Ninjala

 Switch
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 168 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 168
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 168
  3. Negative: 42 out of 168
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  1. Freecartitos
    Jun 26, 2020
    3
    The game had a nice concept with unique ideas but in the end they didnt work out.
    The gameplay is mostly luck based since the parry is like playing rock paper scissors and there is no guard button and sometimes they can hit you without knowing and cant do a parry.
    And dont even bother using your money on the game the jala con be used in a gumball machine which is purely lick based and    The game had a nice concept with unique ideas but in the end they didnt work out.
    The gameplay is mostly luck based since the parry is like playing rock paper scissors and there is no guard button and sometimes they can hit you without knowing and cant do a parry.
    And dont even bother using your money on the game the jala con be used in a gumball machine which is purely lick based and the color variants can only be used certain times and some weapons are broken like the hammer breaks your weapon.
    And the servers sucks there are tons of errors that they do not explain what they are.    … Expand
  2. Alexcs
    Jun 25, 2020
    0
    I have played this game extensively and through dozens of games learned that it realistically all boils down to pure luck. 50+% of your duels will end up with a rock-paper-scissors style prompt where you either gain or lose a big advantage based on luck, and if your luck isn't good one match then you have practically no shot of winning it. I think that if they rework this mechanic to whereI have played this game extensively and through dozens of games learned that it realistically all boils down to pure luck. 50+% of your duels will end up with a rock-paper-scissors style prompt where you either gain or lose a big advantage based on luck, and if your luck isn't good one match then you have practically no shot of winning it. I think that if they rework this mechanic to where it's not based purely on luck, then it would be much more enjoyable and skill based. For now, I'll be sticking to Splatoon, but best of luck to the developers on improving this game because the concept has real potential.… Expand
  3. jcboyer515
    Jun 26, 2020
    4
    Unimpressive ftp game. Don't be surprised seeing this game is filled with microtransactions, just like any other "free" game. If not for the silly high expectations I made for myself, it's possible I could've brought myself to enjoy this bite sized online game. The artistic design definitely has a charm to it. I'd say it's very ARMS & Splatoon inspired, which is also why I might've hadUnimpressive ftp game. Don't be surprised seeing this game is filled with microtransactions, just like any other "free" game. If not for the silly high expectations I made for myself, it's possible I could've brought myself to enjoy this bite sized online game. The artistic design definitely has a charm to it. I'd say it's very ARMS & Splatoon inspired, which is also why I might've had those high hopes. For some reason the game was unveiled two whole years ago at 2018's E3, & weirdly overhyped even for back then. The game's online is mostly stable, occasionally giving an error code very similar to the abysmal demo GungHo ran briefly before the official release. Combat is simple & the gameplay seems quite unbalanced. So if you're easy to please & short on cash, Ninjala might be worth a little bit of your time. Wasn't that into it, personally.… Expand
  4. KrolMyruh
    Jun 28, 2020
    0
    At launch, this game just doesn't deliver. There seems to only ever be one map which you play on (I'm yet to get the city map), which makes the gameplay terribly repetitive due to a lack of environmental variety. The way this game handles weapon skins is also baffling. They're consumables for some reason so when you open up a loot box (yes, they have those), you might just get a reward youAt launch, this game just doesn't deliver. There seems to only ever be one map which you play on (I'm yet to get the city map), which makes the gameplay terribly repetitive due to a lack of environmental variety. The way this game handles weapon skins is also baffling. They're consumables for some reason so when you open up a loot box (yes, they have those), you might just get a reward you can only use 10 times (and yes, you can pay for loot boxes which makes this reward even more crap). The menus are also very confusing when you first start and the tutorial offer lots of information, but it doesn't take the time or effort to show you how to do all that stuff, so the new player introduction will most likely be terrible as it was for me. On a more positive note though, this game looks amazing and I really enjoy the different combos, weapon skills and variety. The rock paper scissors party system is also a lot of fun to play with. I just wish there were more environments which allowed people to battle on walls and hide more effectively. Hopefully they add more maps asap because 2 is absolutely unacceptable, even in a f2p game of this nature.… Expand
  5. feralheart
    Jun 30, 2020
    2
    The game looks great, sounds looks great, but...
    BUT... the combat is inballanced and the monetization is greedy. The Battle Pass is MEH, they game 3x100 Jala for free (what's value is 3Eur) for the deploy and the 1million and 2million celebration, and there is a FRICKING GACHA MACHINE!!!! And for the first draw you have 95% chance that you get only a one match only weapon skin. Further    The game looks great, sounds looks great, but...
