《朧村正 妖刀傳》是由日本知名遊戲開發商Vanillaware製作，Marvelous Entertainment發行，於2009年在Wii平台推出的橫向卷軸動作角色扮演遊戲。以其濃厚的和風美術、妖異幻想的江戶時代背景以及流暢爽快的劍戟戰鬥著稱，發售後很快成為Wii上最具代表性的日系2D動作遊戲之一。

劇情圍繞在兩位主角—「鬼助」與「百姬」—的命運與復仇故事。背景設定在江戶時代的日本，一個妖魔橫行、人心貪婪扭曲的動盪世界。鬼助原本是名武士，因與邪惡勢力糾纏，被迫背叛主君，最終慘遭殺害，卻在妖刀「村正」的力量下復活，成為手持妖刀、復仇心切的浪人。百姬則是出身高貴的公主，因體內被植入亡靈「陸奧守吉行」的靈魂，被迫與命運對抗，最終踏上逃亡與覺醒之路。兩人的劇情雖然各自獨立，但在世界觀上彼此交錯，皆圍繞著妖刀「村正」與諸多被詛咒之刃的故事展開。劇情中不僅有妖怪、亡靈、忍者、陰陽師等傳統日式奇幻角色，還融入了人性的欲望與罪孽描寫，使整體氛圍帶有悲劇與宿命感。

在操作方面，結合Wii平台的特色，採用Wii遙控器加Nunchuk的操作方式，或可選用傳統Classic Controller。角色能夠左右移動、跳躍、衝刺與揮刀攻擊，透過連續操作與方向鍵搭配，可施展出連擊與華麗的劍技。每把妖刀皆擁有不同的攻擊範圍與特殊技能，例如斬擊、衝刺斬、劍氣波等，並附有「秘劍」必殺技，可以在關鍵時刻施展，造成高額傷害或清場效果。遊戲節奏快速、打擊感強烈，連段攻擊與閃避動作流暢自然。戰鬥過程中，需隨時切換手中攜帶的三把妖刀，因為每把刀有耐久度，過度使用會折斷，必須利用劍技與防守策略，靈活調整出招與戰術。

此外，遊戲擁有細緻的RPG要素，包括角色等級提升、妖刀鍛造、道具使用與料理系統。擊倒敵人與頭目可獲得經驗與靈魂，靈魂可用於鍛造新妖刀，每把刀都帶有獨特效果與能力值提升。料理系統則允許角色在城鎮或野外進食，提升生命值與暫時能力增益，不同料理還有附加效果，增添遊戲趣味。

市場評價方面，自發售以來廣受玩家與媒體好評，尤其是美術與戰鬥表現最受稱讚。遊戲以手繪風格呈現的 2D 和風畫面，融合江戶風景、妖怪意象與浮世繪風格，獲得極高評價，甚至被譽為「可以玩的浮世繪」。戰鬥流暢、打擊感爽快，劍技與閃避動作自然順手，體感操作適度且不過度依賴，保有經典動作遊戲的純粹爽感。

不過也有部分評論提到，關卡結構略顯單調，部分場景重複度高，劇情敘事方式偏向日式風格，對歐美玩家來說較為陌生。體感操作雖然支援，但實際上許多玩家仍偏好使用手把遊玩，以確保操作精準度與戰鬥節奏。即便如此，仍在 Metacritic上獲得平均81分的高分評價，被視為Wii平台少數能兼具美術、動作與劇情深度的精品2D動作遊戲，甚至在2013年推出PS Vita重製版，再度獲得極佳評價。

總體來說，這是結合日本傳統妖怪題材、和風手繪畫風與爽快劍戟戰鬥的橫向卷軸動作RPG。以濃厚的江戶風格、悲劇性的雙主角故事與節奏明快的戰鬥系統，成功營造出獨樹一幟的遊戲體驗。對於喜愛日式美學、妖怪傳說與動作遊戲的玩家而言，無疑是Wii平台上最值得收藏與體驗的隱藏佳作之一。

Muramasa: The Demon Blade (Japanese title: 朧村正 妖刀伝, Oboro Muramasa Yōtōden) is a side-scrolling action RPG developed by the renowned Japanese studio Vanillaware and published by Marvelous Entertainment. Released in 2009 for the Nintendo Wii, it quickly garnered attention for its rich Japanese aesthetic, fantastical Edo-period setting, and fluid, exhilarating sword-based combat. It has since become one of the most iconic 2D Japanese action games on the Wii platform.

