Muramasa is one of those games that require you to master the controls before attempting the harder difficulties. 

You get to pick from two characters: Kisuke, a rogue ninja that is out to regain his memories and Momohime, a princess possessed by the ghost of Jinkuuro (Name escapes me at the moment.). Both of them play the same as you go through Feudal Japan (Kisuke starting in Yamashiro and Momohime starting in Musashi) trying to piece together their stories. 

As you get through stages, you get different demon blades that can be used to actually make other blades (In this case, in order to make certain blades, you'll need to defeat a boss to get it.). Also you'll need those blades to open certain gates (with the White Barriers only unlocked after both stories are complete the first time.). To get the ultimate blade, Oboro Muramasa, you'll need every blade to be made and collected. Once you do that and make Orobo, you're pretty much a beast (Until you find one final trial.). 

The game does get addicting, but you'll have to backtrack a lot and in the end, you'll end up memorizing the area quickly. 

Overall, I'll let my scores speak for itself.