You’ve seen one ninja game, you’ve seen them all, right? Not true. In fact, a lot of developers are throwing in innovations that make feeling like a bad-ass ninja refreshing each time.

That’s the case with Nao Games’ Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun, a neat retro inspired adventure where you click your way to greatness, using an on-screen cursor. Whether you play with keyboard or joystick, you’ll find a lot here.

The random nature of the game, coupled with some difficult moments, may throw off some rookie ninjas out there. But for everyone else, this slicer-and-dicer has a good deal of content to offer.

I Hack and I Slash

The game puts you in a number of scenarios where the goal is to reach the exit. But before you get there, some objectives must be completed – namely slashing your way through enemies.

So how do you do that? With a neat control system that involves aiming a cursor and jumping away. You automatically slash any enemies that you come into contact with, and you can even charge your jump so you have a little more power going for you. This can result in some cool combos and some slick-looking kills. And we’re always down for slick-looking kills, especially with the wild boss battles.

That said, there are minor glitches that get in the way of performance at times, particularly when enemies don’t go down easily. But you can just start again and get it right the next time.

Overall, the gameplay is much different than, say, your garden variety Ninja Gaiden. But it’s also neat and makes you think, especially when it comes to getting to higher levels. It’ll grow on you, and then you get to go nuts.

This Ninja Presentation Cooks

While there are the glitches to get over, Ninja or Die does work with some very inspired visuals. The pixel art design is excellent, and the blood effects are particularly noteworthy. Plus the levels have a roguelike design, so you can go back and find something new each time (even if the general nature of the game remains the same).

As for the music, it’s good to. Nao Games really knows how to infuse a classic retro soundtrack into a game like this, with little tunes that keep you going. Plus the sound effects are really good, making you feel like that much more of a ninja.

If You Can Get Used To the Gameplay, Ninja or Die Cuts Deep

The main thing that divides Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun from the others on the market is the gameplay. It’s more of a skillful thing here than the typical hack-and-slash, and that may throw off a few of you that just want to venture forward.

But don’t let it. It remains a skillful, enjoyable game with lots of levels and an inspired old-school presentation. Plus there’s no better feeling than being able to waylay your way through a number of enemies and reach the exit in record time.

Ninja or Die? We’ll take Ninja, thank you.

GAMERHUB RATING: 3 1/2 (OUT OF 5) JOYSTICKS