Ninja Issen (忍者一閃)

AWESOME OST. (as good as video on store page) Great pixel art and style. Smooth. Balanced (not too punishing, not too easy) I thought the full price might have been a bit high but it's perfect where it stands. Some hitboxes seem larger or last longer than they look, but most are done well. edit: Forgot to mention the camera isn't the best for placement but it's more cinematic.

Ninja Issen is a stylish, fast-paced action platformer developed by ASTEROID-J and published by CFK Co., Ltd., and it immediately distinguishes itself through its striking retro-futuristic identity. Set in a world that blends traditional shinobi mysticism with neon-lit cyberpunk machinery, the game follows a lone ninja thrust into a violent technological uprising. Instead of relying on lengthy exposition, the story unfolds through atmosphere—ominous stage design, looming mechanical threats, and fleeting character interactions that hint at a fractured society struggling to reconcile ancient warrior ideals with cold industrial logic. It’s the kind of narrative setup that doesn’t overwhelm players with lore, but provides enough thematic tension to give each level meaning and mood. The gameplay focuses primarily on high-speed traversal and skill-based combat, echoing classic 16-bit action platformers while adding modern responsiveness and polish. Movement feels slick and empowering—wall running, double jumps, air dashes, and quick evasive maneuvers allow players to maintain momentum, and mastering that mobility becomes just as important as learning enemy attack patterns. Combat is a blend of precise melee strikes, projectile counters, and timed abilities that encourage aggressive play instead of passive blocking. Fights rarely devolve into simple mashing; enemies attack in coordinated patterns that demand quick reactions and spatial awareness, and well-timed executions feel sharp and satisfying. Boss battles serve as stylish skill checks, requiring players to recognize telegraphs, adapt strategies, and use every tool the arsenal provides. Progression balances challenge with accessibility. Levels introduce new hazards, enemy types, and environmental mechanics at a steady pace, ensuring players are constantly learning without feeling overwhelmed. Collectibles, hidden routes, and optional objectives provide value for those who explore thoroughly, while streamlined paths allow speed-focused players to rush ahead. Unlockable upgrades encourage experimentation with different combat and movement styles—some enhance survivability, while others turn the ninja into a glass cannon capable of devastating bursts of damage. The game respects player agency, offering multiple ways to approach encounters rather than funneling everyone into a single playstyle. One of Ninja Issen’s standout qualities is its audiovisual presentation. The pixel art is crisp and expressive, capturing both the elegance of traditional Japanese aesthetics and the harsh glow of cybernetic weaponry. Character animations are fluid, tightly choreographed, and exaggerated enough to make every attack feel dangerous. Environments feel alive—rain-soaked rooftops, industrial corridors, crumbling shrines overtaken by circuitry, and futuristic skylines build a layered world where beauty and brutality coexist. The soundtrack reinforces that duality, switching between nostalgic chiptune flair and modern electronic intensity, giving each stage and boss encounter specific emotional weight. The difficulty curve is intentionally challenging but fair. Mistakes are punished, yet failures never feel cheap because the game’s rules remain consistent and readable. Checkpoints are placed thoughtfully, reducing backtracking while maintaining tension. Players who enjoy mastering systems, refining inputs, and replaying stages to improve performance will find plenty of depth, while those seeking a purely casual experience may struggle if they aren’t willing to engage with the learning curve. The game offers accessibility options and upgrades that soften the difficulty, but it remains fundamentally designed with action enthusiasts in mind. Its limitations stem more from scope than execution. The story is intentionally light and may feel thin to players hoping for deeper character development or narrative twists. The campaign, while tightly designed, may feel short if approached without explor…

Fun little action platformer (similar to some classics of the genre), with some nice ideas, but on the easier side. The game is very forgiving , has a lot of checkpoints and isn't punishing at all. While the overall art and spritework is nice, I have some issues with it in several levels. Sometimes there is to much on sceen, it's not clear what background, forground and what are projectiles. Also the bosses while most are very easy because you can just spam your specials, design wise most need better telegraphing. Like that you can design more interesting fights. And the camera... while it received an update with the latest patch, there still a bunch of blind jumps. I like the game for what it is. If you get it cheap and can live with some of the issues, you can have fun for 2-3 hours (+ hard mode, time trails for individuell levels etc). Bonus: The game still recieves updates, almost 2 years after the release. Support your indie dev.