Review: Ninja Reflex (NDS)

Ninja Reflex is not a massive game by any stretch of the imagination and is therefore priced accordingly to reflect this. It is fair to also add that it is aimed at the younger demographic of the Nintendo DS, which has gathered huge appeal through its wide range of titles to suit all ages. Ninja releases mainly centre on an epic tale of revenge, or a quest for redemption whilst standing up to an evil warmonger, who often can call upon his own team of ninjas. Surprisingly Ninja Reflex lacks any such generic characteristics, shunning an adventure in favour of a series of mini-games as you work your way through the belt classes. Sanzaru Games have looked at what the DS can offer through its touch screen capabilities and honed the mythical ninja weapons and abilities across six warrior tests.

Guiding you through each of these tests is the master, who may have been seconded from the Karate Kid series, or perhaps Parrapa the Rapper. He outlines each task and demonstrates its importance as part of your training to become a great ninja. The tests are designed to integrate your own body, mind, reflexes and spirit into one of balance and harmony, or at least that's what the master suggests. Initially the most fun Gamestyle had was derived from the ninja name selection where you can play with preset first and last names, giving some memorable combinations such as ‘Instant Python’, ‘Eager Monkey’, ‘Striped Wind’ or ‘Exuberant Bamboo’. Completing belt exams also unlocks new combinations, but after a few colourful belts, Gamestyle settled on ‘Spicy Fox’.

Before we move onto the training aspect, which forms the bulk of this release, it is important to highlight the most bizarre piece of Nintendo DS software or lifestyle experience that Gamestyle has seen to date. Ninja Reflex comes bundled with a meditation mode, which does not add anything to the training regime, but out with a limited multi-player option is the only other mode on offer.

For rookies there is the option of a guided mediation, where the master talks you through the necessary preparations and actions required for a successful meditation. Once you’ve mastered this ancient art, you can meditate solo for just a minute or up to fifteen if you prefer. As we mentioned its nothing more than a useless added extra, and Gamestyle cannot imagine any child sitting still for that length of time.

The reflex games can also be played via the multi-player option, however it is an entirely turn based experience rendering it obsolete and pointless. The first mini-game category allows you to show off your Shuriken (throwing star) technique as you seek to destroy invading ninja’s, whilst avoiding stray Geisha’s. Other categories include catching a fly with chopsticks, or a Koi (fish) with your bare hands, before taking on ghost demons with your katana. The final test involves the nunchaku, where you must trace a figure of eight with the stylus before smashing incoming objects.

The tests are well put together but extremely limited, and once you complete a belt it’s simply a case of playing through the sections once again with an added task, and a dash of variation. The integration with the touch screen and stylus is efficient, displaying no obvious issues and allowing you to meet any challenge. It seems a missed opportunity to include scoreboards or best times for catching the flies or other activities. It would at least give you something else to aim for.

The lack of depth or longevity is a real shame as Ninja Reflex is vibrant and colourful, showing some imagination from the development team. Backdrops are nicely done, with the ghost demon test highlighting some detail, but the Nintendo DS is never pushed to any great degree. The audio enhances the experience with traditional music and the master voice acting sounding just like what Gamestyle would have expected from a ninja guru.

Ninja Reflex only feels like a third of what could have been a fun package. Gamestyle left the experience feeling ready for ninja DS combat, but having nowhere to display our new found skills with a stylus. Even the kids will feel short-changed by the overall package, which despite some positives never warrants affiliation with the ninja.

Rating: 4 / 10

Words by Jason Julier