Oddly enough, for a game console that boasts a nunchuk controller, you don't actually get to use it as a nunchuk in a game about ninjas.
Then again, could you imagine the Wiinjuries that would ensue?
EA's "Ninja Reflex" asks whether you have what it takes to be a ninja, and then, without taking itself too seriously, proceeds to hone your quick thinking in six categories of mini-games: Shuriken, Koi, Hotaru (firefly), Katana, Nunchaku and Hashi (chopsticks).
Vibrant colors instantly draw you in, intentionally more lighthearted than life-or-death. For a title that's essentially a collection of party games, developer Nunchuck Games obviously put an emphasis on quality graphics.
The sensei in "Ninja Reflex" is the stereotypical long-bearded, little old man -- with amazing flexibility -- who's constantly spouting tidbits of wisdom to guide you along the path of a true warrior. My favorite nugget of knowledge: "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to take his class." So true.
Eastern philosophy manages to permeate the game despite its obvious pandering to those who just want to play ninja games. Even more surprising is the inclusion of a meditation section that guides you through a few in-out breaths to dissolve away stress -- not too shabby.
The minigames start off easily enough, with controls simple enough to pick up right away. However, as you rise through the belt ranks, the challenges get increasingly difficult, giving the game some teeth.
For Shuriken's target practice, just lock on with the B button and flick the Wiimote. Ah, but then you're under a time limit, and then there are restrictions, and so on, requiring more concentration. It's just like in Koi, where your virtual hand has to pluck fish out of a pond. Naturally, the koi spook easily.
Nunchaku seems simple enough as you make a figure 8 with the Wiimote and slash at the objects sensei throws at you, but timing is the tricky part.
In a throwback to "Karate Kid," Hashi has you snagging flies with chopsticks. What remains a mystery is why you put the captured flies in a spinning bowl. Centrifugal flytrap?
In the Hotaru games, your task is to hit the A button as soon as you see a firefly flicker into view, or in the absence of one ... now that's deep.
Katana has to be the most aggravating of all mini-games, though, thanks to controls that fail to register almost half the time. To block a demon's sword, all you have to do is move the vertical Wiimote left or right, or turn it horizontal for an above-the-head block. I'd like to think I'm no more a spaz than any other enthusiastic Wii ninja in training, but there's frequently a fatal delay between my movement and the screen reaction. It's a major flaw that really mars the game.
Good news is, you don't have to go it alone on the path to ninja-hood; compete with as many as three friends in multiplayer. The mockery of friends adds to the challenge.
One of the first things you get to do in the game is create your ninja name, a feature that had me hooked before I played a single game. From an extensive list that lengthens as you progress, match an adjective with a noun for names like Screaming Monkey or Falling Blade. There are tons of combinations, and you can change it whenever you want.
Despite the supremely aggravating control glitches in Katana and sensei's repetitive intros -- not to mention the brutality of having to redo previous levels in each category as you progress to your next belt -- party game "Ninja Reflex" offers a lot of kicks.
Is it because ninjas are awesome⢠Yeah.
Additional Information:
'Ninja Reflex'
Grade: B-
Developer: Nunchuck Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: Wii
Genre: Party games
ESRB: Everyone 10+
Retail: $39.99, available March 4
