Ignition picks up Muramasa: The Demon Blade for Wii

Fears over the release status of Vanillaware's Wii-exclusive side-scrolling slasher, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, outside of Japan were rekindled when the game's North American publisher confirmed it would no longer be distributing the title in our region. XSeed was expected to deliver Muramasa for North America sometime later this year, until it announced earlier this week that it is "no longer involved" with its release. Just as soon as word spread however, fellow publisher Ignition Entertainment steps forward to reveal that it has scored up the North American distribution rights. Additionally, Ignition provides an updated release timeframe for Muramasa, pinning the game for a September launch.

Developed by Vanillaware, the folks behind the visually engaging PS2 2D action RPG Odin Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade garnered attention for maintaining similar commitment to gameplay and presentation, on the Nintendo Wii no less. Muramasa was finally released in Japan earlier this month after what seemed like an eternity in development; some had begun to wonder if the game was not simply cancelled at one point, giving the relatively small hardcore demographic on the Wii.

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.