Will Microsoft's Ninja Blade be any good?

January 6, 12:01 PMVideo Game ExaminerQuibian Salazar-Moreno

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Last year, Microsoft announced the upcoming release of Ninja Blade, a new hack-n-slash ninja game based in Tokyo. From the videos and screenshots released, the game looked like a Ninja Gaiden rip off.

But Microsoft released some new info, still sounding a bit like Ninja Gaiden, but offering some other ideas that actually might make the game worth checking out. Check it out along with some new screenshots:

Features:

    * Unique Ninja abilities. To help defeat the genetically mutated monsters, players will have the special abilities of “Ninja Vision” and “Todome” at their fingertips. Enabling “Ninja Vision” will allow players to detect and analyze potential enemy weak points, secret paths, and hidden information within the environment. Beware though, while using “Ninja Vision,” characters become susceptible to excess damage. “Todome” is a special attack that destroys an enemy character’s core (heart), by dealing a fatal wound. Balanced and calculated use of both these abilities will be critical to progressing through the game

    * Variety of weapons, tools and “Ninjutsu” – specialized Ninja powers - offer an enticing array of options. Varied environments force players to think strategically about which set of weapons and tools will be most effective at conquering thier way through different levels. Everything from dual wielding swords, to grapple wire hooks, to grenades each have distinctive features and characteristics, so choose wisely! “Ninjutsu” is a special power that results in an explosive electrical force to either stun enemies or protect oneself from attack. Only true Ninja Masters can achieve this technique

    * Interactive quick-time events. Scattered throughout integral parts of the storyline, characters will come across various quick-time events where players will have the opportunity to directly interact with in-game cut-scenes. Quick reflexes will be rewarded as players interact with controller buttons as directed on screen during intense battles

    * Modern Realism. “Ninja Blade” offers a fresh twist to the classic ninja saga by basing all 3D gaming maps directly from the actual skyscrapers and building tops in modern day Tokyo