I-Ninja

Granted, Ninjas are somewhat cold But it doesn't always make faculty of perception to put them in each possible scenario. So if you sit down with I-Ninja -- which has a sensei, wall running, shuriken and a small in number other ninja elements, but plays more like a platformer than a slash 'em up -- don't wait for a Ninja game. Expect a game that just happens to have a Ninja in it.

This is not a criticism, however, as I-Ninja isn't designed in a serious manner. You can obviously number just by looking at the main character's head (which is far bigger than the entire repose of his body) that the developer aren't trying to pass toe-to-toe with Ninja Gaiden. Instead, they have created a platformer with a focus upon fun. After all, what other ninja-based game suffers you grind on a extremity (ala Sonic Adventure 2) after doing a handstand, or dominion government a giant robot in a boxing match in the middle of the ocean? Developer Argonaut was also involved with the creation of the new Xbox title Kung Fu Chaos, which had a similar, on the other hand more over-the-top wacky attitude. I-Ninja holds things light.

Unfortunately, it hold fasts things a bit too light in a certain number of areas, and we end up with a game that's ultimately a bit lacking. It's not a drawn out game, nor is it a title where you'd want to replay the same horizontals It doesn't boast any multiplayer uncompounded bodys either. Basically, it just advances in a little short.

I-Ninja is not the greatest in quantity visually impressive game out there, either. Certain horizontals admittedly look better than others, and there are a certain quantity of cool stylistic scenes (such as individual sunset where the sky above the water has a clean, wavy look) on the other hand on the whole, the visuals are quite plain.

My biggest complaint, however, is simply that I-Ninja fails to be memorable. There's nothing here that experienced players haven't seen before gameplay-wise, and the story is easy to dismiss, making up a game that unfortunately doesn't stand without at all. We were hoping to diocese the character evolve in unique ways as he earned novel karate belts, but these "improved" belts didn't do plenteous for the guy.

But regardless, the game is at least merriment The controls hold up better than in greatest in quantity platformers, the levels are well-designed, and your character has a advantageous repertoire of attacks. There's a fate of variety, too, from mini-games featuring robot-fighting, to bowling. I believe variety is somewhat expected in platformers, on the other hand they're at least accomplished actual well here.

If you take delight in platformers, you'll like this game. on the contrary it unfortunately comes at a time where, if you don't stand on the outside you'll be quickly forgotten. I-Ninja remains at the top of the keep list, above Dr. Muto, Vexx and more [i]or[/i] less of the other borderline games, on the contrary there are far more ambitious titles on the outside there to choose from.

Copyright ?© 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserv Originally appearing in 1UP