At a recent preview event, I spent 90 minutes with the upcoming remaster Muramasa: Revenant Blades on PC.
Developed by Vanillaware, the original Muramasa: The Demon Blade launched on Wii in 2009 and was later re-released on PlayStation Vita in 2013 with the Genroku Legends expansion.
According to the preview materials, the new version consolidates previously released content in 4K, adds updated localization text and a brand-new English voice track, and is planned for Nintendo Switch platforms.
Gameplay and structure
The demo offered two playable characters — Kisuke and Momohime — with four additional characters confirmed for launch.
Players could choose between Demigod and Mortal difficulty settings; I opted for Mortal to get acclimated.
The title sits firmly in the Metroidvania tradition, emphasizing exploration, backtracking and unlockable upgrades, but plays with an aggressive, combo-driven tempo that feels distinct from classic map-based explorers.
Combat and systems
Combat leans heavily on blade-based encounters and fast weapon swapping.
Momohime carried three blade archetypes during the demo: a high-speed light blade, a slower heavier sword and a boss-derived blade with projectile attacks.
Dozens of blades are craftable and each carries unique attributes.
Weapons degrade and break over time, encouraging players to switch blades rather than rely on a single weapon.
The preview noted that weapon swapping functions fluidly mid-combo, drawing direct comparisons to the instant-switch mechanics seen in modern hack-and-slash action games.
Rewritten notable statements
The preview summed up the immediate impression succinctly: the experience is unabashedly entertaining and highly engaging.
The demo also left a clear impression that the combat and pacing evoke the feel of a two-dimensional Devil May Cry-style action game, with satisfying combo chains and evasive maneuvers rewarded by gameplay systems.
Bosses, presentation and polish
A multi-phase boss fight against a blue ogre-like foe emphasized learning patterns, timing dodges and chaining combos — defeating it unlocked more open exploration.
Visually, Vanillaware’s hand-drawn art was highlighted in motion and Idle alike.
The new English voiceover was described as having a lively, old-school dub charm, and UI elements such as a clear full map and non-intrusive minimap were praised for complementing the backgrounds.
Bottom line
This hands-on preview left a strong impression: Muramasa: Revenant Blades preserves the original’s art and Metroidvania loop while modernizing combat and presentation.
For fans of Vanillaware’s handcrafted 2D visuals and action-focused exploration, the remaster looks poised to be a notable release on Nintendo Switch platforms and PC.
The preview source reported a planned launch window next year.
Developed by Vanillaware, the original Muramasa: The Demon Blade launched on Wii in 2009 and was later re-released on PlayStation Vita in 2013 with the Genroku Legends expansion.
According to the preview materials, the new version consolidates previously released content in 4K, adds updated localization text and a brand-new English voice track, and is planned for Nintendo Switch platforms.
Gameplay and structure
The demo offered two playable characters — Kisuke and Momohime — with four additional characters confirmed for launch.
Players could choose between Demigod and Mortal difficulty settings; I opted for Mortal to get acclimated.
The title sits firmly in the Metroidvania tradition, emphasizing exploration, backtracking and unlockable upgrades, but plays with an aggressive, combo-driven tempo that feels distinct from classic map-based explorers.
Combat and systems
Combat leans heavily on blade-based encounters and fast weapon swapping.
Momohime carried three blade archetypes during the demo: a high-speed light blade, a slower heavier sword and a boss-derived blade with projectile attacks.
Dozens of blades are craftable and each carries unique attributes.
Weapons degrade and break over time, encouraging players to switch blades rather than rely on a single weapon.
The preview noted that weapon swapping functions fluidly mid-combo, drawing direct comparisons to the instant-switch mechanics seen in modern hack-and-slash action games.
Rewritten notable statements
The preview summed up the immediate impression succinctly: the experience is unabashedly entertaining and highly engaging.
The demo also left a clear impression that the combat and pacing evoke the feel of a two-dimensional Devil May Cry-style action game, with satisfying combo chains and evasive maneuvers rewarded by gameplay systems.
Bosses, presentation and polish
A multi-phase boss fight against a blue ogre-like foe emphasized learning patterns, timing dodges and chaining combos — defeating it unlocked more open exploration.
Visually, Vanillaware’s hand-drawn art was highlighted in motion and Idle alike.
The new English voiceover was described as having a lively, old-school dub charm, and UI elements such as a clear full map and non-intrusive minimap were praised for complementing the backgrounds.
Bottom line
This hands-on preview left a strong impression: Muramasa: Revenant Blades preserves the original’s art and Metroidvania loop while modernizing combat and presentation.
For fans of Vanillaware’s handcrafted 2D visuals and action-focused exploration, the remaster looks poised to be a notable release on Nintendo Switch platforms and PC.
The preview source reported a planned launch window next year.
