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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AlecFair
    Jun 24, 2020
    7
    This game is free to play which is understandable but at the same time the microtransactions are really bad and hinder the full enjoyment of the game but not too much and this is an early review and my opinion and review may change as time progresses with this. This is also only the review for the free to play portion and does not include the story mode.

    The gameplay is pretty decent. I    This game is free to play which is understandable but at the same time the microtransactions are really bad and hinder the full enjoyment of the game but not too much and this is an early review and my opinion and review may change as time progresses with this. This is also only the review for the free to play portion and does not include the story mode.

    The gameplay is pretty decent. I did ten matches and made top three 4 times first place twice and 7th place was my lowest ranking in the battle royale matches. Simple gameplay with two modes being team mode and battle royale. The battle royale which is an eight man slap fight is pretty fun and chaotic and unlike most br games you don't have a single life but instead you are fighting to get points by doing damage, stylish kills, defeating bots, etc. Team battle is your typical four vs four that goes by the same point concept.

    You have a choice of three weapon types being sword, hammer, and yoyo weapons each weapon types having four weapons each for a total of twelve weapons you can use each with their own abilities and skills to add diversity to your setup. You also have ninja cards which add special perks like lifesteal, enemy detect, start with max S meter, etc.

    The flow of combat, you have your light combo attack, then you have your heavy attack that launches enemies in which after you can press the light attack to pursue your target to flow up with more combos. You have a dodge and the one thing they add to this game is a parry which is a rock paper scissor type thing in which you press a direction and hope you can slap your enemy away but at the same time other enemies cannot attack you during this lock up but instead get blown away and lightly stunned. You also have skills you can use depending on the weapon you have a (Y) button ability and a bubble juitsu combination you can do by holding the (ZL) trigger followed by the attack button and it varies depending on the weapon you are using or an air boost by holding same trigger and pressing the jump button while mid air. You also have an S meter that you can expand by destroying apple like robots and when you expand it to a certain amount you can hold (ZL) then press (A) to increase the size of your weapon allowing for longer range to your attacks. And you can also press (A) to hide in the environment by disguising yourself as a nearby object which can lead to funny moments and tactical ambushes. But my only gripe with the combat is the lockon camera is pretty jank and if you are trying to lock onto a weaker target in a group fight you will lock onto the nearest person sometimes or even one of the apple bots.

    But the thing that bogs this game down badly is the microtransactions for cosmetics. Yes this is a free game and they need some way to make money but putting all the clothing behind a fortnite esque cash shop and only requiring cash is slimy. And you can get cosmetic skins for all the weapons as well but you only get them through two methods. One being finishing matches and leveling up where you get a weapon skin and the other being the gatcha machine they have in the cash shop that requires either cash currency or 300 gold medals that you only get from winning matches. But the worst part of these weapon skins is the fact that they are consumable and once you use a skin for the match you cant use it again until you get lucky enough to get another one and there are a lot of skins for weapons so the chance of getting your favorite skin again is rare as heck and more than likely you will not use the skin at all. It does not matter if cosmetics does not affect the performance of a player in a game but when you have a game that promotes Splatoon like fashion, its really scummy when you have no way to look unique unless you pony up the real life money or buy the season pass and instead be dressed like everyone else but just have a different face, hairstyle, and hair color.

    With limited stages, the games graphics look really nice, and have that Splatoon vibe but you are limited to two areas at the moment of writing this one being a rooftop arena where the battle royale quick play takes place and the city which is a maze of buildings and bridges and looks pretty cool.

    The music is really nice where you can choose a track that plays every match by equipping it from the appearance menu and you get new tracks by leveling up or getting it from the season pass and cash shop.

    The game is decent at best but the microtransactions can turn a lot of people away and hopefully we can get clothing and other things through leveling up more in the game and they give us other options of getting things in the future as they add more to the game.

