Reviewed
11.16.2000
Publisher
Taito
Developer
Taito
Format
CD
Origin
Import
Available
1993
(Japan)
Exclusive
*Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Side
Genre
Action
Player(s)
1-2
Options
6
Button
Arcade
Stick
CDKey
Pro
CDX
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
INTRO:
> Most of us know Taito for their great shooters -- Night
Striker for Mega/Sega CD comes to mind. In my eyes, Taito has
yet to establish themselves as a major third party developer for anyone.
They did, however, come up with an interesting ninja action title called
The Ninja Warriors. The arcade version boasted a widescreen format
(some machines used multiple screens) and plenty of bad guys to defeat.
When the Mega/Sega CD arrived, it was a natural for the conversion as Zuntata's
music would really be able to take advantage of the medium.
> If you want this game, you'll have to get the import version (*note:
the SNES version is not the arcade version). Playing it is a snap
as it's almost entirely in English. It even has English voices with
Japanese subtitles!
GRAPHICS:
> When this game came out in arcades (I think in the late 80s), its graphics
were considered state of the art. Even once it reached the Mega CD
in 1993, that was no longer true. Good for purists though is the
fact that this version remains faithful to the original. It even
maintains the widescreen format.
> All levels have a military theme. You'll see tanks, various types
of infantry, aircraft, other military hardware, and lots more. The
side scrolling action is enhanced with two layers of scenery, just like
the arcade version. The coolest feature though is the animation of
the two main characters (a male and female ninja). Throughout all
their moves, they look really good (albeit a little stiff). Also,
they are robots, which turn into endoskeletons as you take damage!
CONTROL:
> Simple action. You can jump, slash, and throw a limited number
of shurikens -- no power-ups. Your objective is the kill the never
ending swarm of enemies as you seek the end of a level. Bosses and
mid-bosses await as well, and usually require a certain strategy to kill
or avoid.
SOUND:
> This is cool. Zuntata, Taito's main sound team, has really done
a great job. You can select original or arranged arcade music, both
of which are great. Just imagine 80s pop-rock with a slight hint
of techno, and you know what to expect. Lastly, the sound effects
work great and include weapons fire, death moans, and some environmental
effects.
FUN:
> This is truly a classic. By today's standards, it's kind of over
simplified, but sometimes that's just what a hardcore gamer wants.
I loved it in the arcades and now I'm loving it at home...
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