The narrative centers around two protagonists—Kisuke and Momohime—whose fates are intertwined with vengeance and destiny. Set during Japan’s Edo era, the game presents a world overrun with demons, spirits, and human greed. Kisuke, once a loyal samurai, becomes entangled with dark forces and is ultimately betrayed and killed. However, he is resurrected by the power of the cursed demon blade “Muramasa,” returning as a wandering swordsman hell-bent on revenge. Momohime, on the other hand, is a noble princess whose body is possessed by the soul of the deceased swordsman Jinkuro Izuna, forcing her to escape her fate and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Though their stories are independent, they intersect within the game’s shared world, and both revolve around the cursed Muramasa blades and the supernatural entities that surround them. The narrative is rich with traditional Japanese fantasy elements such as yokai (monsters), spirits, ninjas, and onmyoji (mystics), but it also explores human desires and moral decay, creating a story tinged with tragedy and fate.

In terms of gameplay, the game makes use of the Wii’s unique control options, supporting both the Wii Remote with Nunchuk and the Classic Controller. Players can move left and right, jump, dash, and execute sword attacks. Using combinations of directional input and timed strikes, they can unleash fluid combos and perform spectacular sword techniques. Each demon blade offers different attack ranges and special abilities, such as slashes, dashes, and energy waves. Each blade also features a powerful Secret Art, a devastating special move that can be triggered to inflict heavy damage or clear enemies in tight situations. The gameplay is fast-paced and highly responsive, with smooth chaining of attacks and evasive maneuvers. Players must constantly switch between three equipped swords during battle—each with a durability limit. Overuse causes swords to break temporarily, requiring careful tactical switching and defensive play to maintain an advantage.

The game also integrates thoughtful RPG elements, including character leveling, sword forging, item use, and a unique cooking system. Defeating enemies and bosses grants experience points and "souls," which are used to forge new demon blades. Each sword has its own special effects and stat bonuses. The cooking system allows characters to prepare and eat meals both in towns and in the field, restoring health and temporarily enhancing abilities. Different dishes offer varied benefits, adding a flavorful cultural twist and an extra layer of strategy.

Critically, Muramasa: The Demon Blade received widespread acclaim upon release, particularly for its art direction and combat system. Its hand-painted 2D visuals, inspired by Edo-period aesthetics and traditional ukiyo-e art, were praised as stunning and immersive—many even referred to it as a "playable woodblock print." The combat was commended for its fluidity and satisfying impact, while motion controls were implemented judiciously and did not overpower the core experience, preserving the precision and tempo classic action games require.

However, some reviewers noted that the level design could feel repetitive at times, with certain environments being reused. The storytelling style, steeped in Japanese folklore and dramatic tone, was sometimes considered difficult for Western audiences to fully grasp. While motion controls were supported, many players preferred using the Classic Controller to ensure better precision and rhythm during combat. Despite these minor criticisms, the game scored an impressive 81 on Metacritic, and was widely regarded as a hidden gem on the Wii—one that balanced artistic beauty, action intensity, and narrative depth.

In 2013, a PS Vita remaster was released, bringing the game to a new audience with enhanced visuals and additional DLC storylines, which were also very well received.

In conclusion, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a side-scrolling action RPG that skillfully combines traditional Japanese mythology, stunning hand-drawn visuals, and exhilarating swordplay. With its dual-protagonist narrative steeped in tragedy and destiny, fast-paced combat mechanics, and deep cultural aesthetics, it offers a truly distinctive experience. For fans of Japanese art, yokai folklore, and action games, it remains one of the most collectible and memorable titles on the Wii.