Though it could have easily been another mediocre platform game, I-Ninja's kung-fu is strong enough for even the most jaded fan of the platform/action genre.
I-Ninja stars a tiny ninja who pretty much just has to kill a bunch of other, more sinister ninjas. This is the entirety of the plot, and the game is better for it – I-Ninja finds its strength not in story, but in presentation, attitude, and most importantly, gameplay.
The graphics in I-Ninja are some of the crispiest, most vibrant visuals since The Wind Waker. Sure, many levels may be a bit too "game-y", but chances are you'll be too busy admiring the beauty around you to care. The game's music is theme appropriate, and even a bit catchy. Voices are extremely sparse, but what's there is well done – you've got to be quite the grouch to not crack so much as a grin the first time Ninja screams "NINJA FURY!"
I-Ninja isn't all style, either – the gameplay, while having been ripped off from any number of sources, remains very solid. You'll run on walls, slide down rails, build speed in a halfpipe to make that next crucial jump, and use a nifty chain-whip to turn on a dime. There's also a few sections of the game clearly inspired by Super Monkey Ball – these aren't as fun as the "meat" of the game, but the fact that they are fun at all shows that Namco has a solid grasp on how to add variety to a platformer.
Overall, I-Ninja earns its black belt in the art of platforming, even if it is a bit on the short side. The challenge-hungry may find it too easy and forgiving, but most action gamers will find the game worth a purchase.
-George
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