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Cartridge: Shinobi
Green_plesioth (2012-01-21 17:00:08)Good review,but i think i saw a misspell somewhere.
manster hanter scrubs
pikarceus (2012-01-21 22:20:56)@runeacer-the campaign is pretty basic, you just beat the levels. Each level is pretty long and has multiple auto save points.
pikarceus (2012-01-25 22:02:43)Yeah, the storyline is weird, but it doesn't interfere with the gameplay at all.
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Ninjas are cool.
Introduction
Shinobi was originally released as an arcade game way back in 1987. Since then it has seen releases on numerous Sega systems from the GameGear to the Genesis. The series has been quiet for a while though, with the last release being for the PlayStation 2 in 2004. The 3DS version of Shinobi seeks to revive the series, and for the most part both long time fans and newcomers should be satisfied.
Story
The Ninja Jiro is sparing in his village when it is attacked by rival ninjas. After you route them of and kill their leader, an explosion transports you to the year 2056 A.D. From there you have to take down an alien spaceship(Makes a lot of sense, right?) The story is poorly told, and it is very difficult to decipher what is even going on. Whatever you do, don't buy this game excepting a superb plot.
Graphics
There has been a lot of hate on this game graphic wise, some even claiming this looks like a DS game. This not true. Character models won't wow you, but they are nicely done, the polygonal figures are not the blocky ones you would find on a DS. The first few level backdrops will amaze you, later in the game the quality drops but for the most part you will be impressed. The cut-scenes are beautiful, if not fluidly animated, but this was obviously intentional. Here, take a look.
Cut-scenes aside, the game also boosts some slightly graphic details like enemies exploding into skeletons when you kill them, and even being able to run some enemies through.
Shinobi
The very, very Ninja like music is cheesy at first, but ends up becoming quite memorable. Combat sounds are very well defined with crunching sounds whenever you strike your opponent combined with their strangled screams. The game also has voice acting in the cut-scenes, but 90% of the time it's Jiro.
Gameplay
Shinobi is very, very, very hard. This game takes absolute precision, one mistake or misstep and you will die. Jiro is armed with a katana(sword) and kunai(throwing knives), which are used by Y and X respectively. What you truly need to master though is the parry. Tap R and for a split second Jiro will block almost any attack. But just for a second, to prevent it from being abused. This really adds a sense a perfectionism to the game, it makes you feel like a real ninja, taking down enemies quickly and efficiently without being touched. You can also use the vastly powerful Ninja magic to give you an edge, however you will be penalized in your final score. Along with that Jiro can also wall jump and grapple on the cellings and floating enemies. One thing that does mar this near perfect gameplay however, is the outrageous pit falls towards the end of the game. You will die over and over again as you fail to perform outrageous jumps, and this makes the game nearly impossible to beat on anything higher than beginner difficulty.
The game is a 2D platformer, but there are some 3D parts such as Horseback riding and gyro sensor rock surfing. These are extremely difficult and add little to the game, but are a nice change of pace.
Set-up
Almost everything is on the top screen. All what the touch screen is used for is to display some information, and to toggle what kind of Ninja magic you want to use. The game would not have succeeded with touch screen controls, but the set-up still feels a bit underwhelming.
Content
The main game on beginner difficulty took me about 10 hours to beat. You can reply all the levels in freeplay to try and obtain all the hidden bonus coins, and try beating the game on higher difficulties, for which you will be rewarded. There are also 13 playcoin/StreetPass maps, which are extremely hard,(one hit and you will die) but with practice are a refreshing challenge. The game is chock full of extras: concept art, Shinobi's gaming history, achievements, and videos of your level play throughs, and cut-scene re-watch. All in all, we're looking at solid content here.
Conclusion
Shinobi is a extremely challenging game that requires absolute perfection. You can mash through maybe the first level, but after that, good luck!
This is game I strongly recommend to those of you who are looking for a solid platforming challenge. The pitfall deaths are annoying, but that is just one of the few small flaws Shinobi has.
Overall: 8/10
2012-07-23 20:14:36