Well apparently XSEED’s co-publishing relationship with Marvelous Entertainment has hit a bit of a snag, at least in regards to Muramasa: The Demon Blade as Ignition Entertainment has jumped in to snatch the North American publishing rights to Vanillaware’s Wii-exclusive successor to PS2 classic Odin Sphere away from XSEED.
Proud of its shiny new acquisition, Ignition has penciled Muramasa in for a September US launch. I worry that’s a bit too close to the holiday crush for a not-so-mainstream game such as this, but it’s finally coming to the US so that’s all that really matters at this point.
Similarly to Odin Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a 2D side-scrolling action-RPG with hand-drawn 2D graphics so beautiful and so graceful they’ll bring a tear to your eye. Whereas Odin Sphere was based on Norse mythology, however, Muramasa is based on Japanese mythology. The game will also offer two playable characters, multiple paths through the story, 16:9 widescreen support, control support for the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic controller, and GameCube controller, and optional side challenges and mini-games.
“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.
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Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
