Mini Ninjas

Developers of family games often do hackwork and resort to oversimplification. IO Interactive didn’t succumb to temptation and made a game that stands head and shoulders above its rivals.

That said, I’m sure that a lot of “serious” gamers scoffed at the score, so if you’re a member of the group, you can take down some 10 points to get an “objective” mark and sleep soundly tonight. For everyone else, I strongly recommend that you at least try the demo, because it would be a shame to miss out on one of the most fun and relaxing games of the year.

Even though Mini Ninjas might not be as in-depth or content heavy as its modern peers, it's still a beautiful, fun game that opens up ninja culture to kids.

Mini Ninjas is a good action game, entertaining, enjoyable and able to offer some hours of good fun, but far from being one of the great games of the genre.

Whether you're big or small, there's a lot to like about these little ninjas and their lengthy journey.

If you're looking for a good-spirited hack and slash/exploration game or just something to have a fun time playing with a younger gamer, then be sure to give Mini Ninjas a try.

It's just a good game. [Nov 2009, p.98]

Six little ninjas have to save animals and fight an evil samurai warlord. Each of the ninjas has its own special ability, like stopping time, playing a flute to slow down enemies or use a hammer to smash opponents. It's a simple game but it's a lot of fun.

The cutscenes are lovely, the dialogue and voice over work stereotypical but fitting, and the soundtrack is a wistful traditional Japanese score that rekindles memories of The Karate Kid. Still, Mini Ninjas will do nothing to quell the growing call from core gamers for IO's "next-gen" Hitman game.

Mini Ninjas is an action-adventure-rpg with simple gameplay mechanics but with a lot of objects, spells and scrolls to be found. The final product is sometimes funny, but never compelling. That makes Mini Ninjas child-oriented; adults may like the visual style, but won't be entertained by its gameplay.

As small as cute... the smallest warriors in this world are the lovely and blood-less action entertainment. No other game offers death by farting boss. [Oct 2009]

Mini Ninjas is a likeable want to be, but it´s no more than that. It could be an awesome videogame, but IO Interactive didn’t know how to develop its good and innovative premise.