Backtracking is a pain in the ass, but there's ways around it.
First of all, there's a Bronze Mirror or whatever the item is called. It allows you to go back to the last shrine you "visited". In other words, to the last shrine you saved. If you want to go somewhere (to do a challenge, for instance), but don't want to go back all the way, just don't save anywhere in between. When you get where you want to go, just use the item and bam, you're back on the shrine.
You can also use the traveling shortcuts spread around the maps (either by boat or by "carriage"). While i do agree that there aren't as many as there should be.
HOWEVER, the game is awesome. It has some exploring to do (with the barriers and closed off challenges). People are only pissed about the "backtracking" because it involves nothing beside walk right (or left) and beat the eventual enemy. If there were more puzzles on the path (like in, let's say, Metroid), it would be less boring.
Still a great game. I'm up to level 40 and only now (amazingly), I started noticed how the special attacks are useful when doing either bosses or challenges. I'm starting to have two sets of 3 swords, one for exploring and one for challenging.
I also love the dynamic of the special attributes of the different equipment/foods. I just wish a list of what each seller has to sell would show up on the map, so i don't have to go through 5 different areas to find some Squids for sale.
I was surprised with the game. I though i'd be over it in about 2 hours, but i'm 8 hours strong in it and i always want to go back and play it a little longer. I think the fact that I always play the game 1 hour/1:30 hours over what i planned to play it on each sitting says everything about the game.
For those that got annoyed by GiantBomb's quicklook of the game, apparently they're doing a Review or Video Review of it this week. Let's see what they have to say, after a prolonged experience with it.
Hiltz said:
For a game that's so focused on combat, I was pleasantly surprised by Muramasa's stories despite their simplicity. I liked how Jinkuro ocassionally insults Momohime's physical appearance and refers to her as a weakling.
I'm a little confused about the story. It seems it goes over important details quickly. However, i'm liking the small bits I'm managing to understand and link to other details.
