Vanillaware's classic action-RPG, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, is set to receive a comprehensive remake titled Muramasa: Revenant Blades, scheduled for release in 2027. This enhanced version will feature a 4K upgrade, a new localization including an English voiceover, and a wealth of additional content for modern platforms.
First released on the Nintendo Wii in 2009 and later ported to the PlayStation Vita in 2013, Muramasa: The Demon Blade offers a 2D side-scrolling action RPG experience. The game blends Metroidvania-style exploration with fast-paced arcade combat, set in an Edo period Japan rich with yokai and samurai folklore. Players choose between protagonists Momohime and Kisuke, embarking on a quest for powerful, cursed swords forged by the legendary Senji Muramasa.
The gameplay focuses on frantic swordfighting and exploration across a sprawling map of Honshu. Combat involves swift combos with short swords, powerful strikes with longer blades, and the strategic use of various combat skills. The remake will offer a vast arsenal of over 100 swords to forge and numerous skills to customize and master. Weapons can be damaged in battle, adding a layer of strategy as players must manage their equipment and cooldowns for special abilities like Haze Splitter and Moonslash. The responsive controls and impactful visual feedback contribute to a spectacular combat experience.
Beyond the action, Muramasa: Revenant Blades retains the series' signature visual flair. Vanillaware's detailed artwork is present in everything from character animations to the meticulously rendered in-game food, which offers buffs to players. Exploration leads players through diverse environments, from serene beaches to otherworldly locales.
Muramasa: Revenant Blades expands on the original by including all six playable characters from the outset: Momohime, Kisuke, and four others—Okoi, Gonbe, Arashimaru, and Rajaki—who were originally introduced in the Vita version. The entire game has been relocalized, with an English voiceover now available.
In addition to the core gameplay, the remake introduces several new features. A training mode will allow players to hone their techniques and sword mastery. For a change of pace, players can engage in fishing or relax in hot springs. The game also includes a gallery of illustrations, a full script, and viewers for cutscenes and characters, catering to fans who appreciate Vanillaware's artistic presentation.
Muramasa: Revenant Blades is slated for release on February 4, 2027, for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC. This marks Vanillaware's first release on PC. Physical editions will be available for PS5, Switch, and Switch 2, with the Switch 2 version containing the full game on its cartridge. A Limited Edition will also be offered, bundled with an art book, a soundtrack CD, and a decorative byōbu folding screen.