    If you read this large wall of text thank you for the time. I will still be playing this game from time to time and change the review and maybe the score as I play more and make new discoveries.    … Expand
  2. Gamatkd
    Jul 9, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Is a game that has interesting art and graphics, but I believe is a meh game that had potential, but right now is a game that is very repetitive with a fighting mechanic that depends on randomness and luck, something that makes it very annoying. Had potential, but it failed.… Expand
  3. Megakrage
    Jun 24, 2020
    5
    Great concept. and i really wanted to like it. but its not fun to me. the combat is all over the place and it feels like you win out of luck more then skill. with the super moves just destroying. i was really hoping for it to be a good game. but i was just disappointed instead. maybe later i might give it another try. but it just doesn't feel like the mechanics work well. it just feels,Great concept. and i really wanted to like it. but its not fun to me. the combat is all over the place and it feels like you win out of luck more then skill. with the super moves just destroying. i was really hoping for it to be a good game. but i was just disappointed instead. maybe later i might give it another try. but it just doesn't feel like the mechanics work well. it just feels, unbalanced.… Expand
  4. riverkev95
    Jun 25, 2020
    7
    Es una apuesta interesante de un juego entretenido, con un estilo muy marcado y variadas opciones de personalización. El gran problema de este juego es la dependencia de la suerte en su mecánica de combate mano a mano. Es terrible depender de un piedra, papel y tijerapara saber quien vence en un enfrentamiento directo. Se pierde el enfoque de la habilidad en esa situación específica.
  5. piscesperiod
    Jun 30, 2020
    6
    I wish I could give this game a better rating. The graphics are beautiful, the concept is very original (ninjas, chewing gum, interesting weapons and funny character customizations). The microtransactions are to be expected in a free-to-play these days I suppose and since they're all cosmetic, it doesn't really affect the gameplay.

    The actual problem that led me to rate this a 6 is the    I wish I could give this game a better rating. The graphics are beautiful, the concept is very original (ninjas, chewing gum, interesting weapons and funny character customizations). The microtransactions are to be expected in a free-to-play these days I suppose and since they're all cosmetic, it doesn't really affect the gameplay.

    The actual problem that led me to rate this a 6 is the gameplay: I've been playing from day 1, and what I've immediately noticed is that the battle mechanics is more about luck than it is about skill. The parry system is based on a rock-paper-scissor stand-off that can be easily frustrating, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you never feel like victory was earned or that defeat was fair.

    I reached as far as level 20 without really enjoying the game, so Imma go back to my Splatoon.    … Expand
  6. SkyTodd
    Jun 25, 2020
    5
    the control scheme is odd, using the triggers for your main attacks in a fighter feel weird. the story is behind a paywall, and the multiplayer just doesn’t feel great to play. played 2 matches and had absolutely no fun in them, i’d love to elaborate why, but i just can’t. it’s not for me, but it might be for some others
  7. UpSideUpFlower
    Jul 30, 2020
    7
    Spammy game, oh my lord, more spam here than a east park chippie spam burger. Very bad for your health but i do like splatoon so i give this a 7.
  8. TheQuietGamer
    Jul 17, 2021
    6
    More than the simple Splatoon rip-off the art style would trick you into thinking it was at first glance, and not just because it replaces the squid people and ink with ninjas and bubblegum. This free-to-play multiplayer title favors melee combat over shooting, which is a style of gameplay that's always struggled in the online space. While there have been minor success stories like ForMore than the simple Splatoon rip-off the art style would trick you into thinking it was at first glance, and not just because it replaces the squid people and ink with ninjas and bubblegum. This free-to-play multiplayer title favors melee combat over shooting, which is a style of gameplay that's always struggled in the online space. While there have been minor success stories like For Honor, for the most part hack 'n slash action has never translated over to the competitive gaming scene very well at all. Not even when big series like God of War or Ninja Gaiden tried their hands at it.

    That's because it's hard to capture the same fluidity of mechanics and gameplay one would find in a single-player campaign when faced with the erratic nature of a real life opponent, and the various necessary systems proving tough to balance for similar reasons. Ninjala fares better than most, suffering more in the former category than the latter. The combat is stiff and clunky with your movements feeling somewhat slow. Your gum-based powers do a little bit to spice things up, particularly the ones that give you increased mobility, but while competent fighting is nowhere near as fast-paced or exciting as it should be. The real problem though is it's rock-paper-scissors parry system as it literally comes down to luck over skill, which is a huge no-no when it comes to multiplayer. As with anything it can still be pretty satisfying to score a knockout or win a match despite all this, but not enough so that I wasn't left wanting more from the experience overall.

