Ninjas have always been big in video games. Arcade game maker Taito (Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble) got an early start more than 20 years ago with The Legend of Kage. Now all the same high-jumping ninja action is back on your Nintendo DS with The Legend of Kage 2.

Kage 2 is your basic 2-D platform jumping hack and slash ninja action game. Choose from a male or female ninja (game is still the same, but their storylines are different). Then embark on 2-D missions with a boss fight at the end of each one.

Fans of the original game will find a lot to like here. Your ninja man or woman can jump super high, climb walls, throw ninja stars and slice foes with swords. The adventure is accompanied by a driving soundtrack that’ll put you in the ninja mood.

One unique gameplay aspect is how you create and perform ninjitsu magic. Hidden in each stage are colored orbs for you to find. Between levels, you can arrange these orbs into different patterns, and by placing them in the right combinations, you can uncover new ninja magic spells that will help you in battle. Shoot fireballs, lightning blasts, or boost your attack or defense, for instance.

The Legend of Kage 2 is a throwback to old school arcade action. But with all the fun comes all the old problems, too. The game can get pretty difficult in the later levels, and play control and hit detection aren’t always as accurate as they could be. But for fans of the original Legend of Kage game and other ninja action titles, The Legend of Kage 2 is a good pickup at only 20 bucks.

Kid Factor:
The Legend of Kage 2 is rated E-10 for Everyone 10 and up with ESRB descriptors of Fantasy Violence and Mild Language. Players slash ninjas and demons with swords, but there is no blood. Defeated enemies just disappear. I haven’t come across any mild language in the game, but everything is text based so reading skill is required. Less experienced gamers may get a little frustrated at the difficulty in later levels. Kids who like ninjas and Japanese myths and legends may still get a kick out of Legend of Kage 2, though.

Tags: Game Reviews