We're finally getting a Vanillaware game on PC - Muramasa: Revenant Blades, an expanded 4K edition of the gorgeous Japanese action RPG

Please do 13 Sentinels next

For years, lovers of exquisite sprite designs have clamoured for Vanillaware to bring their action RPGs and strategy games to PC. Games like time-rewinding mecha soap opera 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, or prancing kingdom saver Unicorn Overlord. The rationale for these games not appearing outside console has been nebulous, to date: at one point in 2024, Vanillaware and publishers Atlus appeared to blame each other for Unicorn Overlord's absence from desktops.

Well, finally the mists have cleared. Vanillaware are bringing an expanded 4K version of their 2009 hack and slasher Muramasa: The Demon Blade to PC. It's called Muramasa: Revenant Blades, and includes materials added by the PS Vita port Muramasa: Rebirth together with the Genroku Legends add-on. Jeremy notes that this includes the DLC where you play a farmer fighting against his landlord, making this both a game with excessively pretty kimonos AND a weapon of the revolution. Take up your pitchfork! Now, put it down again and press play on this trailer.

I haven't played the original Muramasa, myself, but I like the looks of its ensemble cast. Each character is a distinct fighter. "From the mayhem-inducing swordplay of the Demon Blades to the masterful techniques and cunning tricks of a ninja -- and even a horde of cats that will answer your beck and call?!" explains the Steam page. Gosh, Steam page, what boulder have you been living under? People have been weaponising the felines in videogames for millions of years.

Unlike the recent Mewgenics, Muramasa is unlikely to alarm people with its treatment of cats, but you might want to steer clear if you're irked by pixel nudity - Vanillaware are not shy about revelling in the spectacle of oversized boobs and butts. In this case, expect some racy hot spring bathing scenes, featuring both sexes, and revealing outfits of the kind anime characters are unaccountably wont to wear in vicious swordfights. Anyway, it's down for release next year.