Shinobido: Way of the Ninja

Judging by the number of similar ninja games out there, one would believe there is some uncompromising formula to make them. We've seen franchises come and go, all using the same mechanics, stories, and graphical styles. Every new release seemingly becomes just another ninja game. Shinobido: Way of the Ninja seeks to break that trend.

The game is a standalone release outside the well-established ninja-themed franchises. It might inject a little bit more excitement by having the freedom to develop something a little different. Poetic license is something these tired games could use. However, the staunch representation of a classical ninja dictates otherwise. Let's see how Shinobido: Way of the Ninja fares.

Can't Get Enough of Those Pink Stones

The opening scenes of the game don't do much justice. Shinobido: Way of the Ninja will not be any different from the others. The player will find themselves taking on the ninja Goh, who has no memory of who he is or why he has washed up on the river bank. And guess what? The narrative is all about finding the fragments of your memory in the form of pink stones. Only they will reveal the truth about a devastating attack on your village.

This all seems very budget movie-like - but maybe the gameplay can provide some redeeming factors? The expected mechanics of stealth and quick combat associated with a ninja are all present. You'll be navigating around each level, exploiting assets such as rooftops, buildings, and water to hide and commit stealth kills. It's almost instantaneous that this is going to be just another ninja game.

Missions do try and vary under the more limited mechanics. Goh will be tasked with assignments like assassinations, kidnappings, and escort duties - but none are exciting given the gameplay's limited scope. Let's not mention the obnoxious camera angles that hinder anything you are trying to do.

The whole aura of the game is finalized by the visuals that look a little stale. The story of Shinobido: Way of the Ninja is written in good faith but lacks immersion with stiff animations, bland environments, and really questionable voice acting. The general feel of the game is like playing ninja at home with a salt and pepper shaker.

The Way of the Grey

The short answer to 'is this a revelation in the ninja game genre?' is no. Shinobido: Way of the Ninja makes a valiant effort in its writing to attract players with a decent story, but every gameplay aspect melds tirelessly to present a bland paste. It's worth noting that this game only came to fruition because the developer's beloved Tenchu series was lost to another entity.

Pros:

• The story is well-written and has its captivating moments
• Faithful to the lore and scope of a ninja

Cons:

• Visuals are bland, including environments and character models
• Voice acting is poor
• Missions are repetitive, exploiting the same style of gameplay throughout