So, Ninja Gaiden is back to a Nintendo console with a proper release
and for the DS, taking full advantage of the touch screen and other
aspects of the handheld, even though not as much, the result is a game
that should be played by both long time fans and newcomers to the
series.
For you to play the game you hold the DS like a book, just like you did
with the Brain Age games if you ever played it, with the stylus at hand
you control where Ryu Hyabusa will go and attack, the main attack is
done by the sword, and you need to slash your way through the enemies,
it can be rather systematic, and somewhat not as deep and responsive as
it may sound, like wielding your stylus like you would be wielding your
sword, but in the end it serves just right for the game, you can also
throw shurikens or use the bow by simply touching the screen, as well
as other secondary control mechanisms. The only thing you'll need a
button to perform is the block, and you can use whichever you want,
your choice.
The save system is done by several save points situated all over the
game, works fine. The game is action filled and will keep you busy, not
much wandering around wondering what to do, more like non-stoppable
action from one hallway to the other, sometimes the perspective can
feel a little awkward but it shouldn't be in your way to enjoy the game.
The difficulty is pretty good, but if you are through with the game and
wants to start a more difficult challenge, it can be deceiving, since
some save points won't allow you to go back, so you can't upgrade, and
also the more difficult also comes with various enemies before the
bosses for you to defeat, which makes the system a little boring, when
you finish the fight you're not at full health anymore, if you lose for
the boss, you have to start all over again and beat the enemies as
well, no save in between, kinda frustrating.
The music and sound design are pretty good and won't let anyone down,
the sound fits the atmosphere and changes pace nicely when the action
comes. The length of the game may come as a problem for some, it's
short, but enjoyable for as long as you play, which may be better than
a longer game but with long periods doing nothing or just going from
one place to the other.
The graphics are beautiful, the levels are well designed providing a
nice 3D feeling, certainly not a title to be overlooked if you seek a
good looking game for the DS. The story does the job of being there,
action games never relied on stories too much, this fits in the pick
and play kind of game easily. Ninja Gaiden is also one of those games
that won't be gently to your touch screen, you'll find yourself harshly
scratching the screen while playing the game, so a screen protector is
recommended.
If you played the games released originally for the Nintendo
Entertainment System I bet you're curious to see how this is going to
turn out, if you never played a Ninja Gaiden game you'll feel right at
home with this amazing game, another great one for the Nintendo DS.
