YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z

 PC
Metascore
49

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. GameStar
    Mar 19, 2014
    69
    Quotation forthcoming.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Game Informer
    Mar 18, 2014
    65
    If you have the option, definitely play Yaiba on PC. The textures, resolution, and framerate are noticeably better and worth the extra few days’ wait.
  3. Ragequit.gr
    May 14, 2014
    50
    There are few times where Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z manages to induce positive emotions to the player. Perhaps only in the initial stages, when you do not know what you are going to face, the relatively good cel-shaded graphics or the sometimes nicely done humor. Only for hack 'n' slash fans that check frequently the bargain bin.
  5. Thunderbolt
    Apr 14, 2014
    50
    Yaiba is weird. It’s dumb, insanely frustrating and to be honest, kind of insulting. However, regrettably, it’s also a bit fun.
  6. LevelUp
    Apr 2, 2014
    50
    Yaiba left behind everything that built the Ninja Gaiden franchise in order to deliver a generic hack and slash experience, long gone are the days of challenging combat with unique enemies and what remains is a tiresome and boring combat with an absurd story to tell.
  7. Polygon
    Apr 8, 2014
    30
    Every aspect of the game stumbles in its execution — everything from the controls to the camera and everything in between offers frustration, not joy. Yaiba serves no purpose.
  8. GameWatcher
    Apr 17, 2014
    20
    With the amount of great action games on the market there is simply no reason that you should give Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z a try. It is a shoddily made, awful mess.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 50
  3. Negative: 16 out of 50
  1. KillingArts
    Mar 22, 2014
    8
    Having played the first 3 hours, i really can't understand the horrible reviews this game got. I really enjoyed my time so far. It looks likeHaving played the first 3 hours, i really can't understand the horrible reviews this game got. I really enjoyed my time so far. It looks like a very nice spectacle fighter.

    I like the art style and the cinematics. The controls are pretty good so far. You combo your attacks with 3 buttons (which is just complex enough for me). Doing big combos while being surrounded by dozens of zombies is really satisfiing, i have to say. In addition to these buttons you have a dash to quickly move (no jump btw), a block and some other actions like grabbing a zombie in order to use him as a weapon or throw him. Overall the combat feels really good. I can't complain at all.

    The difficulty seems to be pretty high, but I don't mind dying a few times now and then. They could have added a few more savepoints. But that's only a minor complaint.

    The camera is fixed, you cannot adjust it yourself. This will piss off some people. And yes, sometimes you end up in a situation where the enemies are behind the camera, where you can't see them. This can be annoying sometimes. On the other hand, you can use your right thumb purely for attacking, blocking etc. and don't have to interrupt only to move the camera. I think both systems have pros and cons. I am fine with how Yaiba handles it most of the time.

    So yeah, i think it's a good game. The most important thing is that the combat feels really good, and that's what these games are all about, right? ;)

    Some gameplay footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrhU-1BLDig    … Full Review »
  2. anexsia
    Mar 22, 2014
    10
    YAIBA: Ninja Gaiden Z ROCKS! This game is a pure fun Beat 'Em up/Hack & Slash with some amazing artwork and graphics. The graphics kind ofYAIBA: Ninja Gaiden Z ROCKS! This game is a pure fun Beat 'Em up/Hack & Slash with some amazing artwork and graphics. The graphics kind of remind me of a 90's gory comic book style and the humor is like FC3: BloodDragon. I've been playing almost non-stop since I bought it and having a blast.

    Sure this game isn't for everyone but if you like the artwork and don't mind TONS of gore and b-rated humor with some great beat 'em up gameplay, you'll love this. They did a FANTASTIC JOB on the PC version too, the gameplay and action is very fluid on PC.

    I also think this game got a bad rap from reviewers who must have been playing another game because actual gamers are finding the game really fun.    … Full Review »
  3. asdfjaffsdgk
    Jan 2, 2016
    3
    Fun but shallow hack'n'slash riddled with gamebreaking bugs. I love the graphics and linear gameplay which is straight out of a twisted comicFun but shallow hack'n'slash riddled with gamebreaking bugs. I love the graphics and linear gameplay which is straight out of a twisted comic book, it's really relaxing. However my whole experience was ruined by a bug which erased all of my perks and upgrades, forcing me to quit or start over after 5 hours.… Full Review »
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