Muramasa being published by Ignition

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.

Just for those of you who don't know, XSEED Games was the original publisher of Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The other day it was revealed that XSEED was no longer publishing Muramasa: The Demon Blade and that a mystery publisher was involved.

The so-called "hardcore" gamers are all gearing up for this games release, but to be honest I don't think I can wait until September for it to be released. Originally it was going to be released in July by XSEED. I think this may be my next import game despite it already having plans to be released stateside. Sorry if I'm impatient but they shouldn't have waited this long to localize. Besides, I heard Lux-Pan's script was terrible...