Ever wanted to be a Ninja? (Ninja Gaiden Black (Xbox))

Member Name: heekeer

Product:	Ninja Gaiden Black (Xbox)
Date:	22/08/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Decent story, excellent gameplay, brilliant ninja moves, easy mode there if you need it!

Disadvantages: None.

Ninja Gaiden Black is an action game developed by Team Ninja for the Xbox.

The story of Ninja Gaiden Black follows a master ninja called Ryu Hayabusa, you are on a mission to infiltrated a shadow ninja fortress and visit your uncle who is a crazed nunchuck wielding guy! During your visit Ayane a ninja from the Hayabusa clan informs Ryu that his village is under attack and he rushes back to see what could be going on. He finds that the legendary Dragon Blade has been taken and the game follows his story to retrieve it and revenge himself on the people that attacked his clan. The story is pretty good and kept me interested with the developments throughout the game.

The gameplay is extremely high octane and fast paced, Ryu is a ninja and is extremely acrobatic expect to be running along walls, leaping from side to side as you chimney jump your way up an obstacle and so on. His ninja moves also translate into extreme swordsmanship as well as proficiency with throwing stars and other ninja accessories. You actually feel like a master ninja in this game.

The combat itself is excellent, you can use quick sword attacks in combinations with dodging out of the way along with more powerful moves which you perform by holding down the attack button, these are really impressive as Ryu will dash rapidly toward his enemy and unleash a series of swift blows. The enemies can be extremely punishing if you don't remember to dodge out of the way especially the ones that wield guns and the boss fights.

Gameplay in Black has been enhanced most notably with a difficulty mode, though this is not accessible right away. If you fail a mission or fight repeatedly an option will appear for you to play the game in the Ninja Dog difficulty. This mode I found to be far easier as Ayane will help you out with a lot of healing items along with hints of where to go.

Graphics are some of the sharpest on the system with detailed characters and environments.

If you ever have ever felt the urge to dress up in black spandex and lob throwing stars at people, buy this game!

Summary: An excellent action game.