Shadow of the Ninja Reborn... Reviewed: A Fresh Take on Retro 2D Gaming

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a must-play for fans of 2D retro games. This 2024 release offers clean 2D pixel graphics, smooth animations, and engaging gameplay that pays homage to the original 1990 “Shadow of the Ninja.” Younger gamers, who often find retro games too stiff, will appreciate the fluidity of this title, reminiscent of classics gems like Metal Slug.

Storyline:

In Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, you follow the Dark Assassins, Hayate and Kaede, from the Ryuha Shippu clan. Hayate, the future leader, and his senior, Kaede, embark on a mission not only for substantial rewards but also to liberate people from the antagonist’s tyranny. Hayate’s journey is as much about mastering his ninja skills as it is about controlling his temper, with Kaede ensuring he stays level-headed.

Gameplay:

The game features multiple modes, including the standard Arcade Mode and Time Attack Mode, where players can compete for the best times on online leaderboards (serving replay value for those craving competition).

Players can jump, attack, shadow step, and use various weapons and health items. The kusarigama allows for 360 degree long ranged attacks, you're able to wall run, suspend from scaffolding, stand on the handle of your blade for downward attacks mechanics add depth to the gameplay. Don’t forget to use your Ninjutsu attack when things get tough!

  Family Fun  

This game is perfect for family gaming sessions. While it supports two players, you can take turns, just like in the old days. Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, is available for $19.99 on Switch, Playstation, PC Steam, and Xbox. Physical copies available... here.

Audio:

The music and audio effects in Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn evoke a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of Streets of Rage, Final Fight, and even stages from games like King of Fighters '93 (or possibly from '95, it's been awhile). The retro vibe is strong... in a good way + it feels fresh and exciting.

Price:

While more stages or a stage creation feature would be a welcome addition, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a solid experience at $19.99. A price point of $14.99 might be a sweet spot in my opinion, but the game offers plenty of enjoyment for its cost.

Story 4 - You know the story (as mentioned above), but... if there were an actual (skippable) cutscene in place after the initial splash screens, that would be great. There is a cutscene, but... you have to wait at the title screen before it begins. How many people are going to actually wait around to see it, if they even know its there? Let the cutscene get it's shine.

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

4.75 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophi 

Support us below!

FTS: Side-Scrolling Action Adventure will Feature Legendary Yakuza Series Actor Takaya Kuroda as Lead Voice Talent

NetEase Games Announces September 24 Launch for Rusty Rabbit from Acclaimed Anime Screenwriter Gen Urobuchi (NITRO PLUS)

Side-Scrolling Action Adventure will Feature Legendary Yakuza Series Actor Takaya Kuroda as Lead Voice Talent

TOKYO, Japan – June 4, 2024 – NetEase Games announced today that Rusty Rabbit, a new 2.5D action side scroller will launch on September 24 for PlayStation®5 and PC. Developed in collaboration between NetEase Games and visual novel company NITRO PLUS, Rusty Rabbit brings a personal story that delivers plenty of adventure and exploration along with “smash and dash” gameplay action. In Rusty Rabbit, players take control of Stamp, a rabbit living among the giant ruins of a frozen world abandoned by humanity. The original concept and screenplay for Rusty Rabbit was created by Gen Urobuchi, writer of famous anime series’ such as Puella Magi Madoka Magica and PSYCHO-PASS, as well as writer of the Godzilla animated movie trilogy which aired on Netflix. Pre-orders for the game will open on June 5 and PlayStation 5 customers who pre-order will receive early access starting September 21, three days before its official release. Rusty Rabbit will have an MSRP of $29.99.

Watch the Story/Character Trailer (Japanese Only w/ Subs)

Rusty Rabbit will feature Takaya Kuroda (Kazuma Kiryu in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series) as the Japanese voice of the main character, Stamp. Additionally, Rusty Rabbit will be a part of the upcoming Summer Game Fest event (June 7-10) and will also be a feature panel at the upcoming Anime Expo in Los Angeles (July 7). During the panel, fans will be able to join Gen Urobuchi, Takaya Kuroda and producer Yuichiro Saito for a discussion and see brand new content from the game. A fan Q&A will follow the panel presentation.

Thousands of years after humans left this planet, it was rabbits who inherited it…

Stamp, an old and eccentric rabbit living on a planet abandoned by humanity, spends his days piloting his trusty mech affectionately known as “Junkster”, collecting junk throughout the ruins of the frozen world and tinkering with machines. In a stroke of bad luck, Stamp crashes down into the world’s lower levels. There he finds D-TAM; terminals for storing information. Using D-TAM, he finds info related to his missing daughter and a hidden truth about the world they live in. Thus his journey begins, digging deeper into these ruins to unfold the mysteries surrounding this world.

Key Features:

• RPG-like progression and customization: Improve your mech with parts and materials collected from within the ruins, and defeat enemies guarding treasure to strengthen Stamp
• "Smash and Dash" gameplay: With your mech's ninja-like speed and mobility, "Smash and Dash" your way through maze like ruins, and loot any treasure that awaits
• Original and unique storyline: a unique storyline attached to this action-adventure side scroller created and written by critically-acclaimed anime writer Gen Urobuchi (NITRO PLUS)

For more information about Rusty Rabbit, visit: https://www.rustyrabbit.com/

Support us below!

