Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 37
  2. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. 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.
  2. It’s perfectly pleasant and enjoyable brand of cartoon violence will probably see a good few hours of your time fly by as you swipe your way through adorable, glowing-eyed samurai enemies
  3. 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.
  4. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    70
    It's all over pretty quickly. [Oct 2009, p.110]
  5. Mini Ninja’s toybox is generously and imaginatively stuffed but, unfortunately, the same can’t be said of its playground.
  6. Mini Ninjas is not an excellent game, but it's a very recommendable title for all ages.
  7. 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.
  8. Mini Ninjas is an extremely charming action/adventure game that should appeal to gamers of all ages and styles. The simple infectious antics of these ninja will appeal to the younger player, while the wide variety of ways to approach combat and stealth should entertain the more seasoned player.
  9. Although not leave a permanent mark on the player will surely entertain you for a few good hours.
  10. A nice action/platform, developed for kids but quite funny even for old players who loved Crash Bandicoot and Spyro (long long time ago).
  11. 70
    If you are looking for a simple yet highly entertaining game which you can enjoy while relaxing, Mini Ninjas is definitely something for you.
  12. There's no multiplayer or co-op, and little to see outside of the main story mode, but it's something people of any age could pick up and enjoy.
  13. PSM3 Magazine UK
    65
    A massive let down from a once mighty developer. [Oct 2009, p.83]
  14. 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.
  15. You don't have to be a child to enjoy this new game from the makers of Hitman - just very undemanding.
  16. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    60
    It's clear that Mini Ninjas is meant for a younger audience, one most likely to adore what it has to offer. [Nov 2009, p.84]
  17. The game means well but comes short in many ways. The simple graphics showing off peaceful backdrops combined with some relaxing music are the highlight of the experience, but the combat is too simple and boring and there’s too big of an emphasis on it. Plenty of good ideas that players don’t need to use during the game. A shame, really.
  18. IO Interactive deserves credit for going in such a different direction from their usual shooter fare. Alas, the result is a beautiful game without a soul. Like a piece of gum, everything great about Mini Ninjas can be experienced in the first few minutes. After that, its sweetness is just a quickly fading memory.
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 80
  2. Negative: 12 out of 80
  1. Nov 27, 2015
    8
    I hesitated a lot between 9 and 8 so think more of this review as an 8.5, now why did I hesitate ?

    Artistically Mini Ninjas is very hard
    I hesitated a lot between 9 and 8 so think more of this review as an 8.5, now why did I hesitate ?

    Artistically Mini Ninjas is very hard not to love with lovely musics and sounds than delight the ears are in perfect harmony with the action, and some of the cutest graphics I've ever seen even if the textures are a little rough on the edge they're okay for a 2009 game, really a great art job IO.

    The story is what you'll expect from a childish ninja game, with little jokes to please the older audience of the game, and if you want to finish the game to the 100% it will take you about 12 hours (with some replay value if you want to try different styles of gameplay), which is again what you'll expect with a game like that.

    Now gameplay wise if some camera issues during the fights is clearly the weak point of the game, the first hours were so awesome you'll be introduce to so many things you can choose to fight like a warrior, a ninja or a wizard using magic, collect ingredients to make potions, etc... That's when you realized that the same developers also did Hitman, you can deal with each situation in different ways, of course it's not as developed as in Hitman but still very nice to have. the issue is that you're given too much at the start and don't get anything new at the end of the game, and that the lack of difficulty, even in the hardest mode, also make those different not very important, no matter what you choose it'll always be easy.

    In conclusion this was a lovely game, especially the first hours that were awesome, but the lack of difficulty, a weak camera and some trouble in game design may ending boring you. Still a must for young players and recommendable for everyone else. A shame they didn't get a chance to sharpen the experience with a sequel.
    Full Review »
  2. Feb 18, 2023
    9
    This game was Hifi Rush before Hifi Rush. The developers went out of their confort zone and made this game, a really good childhood memory ofThis game was Hifi Rush before Hifi Rush. The developers went out of their confort zone and made this game, a really good childhood memory of mine. Really cool esthetics, enjoyable cartoon graphics and a chill vibe altogether.
    This score is not objective, but for me it was truly a 9/10 experience.
    Full Review »
  3. Sep 15, 2021
    9
    great game one of the best games i have played on playstation 3