Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Racing, Sport
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
BMX Ninja (1988)
BMX Ninja is a side-scrolling action game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was released in Japan in 1988 and in North America and Europe in 1989. The game follows the story of Phil “Pookie” Wheeler, an unofficial BMX ninja who must defeat a rival gang of bikers known as the Diamond Backs.
The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and the player controls Phil as he rides his BMX bike through a variety of levels. Phil can use his bike to perform a variety of tricks, including jumps, wheelies, and spins. He can also use his bike to attack enemies, by either running into them or using his handlebars to hit them.
In addition to his bike, Phil can also use a variety of weapons, including nunchucks, throwing stars, and bombs. He can also use his martial arts skills to defeat enemies.
The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges. Phil must navigate through these levels, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups, in order to reach the final boss.
The game was a critical and commercial success, and it has been praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and catchy music. It is considered one of the best NES games of all time.
Gameplay
BMX Ninja is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls Phil “Pookie” Wheeler, an unofficial BMX ninja who must defeat a rival gang of bikers known as the Diamond Backs. The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and the player controls Phil as he rides his BMX bike through a variety of levels.
Phil can use his bike to perform a variety of tricks, including jumps, wheelies, and spins. He can also use his bike to attack enemies, by either running into them or using his handlebars to hit them.
In addition to his bike, Phil can also use a variety of weapons, including nunchucks, throwing stars, and bombs. He can also use his martial arts skills to defeat enemies.
The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges. Phil must navigate through these levels, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups, in order to reach the final boss.
Plot
The story of BMX Ninja follows Phil “Pookie” Wheeler, an unofficial BMX ninja who must defeat a rival gang of bikers known as the Diamond Backs. The Diamond Backs are led by a ruthless biker named Black Bart, who is determined to take over the town.
Phil must use his BMX bike and his martial arts skills to defeat the Diamond Backs and save the town. Along the way, he will be helped by his girlfriend, Miki, and his friends, the BMX Freestyle Team.
Characters
- Phil “Pookie” Wheeler: The protagonist of the game, Phil is an unofficial BMX ninja who must defeat the Diamond Backs and save the town. He is a skilled BMX rider and martial artist.
- Miki: Phil’s girlfriend, Miki is a kind and supportive girl who helps Phil on his quest.
- The BMX Freestyle Team: Phil’s friends, the BMX Freestyle Team, are a group of skilled BMX riders who help Phil in his fight against the Diamond Backs.
- Black Bart: The leader of the Diamond Backs, Black Bart is a ruthless biker who is determined to take over the town.
Reception
BMX Ninja was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and catchy music. It is considered one of the best NES games of all time.
Legacy
BMX Ninja has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is considered one of the first games to successfully combine BMX racing with martial arts. It has also been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series.
BMX Ninja remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by fans of retro gaming. It is available on a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch Online service.
Review Score
8/10