Odin Sphere Dev Debuts Gorgeous 2D Wii Title

Details and screenshots of the first Wii effort from Odin Sphere (PS2) developer Vanillaware have appeared in the latest issue of Japanese gaming publication Famitsu, revealing a gorgeous 2D side scroller that calls to mind traditional hand-drawn animation. Titled Oboro Muramasa Youtouden--a name that will no doubt be modified should it reach North America--the game appears set in a mystical rendition of feudal Japan, complete with samurai warriors and a towering blue-skinned cyclops. An action RPG much like Odin Sphere, the title will make use of the Wii's distinctive capabilities for sword and other attacks. According to the accompanying text, it will compensate for the tastes of both casual players and those hardcore RPG fanatics that love to grind levels. Published by Marvelous Entertainment, Oboro Muramasa Youtouden is expected in Japan this winter. No word on a North American release yet, though Atlus, which published Odin Sphere in North America, is a likely possibility.