    BUT... the combat is inballanced and the monetization is greedy. The Battle Pass is MEH, they game 3x100 Jala for free (what's value is 3Eur) for the deploy and the 1million and 2million celebration, and there is a FRICKING GACHA MACHINE!!!! And for the first draw you have 95% chance that you get only a one match only weapon skin. Further rolls only gives these one match only weapon skins. WHO THE FRICK GIVES ONE EUR/USD FOR A WEAPON SKIN WHAT YOU CAN SEE ONLY FOR ~5 MINUTES?    … Expand
  6. catcatman123
    Jun 25, 2020
    0
    This game sucks it may look fun but it's not fun. imagine this scenario you spend real money to get the in-game currency and you buy a weapon skin well you can only use it 3 times before it's gone forever
    don't spend money on this game it is a waste of money
  7. Kas_scientist
    Jul 4, 2020
    0
    The graphics are great, but the mechanics, combat, grinding, pay to custom, etc.. are just really horrible and disappointing
  8. ToraluZayev
    Jul 10, 2020
    1
    The parry system breaks the game. The visuals are mediocre. The menu system is busy and annoying. More care was needed.
    .
  9. Horizor
    Jul 21, 2020
    0
    Every match in this game is the same. Parry System is RNG styled, much dislike as it's the main system in this game. The game is pretty annoying overall, gacha system is part of this game too. Nothing more than 0.
  10. ajgbcool
    Jul 1, 2020
    4
    This game would be the "Splatoon" killer, but is really boring and the user mechanics are like others games like Paladins or Overwatch. Would be better.
  11. Henry_russell
    Jun 25, 2020
    3
    Honestly, the only thing i enjoy about ninjala is the way it looks. It’s bland and boring and the bubble gum mechanic is extremely cringeworthy. The characters are supposed to be “cool” but they fail in every regard. The gameplay literally comes down to button mashing and one of the fame mechanics is actually just rock papaver scissors. That’s an actual game mechanic. I had pretty highHonestly, the only thing i enjoy about ninjala is the way it looks. It’s bland and boring and the bubble gum mechanic is extremely cringeworthy. The characters are supposed to be “cool” but they fail in every regard. The gameplay literally comes down to button mashing and one of the fame mechanics is actually just rock papaver scissors. That’s an actual game mechanic. I had pretty high hopes that this would become the next splatoon, then again, that’s what i thought arms would be. At least the characters are actually pretty cool in that game. It also includes in game currency which you can buy with real money, which is a scummy way of getting players to spend tons of money on cosmetics that are definitely aren’t worth it. Basically, it’s disappointing and has micro transactions which shows that this game is just a cash grab.… Expand
  12. KMilzzz
    Jun 25, 2020
    3
    First off, this game is NOTHING like Splatoon (except for the logo, and the weapons having kits I guess?). As someone with 1600+ hours on Splatoon, I didn't really enjoy this game. First off, the combat feels clunky and button-mashy, but that's what I anticipated from the trailers. I've seen a lot of people say that it seems like people win based on luck more than skill because it's notFirst off, this game is NOTHING like Splatoon (except for the logo, and the weapons having kits I guess?). As someone with 1600+ hours on Splatoon, I didn't really enjoy this game. First off, the combat feels clunky and button-mashy, but that's what I anticipated from the trailers. I've seen a lot of people say that it seems like people win based on luck more than skill because it's not clear what's going on (like what attack your opponent is doing) and it feels unbalanced. I don't see this game having a great competitive scene in the future just because the combat feels so imprecise when compared to something like Splatoon, and it doesn't seem like there's a high skill ceiling. Second, what is even the point of weapon skins if they go away after a game? Also why can't I join a friend's Battle Royale lobby online? There are just little things that irk me about this game, and I'm not a huge fan of the characters or busy UI so I'll probably pass on this. Definitely the kind of game that was fun to try with a friend as something to do for a few hours, but I don't really see myself coming back to this.… Expand
  13. RandoNinjaDood
    Jun 26, 2020
    0
    Good, fun, colorful game... with confusing controls and glitchy combat at least half the time. This "Parry" mechanic sometimes doesn't work correctly even if the game says you won the duel. There's also plenty of times you get stunlocked while no one else does :. When all's said and done, hopefully this mess gets the gum out of its hair and fix these bugs/glitches (and maybe add some wayGood, fun, colorful game... with confusing controls and glitchy combat at least half the time. This "Parry" mechanic sometimes doesn't work correctly even if the game says you won the duel. There's also plenty of times you get stunlocked while no one else does :. When all's said and done, hopefully this mess gets the gum out of its hair and fix these bugs/glitches (and maybe add some way to make weapon skins permanent after collecting a certain amount of a color *hint hint*).… Expand
  14. Cybercotleta
    Jun 28, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Начну с механики боёв, это просто камень, ножницы, бумага, сначала я думал что у меня ничего не получается, но потом понял что это чистый рандом. Баланса среди оружия нет одно намного сильнее остальных, на карте с городом играть невозможно как только я присоединяюсь к комнате с этой картой пишет ошибку . До патчей играть не стоит а тем более покупать что-то внутри игры.… Expand
  15. Duhbeavs
    Jun 28, 2020
    2
    Played 2 games of it, cannot for the life of me figure out how to play.. yes I did the tutorial but it's like every game I go into people are already veterans. Either that or I'm just getting old. Either way I had no fun whatsoever with gameplay, characters and coated were dope tho.
