If you dig deep into the original Nintendo vault, you'll find a trio of games that actually inspired one of my grade school friends to cloak himself in black, climb out his bedroom window and sneak silently and supposedly unseen through backyards in the dead of night. Now Microsoft and Tecmo have teamed up to inspire a whole new generation of impressionable gamers with an updated taste of the popular Ninja Gaiden series.
While this latest version probably won't prompt you to take up a sword and creep around in dark clothing, Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox features an all-new storyline and some of the best fight sequences in a plot-based adventure game seen on the Microsoft console.
Legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa is out for blood after his clan is brutally murdered, fighting against an evil clan bent on unleashing the incredible powers of the Dark Dragon Blade.
The original Ninja Gaiden series was known for its tough and fast action. Tecmo stayed true to its roots with a very challenging and quick fighter that doesn't take the game's roots for granted.
The plot is driven by the multiple battles Ryu encounters as he moves through the game's multiple levels.
While the game follows a standard formula, the challenge is in upgrading Ryu's weapons and techniques along the way and then applying that new-found knowledge to violently dispatch the refreshingly smart, aggressive and extremely dangerous enemies who dare stand in your way.
Being a ninja means a lot of acrobatics as well, so expect healthy doses of wall climbing, wall jumping and wall running along with various dives and rolls that all look quite impressive since, graphically, no detail was spared.
As with so many third-person perspectives, the camera is a minor letdown, although the problem isn't really that serious.
It could have been worse, especially with opposing ninjas frequently surrounding and attacking in hordes at lighting speed.
You'll find a way to survive, but it might include a lot of blind kicks and sword swings in the opposite direction of where our hero Ryu is looking.
Fortunately, the controls are quite intutitive, and the visuals and sound are truly incredible, which more than compensates for the slight camera frustration.
Ninja Gaiden is Xbox Live compatible, allowing you to participate in a global Master Ninja Tournament that pits your character one-on-one against other players from around the world. There are other unlockables as well, including the original three NES games.
Whether you're an old fan, like an intense new challenge or just appreciate a well-done video game, Ninja Gaiden has what you're looking for.
