Title: Ninja Gaiden Dragon SwordPlatform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action
Publisher: Tecmo
Release Date: Mar 25, 2008
Rating: 8.8
“Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword” is an addictive game that will have you wishing you could relive the glory days of feudal Japan. From fast paced sword slashing action to ninja magic this game will leaving you wishing the game wasn’t so short.
Ryu Hayabusa is back, and this time you can control all the great ninja action anywhere you go on the Nintendo DS.
“Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword” is designed around the use of the stylus. But, it’s not as simple as sword slashing action. You’ll use the stylus to do anything from dynamic combos to intense aerial attacks.
And, what ninja game would be complete without Ninja Magic. You’ll have 7 magical spells in total from attack spells to healing spells. One of the most fun activities is using your stylus to pen the japanese kanji (character) symbol for a magic in order to cast it.
The gameplay isn’t the only thing that’s stellar in this Ninja title. The sound rocks. From dramatic grunts to an awesome music score, “Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword” may easily be the best sound designed title for the Nintendo DS.
Unfortunately, the programmers didn’t design much in the way of difficulty into this game. You’ll be able to figure out the patterns of the bosses fairly easily, and it will remind you how video games were in the 80s. The bosses don’t get more difficult, they simply have an infinite power bar while your weapons are useless. You may feel like your fighting the boss with a butter-knife instead of a Dragon Sword, but if you’re a true ninja you’ll be patient and stick to the pattern. Just beware It will take an extra 10-15minutes if you decide not to use your more powerful attacks.
The most difficult thing about this game is wanting to perform your continuous Flying Swallows attack, but not being able to because you are getting overrun by nonstop enemies. There are some boards that will leave you feeling like Neo in “Matrix Reloaded” fighting a million and one Agent Smiths. But, that’s what makes this game so fun. You’ll get to chain together several combos, and can end it with an aerial pile driver.
My favorite attack is to use “The Art of the Fire Wheels,” which surrounds you in fire, while preparing to unleash a Flying Swallows attack.
Although the game is short, you can make up for it by playing the game over on more difficult levels and unlocking goodies after you beat the game the first time.
Team Ninja, the game designers, did an excellent job in programming a clean game. The off the wall gymnastics are seamless, and the DS shows no sign of slowdown or glitching during gameplay. The graphics are stunning. The only caveat is that the bosses don’t live up to their artistry.
The story is pretty linear, but Ninja Gaiden has never been known to be a game that is remembered for the story. Ryu Hayabusa is simply a powerful warrior of the shadows and the game is all about proving you’re the best damn ninja to walk the earth.
“Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword” is a platform defining game that will provide you fun fast-paced action. If only more companies designed fun intense games like this for mature audiences, I’d never leave my DS home.
you ever notice that the people who say that other people are whining are the biggest whiners?
not pointing any fingers –ehem ehem– John Tyler –ehem ehem–
why does everyone keep complaining the game is short. just play it on a difficult level that is more challenging that is why there are options. people should really learn to read that’s wiat the words are there for anyway.
this game is great. don’t whine.
It sucks that the game was so short. But Hayabusa definitely kicsk ass!!