Peachey's Impressions: Ninja Blade demo (Xbox 360)

Written by Mark Peachey

Sunday, 15 March 2009 07:39

Colour me surprised: Ninja Blade isn't absolutely terrible. As a matter of fact, judging from my recent play through of the demo on Xbox 360, it's shaping up to be a decent action game.

You may recognize this game as the blatant Ninja Gaiden look-a-like from From Software; it even has "Ninja" in its name, for God's sake. Just taking a quick glance at the screens you'd be forgiven for confusing the two. I had judged this game right from the get-go, and presumed it would be terrible. And if we're being blunt here, let's just admit that From Software doesn't exactly have an impressive track record, at least in North America. But maybe Ninja Blade won't be so terrible after all.

The likeness to Ninja Gaiden is everywhere in this game, even in the opening sequence which has you dropping from a helicopter into a large city-scape below, taking out flying monstronsities for good measure. Sound familiar? That scenario is practically identical to one found in Ninja Gaiden II. (I have to wonder where the line on copyright infringement is drawn in cases like these...) And the likeness continues - just lookand the picture above. Ryu Hyabusa or impostor?

So the two games are remarkably similar in every way imaginable. Given that Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden II were generally well received, it doesn't bode well for Ninja Blade. But once you actually get some hands-on time with the game, it feels surprisingly solid, although unremarkable.

This Ryu fanboy has three weapons strapped to his back, each with different characteristics. Not surprisingly, you have a quick dual sword combo dealing light damage, an average katana, and a slow but very large blade dealing heavy damage. The shambling, zombie-like enemies that appear in the demo are easily dispatched, but your weapons feel quite good when applied against them. It's here that the similarities to Ninja Gaiden are less apparent as the combat, at least in the demo, has a decidedly less intense, more manageable pace.

Another difference is a feature called Ninja Vision, whereby you entered into a slow-mo matrix-like version of the game, while the visuals turn into a mishmash of neon colour highlighting weak spots in enemies and their remaining health. It's a cool concept offering some needed originality for a game that will otherwise face harsh comparisons to its inspiration.

If nothing else, this game is very, very ambitious. At one point you'll be running down the side of a skyscraper while taking out creatures along the way. And if that weren't enough, the demo also offers some ridiculously extended quick-time events against massive foes. You'll be performing massively improbable feats of aerial gymnastics and athleticism so long as you can hit the right button at just the right time.

As I'd said, I'm surprised - although I doubt From Software will have the chops to turn Ninja Blade into something special, they at least have on their hands what is shaping up to be a solid action adventure game, possibly worth your time. Check out the demo now on Xbox LIVE.