Ninja Gaiden

From the classic stable of the Ninja Gaiden series has emerged a new hero, and it has as much to do with the platform as it does with the game itself.

Ninja Gaiden is out on the Xbox, and this title from Tecmo and Team Ninja will have action fans floored with the animation, intrigued with the storyline and hard-pressed with the challenge. Is this the complete package for a martial arts, story-driven tale? If not, then it is close.

The tale centers around two swords – each with special abilities and one forged to transform its owner into the devil incarnate, the second built to defeat the wielder of the first.

The dragon sword has been passed down from generation to generation, and now finds itself in the hands of young Ryu Hayabusa, a trained ninja who still must prove himself before taking up the path of fending off the evil deities that threaten the land.

Pause …

Whereas Tenchu required players to exhibit a bit of stealth in approaching a target, Ninja Gaiden throws that aspect of the ninja’s training right out the window. In some ways, this title is downright Diablo-esque, with a steady supply of enemies, tough bosses, and lots of blood. While stealth may have been removed, the sheer athleticism of the ninja is in place. Think of this as Prince of Persia meets Diablo. That gives you an inkling of what is in store. However, do not think that this is a clone of those. Ninja Gaiden has its own style and while Ryu may be able to run along walls, or jump/climb off opposing walls to gain egress to the top platform, this title immerses players in the fast-paced action with lightning reflexes and amazing animation.

Resume …

Ryu is armed with an unlimited supply of shuriken, and can tumble past foes, block attacks, jump on them to momentarily stun them, and reel off a series of sword strikes and kicks so fast you will wonder if you really tapped the attack key that many times.

The path through the game is somewhat linear. You will run across items you can pick up (healing potions and special charms and will revive or expand life), as well as items you must fit into pieces of the simple puzzles en route to receive items you will later need. If you pause along the way, you could find yourself fighting an endless supply of enemies, or forced into traps that will result in having to retrace footsteps.

And while Ryu can block almost anything that the henchmen can throw at him, it is a very different story when it comes to the bosses, who will reach past the blocks and grab (and throw) Ryu around like a rag doll. The game requires a somewhat thoughtful approach to taking on bosses that are built like Sherman tanks, with almost as much raw, grinding power.

The control elements of this game are simple and well done. You will be able to get into the game with little trouble. Some of the skills require good timing, but for the most part the game is very forgiving if you are stumbling a bit with the controls.

The game sound does an excellent job of supporting the graphics, and the latter are superb. From the torches to the lightning-fast movements of the fights, to the sparks flying when sword-meets-sword, Ninja Gaiden is a feast for the eyes.

If there is a drawback, it lays in the camera. The right thumbstick will allow you to go into first-person mode, and it is only in that mode that you can look around. The camera fails to adequately rotate during combat

This game has a solid options package, and you can go online for Master Ninja Tournament action against others through Xbox Live.

The bottom line is simply this: If you have an Xbox, and are a fan of action-fight games, buy this game. It is a bit of a button masher, and it is linear, but the fights are amazing and the game plays very well.

Gameplay: 8.9
The game path is linear is design, and the puzzles are simple. The camera is only for a first-person look-around, and is usually in follow mode. It can get out of position at times, and hamper some of the gaming. The game does have save points along the way in each level.

Graphics: 9.7
This is a real treat for the eyes. The animation is stunning and the game flows seamlessly through the environments.

Sound: 9.1

This is a solid supporting cast member to the sterling graphical elements.

Difficulty: Medium

This game will provide a solid challenge. There are only two difficulty settings, but whether normal or hard, players will be tasked with skill challenges along the way.

Concept: 9
This is a well-designed vehicle with a solid options package.

Multiplayer: 8.8
This is ninja tournament fighting via Xbox Live! It is a nice challenge, but if you are looking for the content of the single-player game, you will not find it here.

Overall: 9.5

Gorgeous graphical elements, outstanding animation and a solid storyline with strong challenge – what more is there to say? If you are a fan of martial arts-driven stories, have decent reflexes coupled with a flair for solving minor puzzles, then get this game.