    Also leaving something to be desired is the amount of content. With only 6 maps, two main modes, and limited time offerings (none of which I've participated in being any fun) to give you three options of play in total there are obviously some longevity issues. What's here is fine for quick, infrequent sessions, but the game could really use some non-cosmetic expansions. Something the developers have really been slacking on given that this has been out for a little over a year now.

    They have been good at least at updating the store with plenty of costumes and skins. I really enjoyed the character customization aspect. You have a wonderful degree of control when it comes to creating your avatar's appearance. Mix that in with the wealth of outfits available to purchase with in-game currency and you're truly able to give your ninja a distinct look.

    It's this sort of thing that would make you think Ninjala has more personality than it actually does. It's lively, energetic visuals hint at some world-building going on behind-the-scenes, which ultimately isn't actually the case. There is a story mode, but it's locked behind a paywall of $10 a pop for each chapter and to this date the devs have still only released two. That's kind of a letdown because, again, this is over a year old at this point and without things like characters or significant plot developments to latch onto the unique, eye-catching theme really just ends up being nothing more than hollow window dressing that isn't reaching its potential.

    With its non-existent price tag and a mien similar to that of other Nintendo favorites, Ninjala is certainly an attractive prospect when browsing the eShop. The game is only serviceable at best however. It could use some more attention from its creators in the form of more match types and some smoothing out of its rather rigid feeling combat. Because right now, without the support, its most appealing qualities are that you never feel the need to put down any real money on clothing or the seasonal battle pass, and that, for free, it does offer a passable (yet lacking) competitive gameplay experience.    … Expand
  9. invictus69
    Jul 19, 2020
    7
    Ninjala is a sound arena combat game that presents itself in a fairly interesting and unique way especially compared to other free-to-play multiplayer focused games. It does, however, suffer from being a free to play early in its life cycle. Balancing issues, the rare bug, and an extremely shallow selection (2) of stages and combat modes means that if you don't enjoy the gameplay loopNinjala is a sound arena combat game that presents itself in a fairly interesting and unique way especially compared to other free-to-play multiplayer focused games. It does, however, suffer from being a free to play early in its life cycle. Balancing issues, the rare bug, and an extremely shallow selection (2) of stages and combat modes means that if you don't enjoy the gameplay loop immensely you're going to get very bored very quickly. The game developers are also very unsubtle in trying to squeeze out every microtransaction penny out its consumers pockets, with incredibly expensive cosmetics and extremely limited rng dependent gacha style rewards.

