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Ninja Blade, for those who have played similar ninja action titles, will be reminiscent of many gaming experiences we've seen before. In fact, from visuals and controls to story and character design it's not hard to draw comparisons half a dozen other popular titles. However close it appears to other action titles, developer From Software's latest tale might be just innovative enough to garner some serious attention from action junkies.
Ninja Blade tells the tale of Ken Ogawa, the young leader of a group of ninjas dispatched to quell a mounting assault of zombie-like infected called "Carriers". Of course, even ninjas have family issues and, in his spare time, Ken will be attempting to live up to his teacher/father's legacy. According to Kazuhiro Hamatani, Lead Planner for Ninja Blade, the relationship between Ken and his father, the master ninja Kanbe, will be a crucial piece of the story. Hamatani hopes that players will be immersed in the story as Ken attempts to develop into the same caliber of warrior as his dad.
From the trailer and gameplay videos, it is apparent that the action in Ninja Blade is decidedly stylish. Utilizing Ninja Vision, essentially slowing down time and giving players an enhanced view of weaknesses, and Todome attack (whatever that is) Ken will shred his way through waves of Carriers. Though the Carriers don't appear very imaginative, the visuals are striking. It seems the design has taken cues from everything from Resident Evil to Ninja Gaiden but the team at From Software has managed to maintain a very unique feel. Most of the action is set in Tokyo, and the skyscrapers looks striking against the dark skies above; particle effects and sword slashes are equally impressive.
Combat, particularly the control scheme, will likely be familiar to fans of other From Software's games (Otogi, Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven, etc.) but will definitely throw some wrinkles into the mix for genre veterans. Aside from what I suspect will be liberal use of the oft-imitated QuickTime events, Ninja Blade will give players the chance to engage in vertical combat. Using a pair of telescoping blades akin to a grappling hook, players will take on legions of the infected while freefalling from the Tokyo skyline. Whenever an event is triggered, such as bosses unleashing particular attacks, freefalling toward flying enemies, etc., a button prompt will appear followed by a Dance Dance Revolution style feedback display. It's not clear how much of the gameplay this element will make up, but from the footage that's been released so far these segments are visually fantastic.
Since its announcement for the Xbox 360, gamers and websites haven't stopped comparing it to Tecmo's popular ninja franchise. With a unique setting and some inspiring visuals it might have just enough slick technique and cinematic flair to step out of the shadows. Publisher Microsoft Game Studios will release its cinematic action title March 24, 2009.
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