Year released: 2003 (Gamecube, Playstation 2, X-Box)

Number of Players: 1

Graphics: Nice. Everything looks smooth. The graphics don't go for complete realism, but they don't seem very cartoony, either, save for I-Ninja and the enemies, both of which have small bodies and biggish heads.

Play control: (Gamecube version) Joystick to move around. A to jump, B to slash your sword, Y to spin it around in a circle, X to use a throwing star, and L to get a first person perspective (where one can also throw darts through a crosshair). The controls will feel fine if you're used to the standard for platormers. All of this is carried out fine, I never experienced dodgy control or other play control problems.
There are also some ninja-esque things you can do. Though they come off as shallow (there's only so many different ways you can run along a wall), their use of joystick and button timing add a certain amount of needed depth to the platforming formula the game has.

Sound: Techno remixes of the same basic theme. I never turn the volume down, those tracks never seem to get old.
I-Ninja has a gruff voice, and most enemies have a high-pitched scratchy voice (think of a laughing witch, if you can). Most sound effects are realistic.

Challenge: Challenge often comes with the frustrating stages. For example, rolling a ball that has I-Ninja plastered to its side. The physics are realistic and impressive, but the challenges set up can get frustrating. There's also stages with a time limit. You just have to learn to roll with such punches.
Other than that, the game's a breeze. It's no pushover--it still makes you think and react--but it's no Contra.

Gameplay: Run around, slash stuff with your sword while conquer stages by platforming. A 3D beat-em-up with a platformer mind. The frustrating challenges mentioned above actually help the game by offering variety.

Bottom line: A valiant platformer (I wonder how many times I've said that word in this review).

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