Game | | Nightshade | Format | | PS2 | Publisher: | | Capcom | Release date: | | Out now |
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Ever played Shinobi? If so you'll have a very good idea of what to expect from Nightshade. Starring the lithe Hibana, this lovely ninja chick has 12 challenging stages of cyborgs and rival ninjas to annihilate before calling it a day.
The goal of the gameplay is to string together enemy kills in rapid succession (called "tate") to increase points and kill strength. Take too long to dispatch enemies and you will lose points and damage power.
Thankfully, Hibana possesses a variety of attacks. Super speed (allowing her to move in a blur), double jump kicks, throwing knives, ninja magic, spiderman-style wall running and of course the essential ninja short sword in order to get her through each stage.
Before I continue I'd like to make it clear to gamers who do not have the reflexes of, well, a ninja this is not a game that you will complete in an evening. Like its predecessor Shinobi, this game is so fast paced and unforgiving that even those skilled gamers among you will risk destroying game pads in sheer frustration.
Don't get me wrong, I like a challenge but I still feel this game is a little harsh. I'd be flying round getting every secret coin every tate when only at the end I'd be thrown off a ledge into the abyss. Leaving you with the prospect of repeating all that skill again - but hardcore gamers will appreciate Nightshade's scoring and performance related gameplay.
Whereas Shinobi was a dark and gloomy affair, Nightshade throws some vibrant colours onscreen once in a while. Its engine does a nice job of showing off all of Hibana's quick movements. On the other hand I was slightly disappointed by the fact the enemies were not as detailed as they could have been and also that the enemies did not slice in half as in the original Shinobi. The enemy lock-on system is a bit clunky though, targeting the boss when you still have minor minions you want to add to your tate can be frustrating (the idea is to kill the boss last). I also found the level design a little boxy and unimaginative at times; although as the game progresses the game begins to take on a more platformy element creating some real breath - holding moments as you despatch enemies over terrifyingly deadly gaps. Nightshade is a great game for hardcore fans who should buy it for a taste of the original Shinobi and for those who are interested in exploring rock hard Japanese style videogames.
Although the game does have considerable replay value (hidden coins and packages to be found) I did not feel that Nightshade really added any extra dimension to its predecessor Shinobi. 7/10 Darkfader | 
