 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Muramasa: The Demon Blade
- Nintendo Wii
- Price: $49.99
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Artsy Japanese platformer with mature themes.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this action/platformer is filled with violence and themes best suited for a slightly older audience. Players spend most of their time in battle against villainous ninjas and spirits. They use a variety of bladed weapons to attack, but there is no blood; enemies disappear in puffs of colorful smoke. When damaged, our heroes imbibe alcoholic beverages to restore health. Note, too, that players will be confronted with metaphysical issues, including demonic possession and the afterlife. Parents may also want to consider that certain scenes depict women as little more than sexual objects (one character has a large, swaying bosom that shows deep cleavage).
What's it about?
MURAMASA: THE DEMON BLADE is a bit unlike anything most players will have previously encountered. A side-scrolling action game with platforming elements, it has an artistic design that can only be described as a Japanese drawing come to life. All of the game’s environments and characters have been drawn by hand before being transferred to the digital domain, which consequently makes the game feel almost like an old-fashioned -- but exquisitely detailed -- hand animated cartoon. As it happens, this aesthetic fits both the story -- which has the tone of an old Japanese fable -- and play. You take on the roles of a pair of conventionally clad Japanese warriors who use a variety of blades with varying powers to fight evil ninjas and spirits in a quest to restore peace to a world overrun by malicious and chaotic forces. Just be aware that the game’s themes border on the mature -- expect serious talk about spirituality, the afterlife, and demonic possession.
Is it any good?
Muramasa’s primary attraction is its presentation. Its hand-drawn design is both unique and beautiful, and lends the experience a grace and elegance typically absent in most hack ‘n’ slash games. The traditional Japanese narrative, which doesn’t shy away from difficult metaphysical subjects, helps immerse players even more in this compelling fantasy world.
If only the action was as innovative as the art. Players hop around environmental platforms (in the form of, say, tree branches), collect various items (such as wispy spirits), and hack at our enemies in a variety of ways by pressing buttons and tilting the control stick this way and that. The mechanics are polished and the play is fun, but it feels downright quaint next to the game’s wholly fresh visuals. Muramasa is unlikely to disappoint, but it could have been even better.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about art in games. Most game makers settle on maintaining the status quo, providing players with characters and environments that are almost interchangeable between titles. What did you think of Muramasa’s artistic design? Do you think it was more or less difficult to create than what you’ve seen in other games? Did you like it, or did it feel out of place? Would you like to see more designers veer away from the sort of graphics we expect to see in our games?
Families can also discuss fictional depictions of spirituality, religion, and the afterlife, comparing and contrasting these examples with their own beliefs. Can learning about the spiritual views of other cultures help you better understand your own?
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AGE
Vanillaware's done it again
If I can sum this game up in 3 words, they would be: beautiful breathtaking action. For those of you who don't know, Vanillaware, the creators of this game, are a Japanese developer that became famous in the US after their game Odin Sphere came out. That game was an RPG which was heavily based off of Norse mythology. Their newest game, Muramasa, is a hack-n-slash with the same beautiful graphics and mythology-based story as Odin Sphere (albeit involving Japanese mythology instead of Norse). You play as either Kisuke, a ninja, or Momohime, a princess. Each character has 3 katanas, or Japanese swords. (There are 108 in all to collect, or so I hear.) Combat in this game is flawless. The graphics are some of the best 2D graphics I've ever seen, and I've played Guilty Gear and Blazblue. Gameplay is easy, so long as you use the Gamecube controller or Classic Controller instead of the Wii-mote. This game's rated T mostly because of the suggestive references, mainly a boss character with big breasts. However, if your kid's a fan of anime, they've probably seen characters like that. Also, one way to regain health in this game is by drinking sake, amazake, and umeshu, among other Japanese spirits. Finally, the violence is about the level of an E10-rated game. Just basic hacking and slashing, nothing too serious. Overall, this is a really good game, and any Wii owner who has a taste for the offbeat should definitely give Muramasa at least a rental.
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AGE
One thing you forgot to mention is the hot tub scene. The hot tub is like a water filled cavern, and the two protagonists are scantily clad. Kisuke, the male hero, wears a sumo wrestler type loincloth. Momohime, the female hero, is holding a towel in front of her body, exposing the back. But, considering the game camera is side view, there isn't much revealing in that instance.
But parents may want to avoid that scene considering they are both taking a bath together, clothed.
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| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Ignition Entertainment |
| Release date: | September 11, 2009 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes |
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