Affordable Wired 100 - 200 Mbps Internet

The Cushion Designed for Gaming!

Steam Deck OLED

Unknown 9: Awakening

After a 3 year wait, Unknown 9: Awakening is nearing the finish line for our enjoyment.

Unknown 9: Awakening presents itself as a captivating entry into the adventure game genre, headlined by a protagonist who is a female Quaestor named Haroona. With an intriguing ability to tap into powers from an alternate realm that she explores—a realm aptly dubbed the Fold—players are enticed with the prospect of tailoring their gameplay experience. Mastery of the Fold, it seems, offers a variety of playstyles, potentially catering to a diverse range of gamers' preferences.

Haroon's compelling narrative arc intertwines her thirst for knowledge with the perils of her connection to the Fold. In a plot twist reminiscent of enthralling cinematic narratives, Haroona finds herself thrust into a defensive corner when the Ascendants, a splinter faction, target her in their quest to exploit the Fold's enigmatic powers.

At the outset, the game's aura could easily be mistaken for a fresh chapter in the "Assassin's Creed" saga. However, "Unknown 9: Awakening" promises to carve out its own niche in the action-adventure landscape, teasing a synthesis reminiscent of franchises such as "Tomb Raider" and "Control" + "Assassin's Creed". It's an ambitious blend that piques curiosity about how this title will distinguish itself upon its anticipated release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2024.

Cheers to new adventures, and as always, game on, mga ka-tropa!

Sophima

Support us via the helpful links below!

Grab a Game, Software, or Comic Bundle!

Slicing Through The Hate: Stellar Blade

The Director of Stellar Blade, Hyung-Tae Kim, spoke to GamesRadar and shared his thoughts on the preferred look of the protagonist for the game. His words were translated as, “Honestly, when I play a game I would like to see someone who is better-looking than myself. That's what I want. I don't want to see something normal; I want to see something more ideal. I think that is very important in a form of entertainment. This is, after all, entertainment targeted for adults." In other words, this game is Rated M for Mature.

Stellar Blade is rated M for Mature!

Demetria Obilor

These are his words, he's the director of the game, and just like the designers of Bayonetta, Chun Li, Cammy, Lara Croft, etc. they have the right to have their characters look a certain way and... we have the option to support or not. We covered similar in the past regarding Bayonetta and her look. A number of people had a problem with her sexiness... and some tried to challenge it by saying their bodies are unrealistic. 

Fact, we don't look the exact same as people, and even if he doesn't see it as... normal, it's a representation of some women who have these figures. If they get represented, I think that's great, and... I have zero objections if women of various shapes and sizes get represented. Trust me, there are people within the Black community with shapes that aren't considered realistic and have even affected job opportunities... because someone felt a certain type of way. That's not cool at all, it's discrimination... so in the spirit of body positivity, let people represent themselves and show love to people of various shapes and sizes or it says without saying that... you're not welcome. New reporter, Demetria Obilor is a prime example of someone who was body-shamed by a hater, but she took a stand and got the support she deserved.

On that note: When you're preparing your first or next game... and you want to venture outside of what some consider to be the norm for game protagonists, represent well in terms of the game and I'm sure it will be well received. If not... it doesn't matter how the protagonist looks.

Now on to the actual Stellar Blade game!

Embark on the quest to restore Earth to humanity's grasp with Stellar Blade! This brand-new, narrative-driven action adventure for PlayStation®5 holds the fate of our species in its hands.

Earth, torn apart by enigmatic and formidable creatures, has been forsaken. The remnants of humanity have sought refuge in a distant Colony among the stars. However, now it is time for EVE, a member of the 7th Airborne Squad, to journey from the Colony and reclaim our planet from the malevolent force known as the Naytiba that has ravaged it.

EVE's objective seems clear-cut at first: eradicate the Naytiba and unravel the enigmas of the past amidst the ruins of human civilization. Yet, as she confronts the Naytiba one by one, she discovers that her mission is far more complex than anticipated. Nothing is quite as it appears...

Now, let us delve into the character of Eve.

Hailing from the off-world Colony, where the remnants of humanity seek refuge, EVE's arrival on Earth is met with catastrophe. The 7th Airborne Squad's endeavor to reclaim the planet from the Naytiba is met with a sudden and brutal assault, leaving her unit in ruins.

Survival seems nearly impossible, but EVE's fortunes take a turn when a scavenger named Adam comes to her aid. Guiding her to Xion, the last remaining city on Earth, Adam becomes her ally in this perilous mission.

Lily, an engineer, known as EVE, is determined to carry on her task: eradicating the Naytiba entirely. Recognized as the "Angel" by the remaining inhabitants of Xion, EVE ventures into the hazardous region, unveiling its hidden wonders at every stride. As she progresses, it becomes evident that she confronts more than just a fight against a powerful adversary... Her convictions and everything she has believed in thus far are on the verge of being challenged.

Support us below!

Free Free Free with Prime!