    An otherwise interesting and genuinely fun, if shallow game, that is hampered by the worst aspects of modern f2p gaming. Its still very early in the games life however, so maybe things are subject to change.    … Expand
  10. LordOMO
    Jun 25, 2020
    5
    It really hurts to say this but I didn't enjoy my time with Ninjala at all.
    The game really has a lot going for it: it looks clean and runs well, it has good menu structure and decent settings to customize controls etc. The game also has a surprising amount of complexity in its combat system: you can parry, dodge, use special moves, use different weapons, camouflage etc.
    However, the big    It really hurts to say this but I didn't enjoy my time with Ninjala at all.
    The game really has a lot going for it: it looks clean and runs well, it has good menu structure and decent settings to customize controls etc. The game also has a surprising amount of complexity in its combat system: you can parry, dodge, use special moves, use different weapons, camouflage etc.
    However, the big issue is that gameplay fell completely flat for me. I'm sure that Pro players will be able to make sense of this mess but as a more casual player it is absolute chaos where winning or loosing feels like pure luck. It was immediatly unfun and unexciting and didn't get any better for me.
    I was also surprised how strongly they leaned into the child-like aesthetic. To me it seems like this is clearly targeted towards really little kids. But at the same time the game is really complex which will propably be overwhelming for most kids. Something like Mario, Yoshi or Kirby seems more age appropriate from a difficulty standpoint.
    As it stands I can at most see this game attracting a very niche audience that actually masters the game mechanics whereas many kids will propably try it out, experience complete chaos and soon give up in favor of other games.    … Expand
  11. AngiSGC
    Jul 4, 2020
    7
    The game-play is very unbalanced, sometimes you destroy everything in your path for the whole round, sometimes you can't get a single kill, and whenever you die, it never feels like your fault.
    The game feels like a coin toss, but turned into an entire game.
    There's only 2 maps (for now, anyway), so variety in almost null. But on the other hand, movement is very smooth and getting kills    The game-play is very unbalanced, sometimes you destroy everything in your path for the whole round, sometimes you can't get a single kill, and whenever you die, it never feels like your fault.
    The game feels like a coin toss, but turned into an entire game.
    There's only 2 maps (for now, anyway), so variety in almost null.
    But on the other hand, movement is very smooth and getting kills is pretty satisfying, even if you're just mashing buttons.
    The game has great potential, and I think they just need to iron out these issues.
    I do think you should still play the game for yourself, if you haven't already, it's free, and you can form your own opinion of it.    … Expand
  12. Rankaku
    Jun 26, 2020
    7
    I really do enjoy the game, its mix of splatoon visuals looks really appealing and gameplay seems really skillful in a way. But I do dislike the overabundant use of mircotransactions and a lack of story mode for free, due to having it in a paywall. I do look forward to some updates
  13. StageBuild
    Jun 25, 2020
    7
    Its Wonderful 101 all over again with a bad tutorial so people cant understand the game. I enjoy the game a lot but game doesnt tell you a lot so you are getting bored of not understanding how the rock-paper-scissors system works. and there are not that many content like not so many maps or game modes but its free after all. I like the game but it needs some more things to get peopleIts Wonderful 101 all over again with a bad tutorial so people cant understand the game. I enjoy the game a lot but game doesnt tell you a lot so you are getting bored of not understanding how the rock-paper-scissors system works. and there are not that many content like not so many maps or game modes but its free after all. I like the game but it needs some more things to get people hooked and it needs to tell the game in a much better way.… Expand
  14. Denvers
    Jun 28, 2020
    6
    Ninjala is a fun little free-to-play brawler with cute and appealing visuals. With many different weapons to choose from, the game offers a good amount of customization most of which is not locked behind a paywall. As fun as the game is in short bursts, it offers almost no content and the content that is available is very slow and luck-based. On the bright side, there is almost noNinjala is a fun little free-to-play brawler with cute and appealing visuals. With many different weapons to choose from, the game offers a good amount of customization most of which is not locked behind a paywall. As fun as the game is in short bursts, it offers almost no content and the content that is available is very slow and luck-based. On the bright side, there is almost no incentive whatsoever to spend money on the game as it mainly just cosmetic purchases along with a story mode. There's no reason not to try this out, but isn't something you're going to end up sinking a lot of time into.… Expand
  15. PandaBass
    Nov 18, 2021
    6
    It's a decent shooter, and I guess you can't complain because of it's price but the gameplay is a bit too much rock paper scissors like. And it doesn't really hook you, despite having some fun you'll probably only play it twice.
  16. DerWunderfizz
    Jun 26, 2020
    7
    It's a fun game, but have it's issues. For example, the lack of modes and a slow pacing tier system progress.
  17. Hoidofthevoid
    Jun 24, 2020
    5
    As much as I wish I could try and give this a completely positive review, they weren't prepared for the massive demand that they should have seen coming. The game play itself is... not bad, but the mere fact that thousands are lock out of the game due to server insufficiencies is something Gungho should have prepared for this. Launch day is the day that most people are going to play a freeAs much as I wish I could try and give this a completely positive review, they weren't prepared for the massive demand that they should have seen coming. The game play itself is... not bad, but the mere fact that thousands are lock out of the game due to server insufficiencies is something Gungho should have prepared for this. Launch day is the day that most people are going to play a free game. Given how much publicity this game got, they should have been prepared for the extreme server demands.… Expand
  18. Treeking
    Jun 26, 2020
    6
    I love this games art style and the amount of effort and detail put into the 3d models and animations is amazing. The gameplay, however, is good in some areas but bad in others. Where the game doesnt succeed, in for me, is the combat parry system. Rock, paper, scissors really shouldn't be a viable way to decide the outcome of a brawl, it really boils down to luck than anything else. ItI love this games art style and the amount of effort and detail put into the 3d models and animations is amazing. The gameplay, however, is good in some areas but bad in others. Where the game doesnt succeed, in for me, is the combat parry system. Rock, paper, scissors really shouldn't be a viable way to decide the outcome of a brawl, it really boils down to luck than anything else. It wouldn't be so much of a problem if you weren't stuck in parries most of the time or that if you fail a parry you can't do anything other than wait to be killed as you are locked into the enemies attack with no way to get out. I feel that the game could be a lot more fun if this mechanic was reworked to be more skill-based than luck-based. Aspects of combat that I did enjoy was using your gum shoot to engage with an enemy and properly timing your ultimate moves to land multiple ippons.

