So I had a chance to play the demo for Mini Ninjas tonight for the PlayStation 3. My first impression of this game was “wow, this game is colorful!”, not to the point where its photo realistic but high definition cartoon art style. Not only that, the music and the environment combine really give that “zen” and oriental feel.
Personally I don’t think this game is for me, I feel that this game is aimed towards the younger crowd. Mini Ninjas puts you in a team of ninjas, you will be able to switch among 3 initially. And as you progress through the game, you will unlock (rescue?) the others with each ninja has his/her advantages.
Although I mostly won’t buy this game, Mini Ninjas certain has a lot of interesting features like having you to hold down “X” and shake your controller to collect fruits and honey from trees and bushes. You will also be opening doors with this action which makes the game more engaging because you are not just mashing buttons. You will have a few scrolls at your disposal as well, one of them being the Spirit Form where you can take on the form of an animal. You can attack your enemies if you take on the boar or a bear by running into them.
You can also fish in the ever virbrant river for sushi, which obviously is for bring your health back up. You have the option to swim (very slow) through your way or you can sit in your huge round hat and paddle across. Both have a timer so you can only be swimming for a limited time, although most likely you won’t run out of time, at least based on the demo. Too bad you can’t experience what I call it snow-hatting, where you will be sliding snowy slopes in your hat which I saw at the end of the demo.
If you are looking for some “zen” and/or casual third person action game with mini (chibi) characters. Mini Ninjas should not disappoint you. Although this game isn’t really for me, I highly recommend this for the younger crowd, as in younger than 20 (yes I’m old!).
Mini Ninjas will be released on September 8th 2009.
