Released: 2003
Systems: PS2, GCN, Xbox, Windows
Developer: Argonaut Games
Publisher: Namco
I-Ninja is a great 3D action game that stars a ninja whose name is Ninja (so the title makes sense now, right?). The basic premise of the game is for Ninja to go to different locations finding rage stones so he can become powerful enough to defeat the evil O-dor (a stinky villain). On the surface, I-Ninja seems like a typical action ninja game, but its variety and personality are actually quite remarkable. Ninja can do all kinds of things, such as double jump, use his sword as a helicopter, run on walls, and use the environment to his advantage. The best parts of the game are pure fun, such as when Ninja runs up a tall half-pipe, or when he rolls down a winding path on a giant ball, taking down foes along the way. While its appearance seems kid-friendly, the overall challenge of the game appeals to a wider audience. I-Ninja is a game that any ninja enthusiast would enjoy.
If this was on 360, I'd love to do an achievement run with this game. It looks kinda fun. Too bad Argonaut got sold a year after this game came out.
So was this their last game? Atleast they went out with a bang.
They did a bunch more in 2004 like Catwoman and Malice. Too many mediocre games to their credit did them in I suppose.
Funny you should post this. My Xbox version just sold today for a whopping 10 bucks. Definitely a fun game.
You sold it??? Fun isn't quite the word to describe it; more like ninjatastic fun!
Not because I wanted to. Most of my collection is on Amazon for sale and a lot is already gone. :(
This looks fun, now I wish I had picked it up when I saw a copy of the Gamecube version a bunch of years back.
You will now be haunted by this game for years to come until you buy a copy.
I remember this game, or at least I remember the demo. I thought it was awesome, but don't think that I actually played the full game.
I had this game on Gamecube at one point, but got rid of it. I don't know why I ever got rid of anything. Gamecube games are kinda pricey nowadays.
There were a lot of good Gamecube games, which is why so many of them are pricey most likely. Despite its failure at the time, it's a great system.
I'm glad to see you didn't forget about I-Ninja. It's a neat little 3-D romp.
Here are three facts about I-Ninja you may not know about:
1. Even though it was developed by Argonaut, they got a lot of input from the team who worked on Pac-Man World and its sequel. I know this because I was in close contact with many of the team members at the time.
2. A lot of the characters and story elements were designed by Don Bluth. He is an animator who helped create stuff like The Land Before Time, An American Tail, and Dragon's Lair.
3. The main character Ninja in this game is voiced by Billy West.
And that's it for today's edition of Random Namco Facts With Cary.
Wow, I didn't know any of those things. Thanks, Cary!
Is there a rental service for GCN games somewhere? Cause I want to try this, but not necessarily straight-up buy this.
Just buy it, you weenie.
No.
I was really happy I played this game when it was new. It was a charming little action/platformer. Also surprisingly violent, what with the splitting enemies down the middle and all.
I hadn't played this game. I forgot all about it.