Snes Underrated Gem: Ninja Warriors (Again)
22To see my review for Ninja Warriors, go here: https://youtu.be/h-xPPewJ2OI
This is a series of gameplay vids I'm doing highlighting overlooked games for the various consoles I own.
A note for the classic consoles: I don't really remember which games got a lot of attention back in the 16-bit days, so when I post them as underrated it's based on whether or not I hear them get mentioned when people still talk about those classic systems.
Though it's just named Ninja Warriors in the US, it's actually the to the sequel to the original "The Ninja Warriors."
At first glance, and when I first got this game, I dismissed it as just another, decent, but limited beat 'em up. you see, I broke one of my own rules, and did something I complain about other people doing. I didn't take the time to learn the game before making an assessment about it.
However, I eventually came back to it later, and got the bright idea (which are few and far between with me it seems) that maybe just maybe there was more tot he game than I previously though, so I took a trip to Gamefaqs, and read a move FAQ, and sure enough there were a number of special moves available in that game that I had no idea about. Granted, my copy didn't come with a book, so thankfully there was an FAQ up for the game.
Once you finally learn the game, you find that there's a lot more depth to it's fighting system that it first appears. Each character is unique and has their own unique set of attributes, and special moves to master. Once you get going, you'll be hooked if you're a fan of the genre like I am. It's definitely a great game in the beat 'em up genre.
That, however, will be the problem some gamers will have with the game. If you're not a fan of the genre, then Ninja Warriors won't do anything to change your mind about beat 'em ups. I love when games keep it simple. Modern games have gotten too involved, and lately I've just wanted to play games where you can just pick up and play, and not have to worry about the details. Games that keep it simple, and that's also what I love bout these types of games, they keep it simple. Sure they're repetitive, but all games are.
However, my biggest personal complaint, and the reason why I'd have to disagree with it's fans who say it's the greatest beat 'em up of all time, or even in the top 3, is the same reason why I'm not a big fan of the Snes port of Final Fight. The game is only one player. While it's no big deal if you're a lonely child, but this is a genre that's made for coop play, and to not have a two player mode kinda limits the fun you can have in the game.
The game is also challenging (even on normal), but like a lot of challenging games, it's learnable. You've just gotta have the patience to learn it.
NOTE: In typical fashion, while filming this footage, I forgot all about the ability to block. Blocking is for sissies. Real men block punches with their faces!