So good things do come in small packages…but watch out they are SHARP!
Now I know I said you wouldn’t hear from me again until Eurogamer, but I just couldn’t help reviewing this little number.
I, like many others, have awaited the arrival of this title with much curiosity. Though perhaps less eagerly awaited than certain other ‘major’ releases this year, I had wondered whether this game could be the little cherry on top of the other rather more dark and sinister 2009 releases. Now, after a thorough tasting session (Including licking the bowl) I am pleased to say that this game is just the light, juicy and sweet relief that every good season needs.
First a small plot summary. The game begins when an evil samurai warlord hatches a plan for world domination. In order to take over the once peaceful land, he steals ancient and forbidden magic, magic which allows him to change animals into deadly samurai warriors. The story tells that by using this ancient magic, the Samurai Warlord is upsetting the balance of nature, causing terrible storms to rage. The Ninja master feels it is his duty to stop these storms and find the cause of the disruption, and by his duty, he means YOUR duty. You play as Hiro, the last warrior to be sent on this deadly quest. After sending all of the other Ninjas to sort out the weather, none of which have returned it is your duty to journey beyond the village walls, find the other lost Ninjas and stop the evil samurai army.
Though you must start your quest as Hiro, during your adventure you are able to rescue other members of you group who then become playable. Each character has their own set of combat moves which vary from using an oversized hammer to smash your opponents, to a flute to send them into a trance. The characters can be swapped between easily using the left bumper, adding an interesting sense of fun during combat. This is a good example of the way this game works. On the face of it this seems like a really simple game, with basic combat and cute graphics reminiscent of the (dearly loved) Spyro series. However after only a small amount of gameplay it becomes apparent that this game has more complicated features for which I would liken it more to Zelda. I mean sure, its simple enough to play through the quest just mashing the XYBA combat buttons as Hiro, but the real beauty comes in the other layered features which to me are what makes this game interesting. For example in this game you have an inventory of potions, scrolls and other objects, five different playable characters, a range of weapons and the ability to learn several different magic spells which can be accessed via the RB.
One tiny thing I will say, and weather you take it as a good or bad thing is up to you, is that this is pretty much an idiot proof game. If you get lost you can press the d-pad which gives you and arrow to show you the way, there are regular checkpoints and if you get stuck (on a boss for example) it will often tend to show you what to do. Though this may annoy some more competitive gamers, personally I think this is for the most part a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, this game is no Bioshock (I can’t wait for Bioshock 2!) but it does capture some of the cute, easy going gameplay of older titles without being too repetitive or mindless.
Of course I cannot review this title without commenting on the inevitable cute factor. When I heard the title Mini Ninjas I must admit I thought this game may end up being a little over cute and cuddly, but rest assured it is not. Once you get over laughing at the ‘Vertically challenged’ stature of your warrior, the fact that everything is mini makes the visuals quite good, if a little retro. One thing I particularly like which does come under the bracket of cuteness is the ability of Hiro to transport his soul (using magic) into the body of nearby animals. This is a useful ability for avoiding detection, or mauling enemies, however the first time I changed into a little bunny rabbit I couldn’t help noticing that the cute factor of this game. It is also quite blatant when the defeated warriors turn back into woodland creatures, but hey with a solid 7+ rating what do you expect.
Overall I think this is a very sweet, but in no way sickly, enjoyable title which can be played by pretty much anyone. With mini quests plentiful and a stream of enemies almost constant, the gameplay may not be all that hard but it is entertaining and creative enough to extend beyond its recommended 7+ audience. If you want something fun to play with the family present over Christmas, or simply something less intense to while away those long winter nights in bed I would recommend this one to you. Afterall, deep down who doesn’t want to be a kid again?
Thanks for reading guys, stay tuned for bigger things! Well its hard to get any smaller…
GuitarGirl24
Mini Ninjas OUT NOW
