I didn't think it was possible to make a fast-paced action game on the DS, but here we are. Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword does justice to the series' reputation as a direct sequel to the 2004 Xbox title.
The game plays more akin to a hack-n'-slash, where you swipe the stylus across your enemies using specific gestures in order to attack enemies. It's pretty mindless once you get into it, and the game isn't that difficult overall, but boy is it cathartic as heck (in a good way). There's not much in the way of move/weapon variety, but the Izuna Drop is here, so does it really matter?
The game's presentation is one of its stronger points. The game is played with the DS held sideways, and the way the cutscenes span the two screens is used in creative ways. All of the areas are pre-rendered, while characters and enemies are 3D models. It keeps the game running smoothly no matter what. A lot of the environments, enemies, and music are borrowed directly from NG'04 on the Xbox, and it's all represented quite nicely here, particularly the music. I don't know if they sampled it or something, but it sounds really damn close to NG'04's versions of the tracks.
The plot is mostly inconsequential, Ryu's gotta collect the 8 macguffins so he can defeat the bad guys, protect his village, and save the girl. However,and I'll sound crazy for saying this, I actually kinda like getting to know the minor cast of characters we get to meet from Ryu's village. Kinda makes it feel like there's something worth protecting here.
Overall, while it's not ball-bustingly hard or something, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword manages to bring the essence of modern Ninja Gaiden to the DS in its own way, and I like it for what it does. I'd go as far to call it underrated. It's a game made by Team Ninja, and they pull through like you'd expect them to.
The game plays more akin to a hack-n'-slash, where you swipe the stylus across your enemies using specific gestures in order to attack enemies. It's pretty mindless once you get into it, and the game isn't that difficult overall, but boy is it cathartic as heck (in a good way). There's not much in the way of move/weapon variety, but the Izuna Drop is here, so does it really matter?
The game's presentation is one of its stronger points. The game is played with the DS held sideways, and the way the cutscenes span the two screens is used in creative ways. All of the areas are pre-rendered, while characters and enemies are 3D models. It keeps the game running smoothly no matter what. A lot of the environments, enemies, and music are borrowed directly from NG'04 on the Xbox, and it's all represented quite nicely here, particularly the music. I don't know if they sampled it or something, but it sounds really damn close to NG'04's versions of the tracks.
The plot is mostly inconsequential, Ryu's gotta collect the 8 macguffins so he can defeat the bad guys, protect his village, and save the girl. However,
Overall, while it's not ball-bustingly hard or something, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword manages to bring the essence of modern Ninja Gaiden to the DS in its own way, and I like it for what it does. I'd go as far to call it underrated. It's a game made by Team Ninja, and they pull through like you'd expect them to.