  16. EinWaltz
    Jul 1, 2020
    1
    Clunky gameplay and controls, weird random rock-paper-scissors mini game that causes the fast paced frantic combat to come to a halt, art style was literally just stolen from Splatoon by a completely different developer, level design is boring, there's depth of tactics like there is in Splatoon, in summary it's just a **** Splatoon knockoff but at least it's free lol. Even then it's notClunky gameplay and controls, weird random rock-paper-scissors mini game that causes the fast paced frantic combat to come to a halt, art style was literally just stolen from Splatoon by a completely different developer, level design is boring, there's depth of tactics like there is in Splatoon, in summary it's just a **** Splatoon knockoff but at least it's free lol. Even then it's not worth your time.… Expand
  17. AJR_88
    Jul 5, 2020
    1
    The game is so **** bad..... only good part about it is that you don’t need online
  18. sbigor
    Jul 5, 2020
    2
    The only reason that I gave 2 on the score, it's because it's a free game. This game only worth for giving you desire to play Splatoon 2.
  19. Spidermanoo
    Jul 8, 2020
    2
    Very dissapointing with gungho, after 3 weeks there is no single error fix and bug fix. Not just that, the match making is f* terrible. When u choose a map , the matchmaking pick other map for you . About rank? The worse ranked matchmaking i have ever seen. Im in elite rank, i just make it short which u all can understwnd
    Win +1
    Lose? -45
    Easy to understand right?
  20. JustOnhere
    Jul 28, 2020
    3
    A fine looking free to play game, unfortunately that’s all it really is, a fine looking game. You can’t get really far without spending money for Useless in game currency, the in game campaign is locked behind a pay wall (so there’s that). Gameplay wise, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, it feels as though your inputs are ignored sometimes, don’t get me started on the PerryA fine looking free to play game, unfortunately that’s all it really is, a fine looking game. You can’t get really far without spending money for Useless in game currency, the in game campaign is locked behind a pay wall (so there’s that). Gameplay wise, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, it feels as though your inputs are ignored sometimes, don’t get me started on the Perry system, it’s god awful, even more annoying, when you get hit don’t expect to find a way out because your pretty much done at that point. When playing online in teams sometimes you can start the match with less players then the opposing team (Which seems fair) it’s a 2 Vs. 4 match, spoiler alert! You’re not going to win, no matter how hard you try.

    The game also does a poor job matching you with players online in ranked matches, which you compete for a points to increase your Rank. The awards given to players through out the game are.. border line useless, most of them amount to being cosmetic, changing the appearance of your character, or weapon, doing a flashy animation when you Win or Lose, some stickers to show off when you get a kill, and that’s about it, all that for a hefty price of 9.99 a month.

    Don’t even think about trying to earn the in game currency without paying, it’s simply not going to happen, as soon as you look at the Member Tier awards Vs. the Non-Memeber awards, you’ll see why.

    It’s a good free to play game if your not looking to get to competitive with it, but if you are, good luck. The physics are clunky, sometimes it just feels as though you don’t even have a fighting chance, a god awful Perry system, all the game really has to offer is graphics and a decent sounding soundtrack.    … Expand
  21. Jordan101208
    Aug 19, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Please nerf the drill it breaks so many combos that you have no room to escape. Also please create a level system. Level 1s should NOT be fighting level 50 and up. It is unfair amd creates problems.… Expand
  22. aderitopessoa
    Jun 28, 2020
    4
    The art work is good, controls are awful, videos loading all the time, I can't recommend. 2gb of wasted space.
  23. josuelozan
    Jun 24, 2020
    0
    El juego tenía todo el potencial del mundo para brillar y es arruinado por su sistema de combate que es aburrido y se basa en suerte (adivina a dónde va a golpear tu oponente) y arruina TODO el juego
  24. zozobra11
    Jun 25, 2020
    4
    Not intuitive, unclear core gameplay that breaks the entire impression of the game. It seems that the developers stole everything from where they could, but did not have enough brains to do it correctly. It's not brawler, not a fighting game, not an arena shooter. It is unclear what and why. The style is beautiful, but inspired by Splatoon. There is also a store in the game.
