Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 2
- Developers: NOW Production
- Publishers: Namco
Ninja Assault: A No-Frills Arcade Shooter with a Cult Following
Released in arcades in 2000 and later ported to PlayStation 2 in 2002, Ninja Assault is a lightgun shooter game developed by Namco. While it may not be as well-known as some of Namco’s other arcade classics like Time Crisis or Pac-Man, Ninja Assault has garnered a cult following among fans of the genre.
Gameplay
Ninja Assault is an on-rails shooter, meaning that the player’s movement is fixed and they can only move forward or backward on a predetermined path. The player controls a ninja warrior who must fight their way through hordes of enemies, including ninjas, cyborgs, and mutants. The game features a variety of weapons, including shurikens, machine guns, and rocket launchers.
One of the unique features of Ninja Assault is its “reload” mechanic. Unlike most other lightgun shooters, the player must shoot away from the screen to reload their weapon. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game, as the player must be constantly aware of their surroundings and avoid getting caught with an empty weapon.
Story
The story of Ninja Assault is fairly simple. The player takes on the role of a ninja warrior who must stop an evil organization from taking over the world. The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique setting and enemies.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 2000, Ninja Assault has impressive graphics. The character models are well-detailed and the environments are lush and vibrant. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced action.
Reception
Ninja Assault received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s intense action and unique reload mechanic, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. However, the game has since gained a cult following among fans of the genre.
Legacy
Ninja Assault is not as well-known as some of Namco’s other arcade classics, but it remains a solid lightgun shooter with a unique twist. The game’s simple gameplay and addictive action make it a great choice for fans of the genre.
Tips for Playing Ninja Assault
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting caught with an empty weapon.
- Use the different weapons to your advantage. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- Don’t be afraid to use the environment to your advantage. You can hide behind objects to avoid enemy fire or use them to block enemy attacks.
- Team up with a friend for cooperative gameplay. Ninja Assault is even more fun when you can team up with a friend and take on the hordes of enemies together.
Conclusion
Ninja Assault is a fun and challenging lightgun shooter that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s simple gameplay, unique reload mechanic, and catchy soundtrack make it a great choice for anyone looking for a fast-paced and action-packed arcade experience.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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