Ninja Five-O

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Apr 22, 2003
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Cincinnati Enquirer
    100
    Once the game has been completed, more Ninja Five-O fun can be had with an unlockable difficulty setting (making the game more tough to complete) and an optional Time Trial model.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    An insanely hard game. Beating the game will require intimate knowledge of the levels and a mastery of the controls. The title is a breath of fresh air in today's environment of games that can be easily polished off.
  3. IGN
    85
    An exciting, fun and challenging action game that shouldn't be missed.
  5. GameZone
    85
    A surprisingly excellent GBA game with plenty of lengthy levels and ninja action that will bring to mind those great classic platform games of the old days.
  6. Nintendophiles
    85
    There's only a few things that keep Ninja Five-O from being a perfect game: one save file, tiny graphics, and most importantly, the lack of a connection to "Hawaii Five-O."
  7. Game Informer
    83
    Accurate control and savvy level design. [July 2003, p.122]
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  8. Thunderbolt
    80
    While this game not necessarily the most difficult game in the GBA library, it's still packed with solid and challenging gameplay.
  9. Nintendo Power
    80
    The control is very tight, and the moves are plentiful. [May 2003, p.140]
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  10. GameSpy
    80
    Flying around using your grappling hook is dynamite fun, but the actual fighting can be anticlimactic due to the limited number of weapons in your arsenal.
  11. Pocket Games
    80
    Some games stand out from a genre solely because of a single game mechanic, and Ninja Five-O is one of them. [Fall 2003, p.50]
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  12. GamePro
    80
    Though at times it comes across as a goofy amalgamation of NES titles, Ninja Five-O presents a highly playable and entertaining challenge.
  13. Play Magazine
    80
    Konami's new original side-scrolling masterpiece. [June 2003, p.58]
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  14. Cheat Code Central
    80
    It's not just rehash, Ninja-Five-O does have some originality even though it borrows heavily from a variety of platformers. But you can't go wrong when you borrow all the best elements of classic games.
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  15. GameSpot
    79
    The saying "They don't make 'em like they used to" is totally applicable to video games, and Ninja Five-0 is a great throwback to how they used to make 'em.
  16. Gaming Age
    75
    What pleasantly surprised me about Hudson Soft's effort is its sense of difficulty. It doesn't wimp out on making the player work through a stage several times before picking up on the timing of the jumps, what order to kill the enemies and the like.
  17. netjak
    70
    This game managed to hit my nostalgia nerve, especially because I had a quick action itch, and this game was right there to scratch it.
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
38
#38 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
35
#35 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. Yojimbo2015
    Apr 28, 2023
    7
    Platform beat 'em up that owes a lot to Shinobi and Rolling Thunder, with the addition of a Bionic Commnado-style grappling hook. The graphicsPlatform beat 'em up that owes a lot to Shinobi and Rolling Thunder, with the addition of a Bionic Commnado-style grappling hook. The graphics are a bit small and basic but it's fun to play and feels like one of the better Spider-Man games.… Full Review »
  2. FoxyChalet
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    This game has the best physics of any 16 bit side scrolling game that I've ever played. The grappling hook, the jumping with an almost flyingThis game has the best physics of any 16 bit side scrolling game that I've ever played. The grappling hook, the jumping with an almost flying crane style feel, slashing your sword, and throwing shurikens all feel so incredible, and in general, this game was ahead of it's time. My only complaints are the length, and the fact that they missed out on making the best batman game of all time.… Full Review »
  3. therealarien
    Oct 5, 2014
    9
    This game really manages to capture the feel of being a ninja. Rewarding stealth and precision moves whilst not trying to be overlyThis game really manages to capture the feel of being a ninja. Rewarding stealth and precision moves whilst not trying to be overly realistic. Getting the hang of the grappling hook is a standout feature and quite rewarding when you time your swing to perfection and slash the thug the split second you land. Ignore the horrible box art, this game is pure platforming joy with a great learning curve… Full Review »
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