcasting, TV Content and Interactive (i.e. Animation and
Gaming). Listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange with the Motion Pictures
business listed on the AIM, London Stock Exchange. Walt Disney Inc. holds a
strategic stake in UTV. It has subsidiaries with offices across India, the
UK and USA. More information on the group is available at www.utvnet.com

Marvelous Entertainment Inc. 

Marvelous Entertainment is a leading Japanese creator of interactive
entertainment with such esteemed franchises as Harvest Moon, Rune Factory,
Luminous Arc and No More Heroes under their corporate umbrella. More
information on Marvelous Entertainment can be found at http://www.mmvus.com.