Ninja Five-O Review (PS5, PS4, Switch & PC)

Ninja Five-O is finally here, and if you’ve ever dreamed of being a ninja detective who slices through enemies with epic Ninjutsu moves, then this is the game you’ve been waiting for. But before we jump into the details of the new version, let’s rewind a bit and talk about where it all began. The original Ninja Five-O made its debut on the Game Boy Advance back in 2003. It was one of those hidden gems that didn’t get the spotlight it truly deserved at the time. Offering a rare mix of martial arts, detective work, and platforming, it stood out in a library full of similar games. 

Now, with a fresh remaster, Ninja Five-O brings a second chance, and players are buzzing with excitement. It’s the perfect moment for a new generation to experience the rush of playing as Joe Osugi, the detective-turned-ninja. With that in mind, let’s dive into the review and see what this updated version brings to the table after all these years.

The Art of Ninjutsu

Ninja Five-O really knows how to deliver when it comes to action. You take on the role of Joe Osugi, a detective by day and a ninja by night. But this isn’t just some casual crime-solving gig. Players are taking on epic criminals, from bank heists to hijackings, and stopping some seriously evil bosses. Notably, The game makes you feel like you’ve trained in a secret dojo for years.

The Ninjutsu system is where the magic happens. Players have a whole arsenal of moves at their disposal, each one more satisfying than the last. The moves range from teleportation, wall-running, and even throwing ninja stars that’ll make you feel like an absolute pro. Similarly, the combat is smooth, fast, and super responsive, meaning every time players nail that perfect attack combo, they’re gonna feel like a martial arts master.

One feature that really stands out is the ability to save your game at any point. Players don’t have to worry about getting stuck on a difficult section. And if you do so, all you’ve to do is save your progress and then take a break. Additionally, players can rewind gameplay using the rewind feature. Therefore, if you mess up, no worries. It’s like having a safety net that lets you correct your mistakes on the fly. And we all know how much fun it is to redo epic ninja moves.

Time Trial

For all the competitive players out there, Ninja Five-O has a Time Trial mode that will immerse players in the true platformer vibe. Once you finish a stage, you can replay it, but with a catch, there’s a time target to beat. It’s all about speed, precision, and pulling off your moves faster than ever before. Notably, it’s a great excuse to go back to levels you’ve already cleared and show off your ninja skills.

Trying to beat your own time or competing with friends for the best scores adds a whole new layer of fun. In most cases, players will find themselves trying to perfect every move, jumping across rooftops in the blink of an eye, and dispatching enemies with flawless precision. It’s like racing against yourself but in ninja style. Pure adrenaline-pumping vibes in a fun way.

Classic Meets Modern Visuals

When it comes to visuals, Ninja Five-O is a perfect blend of classic visuals and modern design. Limited Run Games has truly outdone themselves, bringing the iconic 2D-pixel art style from the original Game Boy Advance version into the modern age. The environments are stunning, bursting with vibrance from the neon-lit streets of Zipangu to the alleys where danger lurks. 

Additionally, every level is visually distinct, with detailed backgrounds that draw you deeper into the game’s world. The game’s level design keeps things fresh, whether you’re navigating the bustling city or sneaking past enemies in dark corners.

Character design is equally impressive. Joe Osugi, the game’s protagonist, looks sharp and formidable in his sleek ninja gear. His outfit and expression perfectly match the action-packed atmosphere. Additionally, the variety of enemies is equally worth noting, from the henchmen to the fearsome Mad Mask bosses. Each one is distinct and memorable. 

Ultimately, the smooth animations are another standout feature, contributing to the fluidity of combat and movement. When controlling Joe, every strike, jump, and dash feels natural, as if you’re guiding a true ninja in action. The combination of sharp pixel art with modern animation techniques elevates Ninja Five-O‘s visuals, creating an action platformer game experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Pumping Up the Action

Let’s not forget the soundtrack. It’s totally on point. The music blends traditional Japanese instruments with high-energy beats, setting the tone perfectly for the action. Whether you’re sneaking through the shadows or charging into battle, the music amps up the adrenaline. In addition, the sound effects are spot on, making every shuriken throw and sword slash feel satisfying. Ultimately, the audio pulls everything together, making the gameplay even more immersive.

Interestingly, Ninja Five-O doesn’t just speak to English-speaking players. It’s fully voiced in several languages, including French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Therefore, no matter where you’re from, you can enjoy the game in the language you’re most comfortable with.

One interesting thing about the gameplay is the replayability. For players who love replaying action games and discovering new things, then Ninja Five-O has your back. With the Time Trial mode, the challenge is to clear each level as quickly as possible. Similarly, with the option to revisit stages, the game offers a ton of replay value. Players will find themselves returning to previous levels to improve their score, try different strategies, and even master new moves.

Undoubtedly, the bosses in Ninja Five-O are on another level. Each boss is tougher than the last, and taking them down feels incredibly rewarding. It’s one of the experiences players would want to return to just to see how the next boss battle plays out. It’s one of those fantastic platformer games that keeps you coming back for more.

Now, let’s talk about the difficulty. It’s tough but in the best way possible. The game slowly ramps up the challenge, so players are always learning and improving without feeling totally overwhelmed. Even if you get stuck, the save and rewind features make it easy to give things another shot without starting from square one. 

The Bad

Now, while Ninja Five-O offers plenty of thrills, it’s not without its drawbacks. One of the most noticeable issues is that, despite the remaster, some aspects of the gameplay feel a little dated. For example, the level design can occasionally feel repetitive. Notably, the platforming vibes can feel like you’re running through the same tricks over and over again. 

The difficulty curve, while challenging, can also feel frustrating at times. Notably, the game’s difficulty ramps up quite quickly. Consequently, the lack of difficulty settings may turn some players off, especially those who aren’t used to older, tougher platformers. Of course, the rewind feature helps mitigate this, but sometimes the challenge feels a bit unfair, leaving players with that “Why am I still stuck here?” feeling. It’s a good thing the game lets you save at any time, but that doesn’t always help when the difficulty spikes suddenly.

Another minor gripe is the voice acting. While the game does support multiple languages and voiceovers, the acting itself feels a bit stiff. It doesn’t ruin the experience by any means, but it does come off as somewhat less immersive than it could be. The dialogue, in general, could have used a little more flair to match the intensity of the action. In a game where you’re supposed to be a badass ninja detective, the lines sometimes appear bland rather than thrilling.

Verdict

Ninja Five-O brings everything we loved about the original and takes it up a notch for modern players. The exciting combat, diverse Ninjutsu moves, time trials, and killer graphics all combine to create a ninja experience that’s difficult to beat.

Ninja Five-O is a brilliant fusion of retro and modern gaming, capturing the spirit of classic action platformers while incorporating fresh mechanics and impressive visuals. Limited Run Games has delivered a satisfying and challenging experience with a captivating world full of vibrant, detailed environments. The rewind and save game features ensure players won’t get frustrated, making it fun for both seasoned gamers and newcomers.

While the combat can sometimes feel repetitive, the game’s other elements, like its captivating visuals and unique character design, keep things fresh and exciting. The 15% discount, bringing the price down to $21.24 USD, makes it a fantastic deal for anyone who loves action games with a retro vibe.

Overall, Ninja Five-O is well worth your time and money. For players who are looking for a modern game that pays homage to the classics but also pushes the envelope, Ninja Five-O is definitely a must-play. It’s a thrilling, nostalgic ride that delivers on its promise, offering hours of entertainment without feeling overpriced.