So many games developed for the Wii have tried – and failed – to make good use of the motion-sensing controls that it was a relief to play Muramasa because it eschews that feature in favour of basic button controls.

This is a side-scrolling action game in which players take on the role of two different characters, each with their own story. Kisuke, a ninja, has lost his memory, and Momohime, a ronin, has been possessed by a spirit.

The objective is to progress through the levels, fighting enemies with your assortment of swords. That’s right, you’ve got more than one. When one breaks, you can draw another to continue the fight. These swords, which can repair themselves while sheathed, are Demon Blades, made to fight demons, but attracting them at the same time.

While it is certainly repetitive, Murasama succeeds because its Japanese-developed sensibility has been maintained for the North American release and because it is rendered in a beautiful art style.

Cross-posted at the Georgia Straight