  25. Maplemiles
    Jan 14, 2023
    0
    This game is nothing more then being a shamefull ripoff of Splatoon or as of now splatoon 3. This game only has people who want to play it who simply hate splatoon and Nintendo for invalid reasons
  26. Starfree
    Jun 24, 2020
    4
    I do believe I would adore this game.... if I could play it... seriously they postponed this game for this exact reason! No one could play the Beta!!! I get this game’s Beta, stay up late, wake up early so I can play it. Can’t play it the servers are down. The game just comes out I’m ready to finally play a match, the servers are down? Gungho, Let me know when this game is actuallyI do believe I would adore this game.... if I could play it... seriously they postponed this game for this exact reason! No one could play the Beta!!! I get this game’s Beta, stay up late, wake up early so I can play it. Can’t play it the servers are down. The game just comes out I’m ready to finally play a match, the servers are down? Gungho, Let me know when this game is actually playable. Ok now I got to play it and to be honest. It’s not bad, it’s stupid easy and stupid simple. It takes the bad parts of Splatoon and the bad parts of Fortnite and puts them into this game. This is Splatoon Fortnite... and honestly... it’s meh.… Expand
  27. Hellobro69
    Oct 12, 2020
    3
    I think this game had some life to it when i downloaded it late summer, but it just isn’t that interesting to play, it just is kinda button mashing and stuff, but i dont think it is worth your switch or micro sd card space. I would just delete it if you dont like it at first.
  28. 2015exe
    Dec 2, 2020
    0
    The was already full of problems to begin with, now I can't even block with certain weapons anymore! GARBAGE!!! WHY ADD SOMETHING JUST TO TAKE AWAY IT'S ABILITY TO BLOCK!?!?!?!?!? THERE'S NO POINT IN THAT!!!!!! THIS GAME IS CONSTANTLY SINKING TO THE LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATORS I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!!!!!!
  29. AverageFool
    Apr 17, 2021
    1
    Has an everprogressing Battle Pass that requires you to put large amounts of time everyday into completing it. No thanks. Also, the combat system is flawed.
  30. Marv012
    Dec 5, 2021
    0
    Worst game I have ever played it’s not even worth the freeness of it. It’s made me wanna end my self so badly Bc of how bad it is. Don’t ever play this stupid game or even look at it. You’ll get cancer
  31. AlexTrashiboi
    May 2, 2022
    3
    The first impression that I had from this game was awful. I downloaded the game on launch and a little while later I was bombarded with constant error messages and codes with little to no meaning. It would have been nice to see what exactly went wrong but the only difference each message had was the error number. Apparently the server was down on day one. I am honestly pretty disappointed.The first impression that I had from this game was awful. I downloaded the game on launch and a little while later I was bombarded with constant error messages and codes with little to no meaning. It would have been nice to see what exactly went wrong but the only difference each message had was the error number. Apparently the server was down on day one. I am honestly pretty disappointed. When I finally got to play the game the day after I found myself relying on chance a lot. The game advertises itself as a game of skill but the entire time I felt like all I was doing was failing random defense checks. The defense system feels like I'm playing a game of rock, paper, scissors. I didn't see any subtitles for the menus on the menu screen so when I first started playing I couldn't exactly tell what each option did. Otherwise the graphics look nice, there's a lot of selection for player customization and weapon customization, and even though the controls are completely unconventional, I got the hang of it pretty quick.

    TL-DR:
    It's not worth the space on your switch. It has a few redeeming qualities but not enough to classify as a passable game. Which is why I suggest waiting until they update the server, account security, and the user interface.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Edge Magazine
    Jul 16, 2020
    70
    There's not doubt that chasing the 'Ippon Master' bonus is where the most fun is to be had. [Issue#348, p.98]
  2. 3DJuegos
    Jul 14, 2020
    75
    One of the best arena fighters available for Switch. Vibrant battles, colorful arenas and unique weapons are its best features. A very good free to play attempt by GungHo Online Entertainment.
    Read full review
  3. Destructoid
    Jul 10, 2020
    65
    Ninjala definitely has the look of something I should be in love with. It's bright and colorful, and the world-building happening here is genuinely fun. What's not fun are the poorly implemented mechanics that can ruin the fast and fluid combat. There is a solid template for something great here, and if GungHo can iron out all its wrinkles, it might have a genuine blockbuster on its hands.
    Read full review
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