I-Ninja Preview

Developer	Argonaut Software
Publisher	Namco
Genre	Action Adventure
Release Date	11/18/03

With games becoming progressively more aimed at older gamers - a nice, fun, and more younger-oriented game can be rather refreshing, and that’s exactly what Namco and Argonaut are trying to create with their new action title, I-Ninja.

The game follows the story of I-Ninja, a member of The World who has a mighty large head. The World’s population has been taken prisoner by the sinister Master O-Dor and his army, and in order to save the inhabitants, I-Ninja [that’s you] will have to collect Rage Stones, powerful items that will help defeat O-Dor and save the day. You’ll do so across five different terrains, culminating in a final battle on the moon, all while battling it out against 150 foot tall robots.

I-Ninja isn’t looking to follow the path of most action games these days. Instead, it’s looking to follow the style of games of old. That means timed jumps, mazes, flying across gaps, and more. But, true ninja fans won’t be disappointed- as players will be able to pull off a variety of ninja-like moves [including handstands] and use blowguns and swords. And in true Shinobi-style, he can even run on walls. You’ll ultimately be pulling off a ton of great cartoon-like moves that really give the game a light and happy feeling.

Not only will gamers be able to play as a ninja with an attitude and throw around shurikens, but you’ll be able to perform a variety of extreme sports moves as well. Players can scale buildings, shred on rails and hover with unique sword copters. Not only that, but you can ride spheres to get around levels as well. The mix of sports and action seems to be rather promising, and looks to add a bit of variety to the game and the action genre.

Weapons aren’t the only method of disposing of your enemies. In I-Ninja, you’ll be able to punch and dish out uppercuts, or make use of the games advanced combat system involving varying intensities of attacks. Clear out whole rooms with powerful ones, or focus on a group or single enemy with quick attacks.

The game is aimed towards the younger crowd, so don’t expect any mature themes or dark visuals, although they are a bit dark to try and grab the older crowd. Character models and animations are very well done, and the style is fantastic as well. The graphics and environment textures may be a bit simple, but for the type of game I-Ninja endeavors to be, they fit the game’s theme just fine.

Simplicity can be a dangerous thing, but Namco seems to have the concept down with I-Ninja. The game’s main focus seems not to be difficulty, but rather entertaining action that possesses a wide appeal to a variety of audiences. Time will tell how well Argonaut manages to accomplish this idealistic goal, but be sure to keep your eyes open for this title come its release this November.

Preview by Kevin Sloan