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| Title |
I-Ninja |
4 |
| Publisher |
Namco |
| Developer |
Argonaut Games |
| Genre |
3D Platformer |
| Players |
1 |
| Version |
UK PAL |
Could be worse
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When asking ones self, what game hasn?t been done yet, I am sure the first thought that springs to mind is a 3D platform game revolving around a hyperactive ninja set in the future. Ninja, samurai, indeed all things related to Japanese culture appear very popular these days with a multitude of new games making their way to the market. I-Ninja by Namco is a refreshingly light hearted approach at the usual ninja spin.
Make no mistake about it, this is no Tenchu. I-Ninja is clearly targeted at the younger market and as such it is very easy to pick up and play. It plays relatively the same as your average 3D platformer with your wily ninja tackling various level objectives to collect items that will level him up and ultimately overthrow the evil Master O-Dor and his evil army of Ranx. Before each mission Ninja (as that is his name) is confronted by the spirit of his departed sensei who gives little instruction on the following mission.
Of course, no ninja game would be complete without a set of crazy ninja abilities and Ninja has a few tricks up his sleeve. Ninja is able to run up walls (ala Prince of Persia), grind rails and use his grappling hook to manoeuvre his way around rollercoaster-like levels in a vain attempt at a Sonic spin-off. Amusingly, there are also numerous sections where Ninja will jump on top of a large ball and you as the player must navigate the ball around various mazes to retrieve the contents of the ball. Again, this is very much like a certain Monkey-based ball game created by Sega.
The levels in general are fairly uninspired with the odd mini-game thrown in for good measure, but these games can often go on far beyond their sell by date and make what should be a nice change in the action into more of a chore. The first world boss, where Ninja takes control of a giant mech to battle in the ocean is a welcome addition, if not seen before in the Geomon series.
Graphically I-Ninja is nothing really to write home about. The textures and level design are fairly dull and lifeless and the majority of the levels share an uncanny resemblance. Even the changing of worlds (or more like areas) are fairly menial in the differences to the eye. The game does boast an impressive particle system though and is put to good effect through out the game.
This poor level of quality is unfortunately also carried across to the music and sound departments. While the actual sound effects themselves do a good job, the actual voice-over work is of surprisingly poor quality. The one saving grace is the work done by the sensei and actually boasts some rather funny lines.
Indeed, much of this game has been seen many times before in various other games. Take a good helping of Crash Bandicoot, mix in some Sonic and add a good dollop of Super Monkey Ball and you have a good idea of how this plays. It shouldn?t be misunderstood though, this game is clearly meant for the younger generation. It isn?t particularly difficult to get to grips with, and is forgiving in how the player makes their way through the levels, but offers enough challenging areas to keep you coming back a few times more. While the graphical style may not be of the highest standard, everything is very solid and the cartoon feeling is structured very well.
If you?re a big fan of 3D platform games or have a child who is aching for another game to play then this might make a nice addition to your catalogue. For everyone else it is hard to recommend this game when all its elements have been produced to a higher standard elsewhere. Even so, it is at least worthy of a rental and should keep anyone amused for a long weekend.
Seth Powell |
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