    Another thing I'm pretty disappointed in is the fact that weapon skins are consumables... I'm not too sure why that was decided by the dev team as you pay real-life money for Jala (special currency) to spend on the gumball machine (loot boxes) which can give you rare weapon skins. These skins are really well designed and detailed. I managed to get a few rare skins using the free 100 Jala given at launch but I'm hesitant to use them as they will used up and gone forever if I use them in battle. I don't see the point in spending money on items I can't keep (except clothing items which you keep forever). This sucks big time and I sincerely hope the dev team changes this.

    The game launched with two multiplayer maps... this doesn't feel like enough to chew on. I think it would have been wise to launch with at least 5 maps so players don't get bored quickly with the current rotation. I presume more maps are to come in future.

    I've yet to buy and play the single-player campaign so I can't say much on that part but as of the free online multiplayer, these were my thoughts. I hope the dev team in the future consider these points and make changes accordingly. Once these things are fixed I genuinely think this game will be a lot more fun to play!    … Expand
  19. Sixteen4532
    Jun 28, 2020
    5
    La verdad, es entretenido pero que el sistema de combate se base en suerte me parece absurdo.
  20. moviestica
    Jul 5, 2020
    7
    Maybe I've been too harsh on this game, though they really should advertise their mechanics more, unless this is their way of separating casuals from higher tier gamers who look up this stuff.
  21. SyNc_Shaggy
    Jul 11, 2020
    7
    Another battle royale game. There is a battle pass just like Fortnite and PUBG. Unfortunatly like the other games there is no incentive to get it. The customization of the game is just very bland. All the characters blend in. The gameplay itself is very simple and the game has very little strategic elements to it. There is no variety of modes and they all blend in. At launch the game hasAnother battle royale game. There is a battle pass just like Fortnite and PUBG. Unfortunatly like the other games there is no incentive to get it. The customization of the game is just very bland. All the characters blend in. The gameplay itself is very simple and the game has very little strategic elements to it. There is no variety of modes and they all blend in. At launch the game has no meat on its bones. Unless they add more the game has a few hours worth. There is no progression with importance so really no replay value.… Expand
  22. gamermaker
    Jul 21, 2020
    6
    es el splatoon de chicle pero no tienes que pintar el escenario. y para el siguiente ninjala quiero sobre todo mas mapas
  23. Herbalmouse1305
    May 30, 2022
    5
    this game looks good
    it plays meh
    the general gameplay is just not very good, interesting concepts, pretty bad execution (specifically with the gum mechanics)
  24. RebblePebble
    Mar 9, 2022
    6
    This game has its ups and downs, making it an alright game. Much has improved since 2020, but there's still plenty of questionable bugs and features that need to be fixed. I don't want to waste much time here, so have a pros and cons list:

    Pros: -Unique weapons -AMAZING soundtrack -Good supplement of events -Good collabs -Cool cosmetics and a wide range of character customization    This game has its ups and downs, making it an alright game. Much has improved since 2020, but there's still plenty of questionable bugs and features that need to be fixed. I don't want to waste much time here, so have a pros and cons list:

    Pros:
    -Unique weapons
    -AMAZING soundtrack
    -Good supplement of events
    -Good collabs
    -Cool cosmetics and a wide range of character customization

    Cons:
    -Gung-ho makes some questionable choices with what to do with the game
    -Matches take at least 2-5 minutes to get into before they start
    -Servers aren't that great
    -You'll most likely encounter 1 bug per match

    It's a decent game, I suggest picking it up if you're bored :)    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »