I-Ninja

 Xbox
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Game Chronicles
    92
    I-Ninja just oozes with a perfect blend of charm, humor, and visual quality that has been long overdue in a platform game. A definite must-own title.
  2. Into Liquid Sky
    91
    The inherent humor and healthy challenge should serve most platform fans nicely.
  3. Armchair Empire
    83
    After starting out with some interesting gameplay and moves, including a adventurous amount of big Boss battles, I-Ninja falls back on a few too many standards of the genre that go back to the granddaddy of the modern platformer, "Super Mario 64."
  5. IGN
    80
    Looks and feels like a playable Saturday morning TV show. It's quick and responsive, maintains a solid framerate and almost always keeps the camera angles in the right positions.
  6. Game Over Online
    80
    It's not easy, it's pretty funny, and you'll only rarely do the same thing twice. It's there to test a wide variety of skills, or to simply entertain those with short attention spans, and it succeeds at both.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    80
    It's all presented in a brilliant anime style that rivals any Saturday morning cartoon. If you like Viewtiful Joe there's a good indication you'll like this game though I'm not suggesting that it's similar in gameplay.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    What gaming is all about: fun. With a constant variety of goals, the more I played, the more I enjoyed it.
  9. Yahoo!
    80
    Super-serious types who regularly dust their Ninja Scroll collections might have problems with its goofy, irreverent tone, but pure gamers will find a lot of pure fun.
  10. GamerFeed
    80
    Has the kind of creativity and zaniness that makes for a good spot in your game library, and its gameplay can't be beat when it all comes together during the duration of the game.
  11. GameSpot
    75
    Those who are up to the task will find I-Ninja to be a short but well-crafted third-person action game with a surprising variety of gameplay.
  12. Official Xbox Magazine
    75
    The game plays well, handles easily, and provides plenty of slapstick humor. It's just too bad that its flaws restrict it to a merely enjoyable distraction. [Jan 2004, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. 1UP
    70
    The controls hold up better than in most platformers, the levels are well-designed, and your character has a good repertoire of attacks.
  14. TeamXbox
    68
    The game provides a stiff challenge throughout, which may turn off some youngsters that are initially attracted to its cutesy style.
  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    68
    I love what this game offers - classic 3D platforming with a supercool mini-ninja dude. The problem is, I-Ninja doesn't offer a whole heckuva lot of it. You can blast through the entire game in a few sessions. [Dec 2003, p.192]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. GameShark
    64
    It's enjoyable but short, easy to learn but difficult to master, with a character who isn't quite compelling enough for the title to stand out in a genre that has too long been crowded and cutthroat.
  17. Xbox Nation Magazine
    60
    Unbridled rage, piss and vinegar, diminutive features, and cool quips ("The steel is cold, yes!") add up to make Ninja a genuinely likable figure starring in a game that's not as good as it should be, nor as bad as one might fear. [Mar 2004, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. XboxAddict
    60
    Almost your typical run around while slicing and dicing your way through enemies. There are a few things in the game that make it stand out from others but not enough to make it groundbreaking.
  19. eToychest
    60
    There are some bright points, such as an abundance of moves, and some interesting levels, but this is overshadowed by bland presentation and disjoined gameplay.

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Best Xbox Game of 2003
90
#90 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. RealMonkey
    Oct 2, 2021
    10
    This game is one of the best game so played on Xbox it has amazing ninja action amazing cutscenes plus Perfect gameplay
  2. Untitled94
    Jul 15, 2021
    7
    I mostly played the PS2 version growing up, but this one is pretty much the same, albeit with slightly better visuals. This game has someI mostly played the PS2 version growing up, but this one is pretty much the same, albeit with slightly better visuals. This game has some pretty good gameplay. It's pretty funny and has a lot of charm. The problem is in some of the level design. Some levels can go on way longer than they need to and some of the challenges you need to do to progress can be too hard at times. I understand that they wanted every level to feel different, but they could've done a little bit of a better job with that. Otherwise, this is a decent game.… Full Review »
  3. eliphas0
    Nov 4, 2016
    6
    The game has a great sense of humor and a fun story. Unfortunately the fun elements are ruined by an awful camera and poor controls. The gameThe game has a great sense of humor and a fun story. Unfortunately the fun elements are ruined by an awful camera and poor controls. The game isn't difficult, at least not in a "Challenging" sense but in a "You must do this exactly right with floaty controls while the camera does its best to blind you."
    The game is fun when it is not irritating but overall you can tell the game was pushed out before it was ready.    … Full Review »
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