Ninja Reflex (Wii) Review
Posted by Scotty Flamingo on 05.03.2008
Vitals
Genre
Other
System
Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Release Date
Q0 0000
Unlike real ninjas, this games does not make me want to crap my pants
Title: Ninja Reflex
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Type: Mini-Games
Intro
I love Ninjas. They are awesome. Ninjas are so sweet, they make me want to crap my pants. I love mini-games. Mini-games rule. Mini-games are so sweet; they make me want to punch someone in the face. Put them together and you should have a title that makes me wanna flip out and start kicking my friends’ butts like they were pirates. So when I got the chance to review a collection of mini-games devoted to all things ninja, I was ecstatic.
Graphics – The graphics are nothing spectacular. They are nothing beyond the average GameCube title. What is worse is that on-screen instructions during load times are in a small light colored text that can be downright hard to read. More than once I had to just figure out on my own how to play one of the games. My eyesight may be getting worse in my grumpy old age, but I’m sure I’m not the only one that would have difficulty in this area and it is a situation that is simple to avoid. Just use bigger text with black lettering!
Gameplay - The gameplay varies from game to game, but in general, it is simplistic and easy to pick up. For example, with throwing stars, you simply hit the B button to lock on to a target, and then flick your wrist to throw the shuriken. Two of the mini-games are virtually the same thing, the Koi catch (trying to grab fish with your hand) and the old catching a fly with chopsticks bit. The controls are identical (press A and B at the same time to grab). It is pretty redundant and the games are basically only graphically different.
Perhaps the biggest fault of the game is the Nunchuk game. Now, what special feature does the Wii have that would be PERFECT for this? Something to do with the controller? What’s that thing called that plugs into the Wiimote? Right…the nun chuck! Of course, that’s GOT to be part of a ninja game, right? Of course not. The entire game uses the Wiimote only. Huge blown opportunity and a major strike against this title.
Sound – Nothing too earthshattering here. You got generic Asian music, your generic voiced sensei, and some simple sound effects.
Lasting Appeal – By playing the different games and getting a good enough score, you get the opportunity to acquire a belt. To win your belt, you must successfully pass a random series of three of the games, modified to be more difficult. You gradually unlock new mini-games after each belt. This gives the game some longevity. In addition, you can play with up to three friends, so that gives you some extra opportunities for a lasting gaming experience. However, the extra mini-games are just slight variations on the earlier ones, so it isn’t like there is a lot of incentive to keep playing to unlock everything.
Fun Factor – The games vary in their appeal. The Shurikan toss, the Koi catch, and the Fly Chopstick challenge are all fun games, while the Katana and Nun chuck games are ackward and frustrating. Unfortunately, even the better games are worth little more than a few plays.
Ninja Reflex is a good idea that sadly, is little more than a sloppily produced cash grab to capitalize on Wii fever. There is nothing here that is even as good as anything you find on Wii Sports or Wii Play. The games range from being mediocre, to sloppy and hard. If you like good mini-games for a you and your friends, go for Wii Play or even something like Carnival Games.
Graphics
4.0
Definately not next-gen, along with hard to read instructions, makes this game less than pleasing to the eyes.
Gameplay
5.0
Depending on the game it ranges from mildly enjoyable to completely annoying.
Sound
5.0
Generic sound neither distracts nor appeals to the senses.
Lasting Appeal
3.0
For a free review copy, I found it a chore to play this game enough for a suitable review.
Fun Factor
4.0
The Shurikan game and the Koi catch are ok, there is a multi-player mode, but there still isn't much to brag about.
