Gaming Generations :: Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

NickD · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject: Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Team Ninja
Release Date: 3/35/2008
Official Website: http://www.ninjagaidengame.com/ninjaGaiden/ninjagaiden/ngds
Genre: Action
Number of Players: 1
ESRB Rating: (T) Teen
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REVIEW

This game isn't so much a sequel to another Ninja Gaiden game as it is simply part of the series. It does take place after the first Xbox game and before Ninja Gaiden II.

PLOT
In the beginning you start out as Momiji. You are training with everyone's favorite ninja, Ryu Hayabusa. Then, once you split up, you are attacked and inevitably captured by the Black Spider Clan. From this point on the player uses Ryu to try and get Momiji back, as she is important to the rebuilding and protection of the Hayabusa clan. To get Momiji back Ryu needs to collect Dark Dragonstones and find the Fiend Ishtaros.

SETTING
The game takes place in Hayabusa Village and in what can only be described as the underworld. There are also many locations that you can teleport to that are from the original Xbox game.

GAMEPLAY
The controls, with the sole exception of blocking, are done using the stylus. Running, jumping, throwing shuriken, and slashing enemies to bits are all done with different movements. Blocking is done using ANY button. Ninpo are performed by tapping the Ninpo button on the screen, selecting a certain Ninpo, then coloring in the outline of the symbol on the touch screen.

Ultimate techniques (UTs) are back and are performed by rubbing quickly of Ryu. The UTs are actually the exact same thing as the Art of the Wind Blades ninpo in NG II.

On top of this, the game is played with the DS held book-style. The map is displayed on the top screen. The game can be played left-handed as well simply by changing the settings.

This game shows the origins of the multiple Flying Swallow attacks as well as the origins of some of the Ninpo in Ninja Gaiden II.

The only problem with this game, at least on the initial difficulty setting, is that it is incredibly easy. The only part that gave me a legitimately decent challenge was the final boss. However, I only played the game on the first available difficulty setting and haven't yet gone back to play through again on another difficulty level.

Despite the lack of challenge I experienced, this game was fun. It was hard for me to put down. The controls respond well for the most part and the only time it seemed like they didn't was because of my own error.

GRAPHICS
The graphics on this game are AMAZING from a DS perspective. They flow well and I really can't think of any parts where I began to think that the environments looked choppy. Everything in this game looks great and the animated cutscenes fit well with the overall feel of this game.

SOUND
The sound is great. The sword clanging, jumping, HYA!s and all that are well executed. The music fits with the game as keeps pace. It isn't highly repetitive. It definitely adds to the immersion.

SUMMARY
This game is fun. The controls are well done and the game flows smoothly. This game is definitely a must-have for Ninja Gaiden addicts out there, but anyone seeking a solid action title for the DS should give it a try too. The game only took me around 7 hours to complete, but it was definitely a fun 7 hours.

This is overall just a great handheld game. It's not very long, but it's perfect for playing on trips. The story is interesting and keeps you going and the boss fights are all fun, even if they're a little bit easy.

I definitely recommend this game.

Overall Score: 8.5/10
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Pictures courtesy of GameSpot.com
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Nick
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Finished Reviews:
Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword (DS)
Ninja Gaiden II
Battlefield: Bad Company (360)
Gears of War
Too Human
Dead Space (360)
Legendary (360)
EndWar (360)
Fallout 3
Fatal Frame II

Writer, Actor in Flingshot Productions