Well this game certainly wins the prize for the most corny game description! I mean honestly: Princess Di-Di? fists of thunder? feet of iron?..... gripping stuff - this guy should have written a novel!

Mastertronic were known for their good games and their bad games. In my opinion, Ninja could have easily fallen into either of these categories but got stuck in the middle somewhere. On one hand, the game was so easy I reckon my Mum could have completed it (probably in less time than it took the author to write that fantastic game description) and the background graphics were awful. On the other hand, the Ninja's animation was pretty cool, and the classic Rob Hubbard jingle not only seemed to make the game worth loading up but also seemed to bring the game to life and breathe atmosphere into it. It's strange how much a good tune can make a crap game seem playable! :)

The game itself is laid out as a series of static screens where you have to fight your way to "Akuma's Chamber" on the top floor of a big enemy ninja complex. Be warned however that you can only get to the chamber and rescue the dumb blond if you've managed to collect all her 6 flashing idols. Sound difficult? Well actually it couldn't be easier, considering almost every enemy you encounter can be instantly killed with one karate kick to the cranium or an accurately thrown dagger. Don't be disheartened though, because on the rare occasion your ninja suit gets ripped you can fix it up nice and proper by just picking up one of the idols and replenishing yourself. I think if it takes you more than 3 minutes to complete this game you can consider yourself a bad gamer :)

The best bit:
For me, the best bit was entering a room and all of a sudden the music goes all hush and you can just hear random oriental notes playing atmospherically in the background... pretty sad huh? ;-)

The worst bit:
Completing the game. The programmer really pulled out all the stops on the end sequence... The flashing border and the text that simply said "WINNER!" really gave me that feeling of accomplishment!

Submitted by James Burrows (14 July 2000)

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