Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is basically the DS version of Ninja Gaiden on both the Xbox 360 and PS3, and given the absolute sheer quality of controls, graphics, sound, pacing and unique touch-screen scheme, this is one of those DS action fan must buys, and an absolute sin if not purchased by fans of the console games.
NG basically starts off where NG and NG Sigma (ps3 version) left off, with peace in the quaint village, but it is soon discovered that the fiends are once again trying to get their hands on the Dragon Sword to take over the world, and it's up to Ryu Hayabusa to once again take them on.
The game is 13 levels which takes you to all the similar and even same locales as the console games Ninja Gaiden and Sigma, and it's really cool to see them rendered on the DS.
Starting off, the main difference gamers will see is the control scheme. Instead of using the DS buttons to attack, jump, etc, you use slashes on the touch screen to command Ryu's moves. You slash across an enemy to attack, you slide up to jump, you tap an enemy to use your secondary weapons (ninja starts and arrows). You touch an area to move Ryu and you do combinations, such as up to jump then slash for a flying attack or hit and enemy, down slash and up slash to do a flying swallow attack. You block (any button) and tap to do a dodging barrel roll, a move that comes in very handy throughout the entire game. The only drawback to such a scheme is that sometimes the DS reads certain touch movements as jump when you're trying to slash, or ninja star throw when you're trying to dodge, etc. You become accustomed to this at about the 2nd or 3rd level, and even though this makes it a little disappointing because you don't always pull off what you want, the overall scheme for about 95% of the rest of the gameplay you'll hardly notice it, if at all. It also takes advantage in some cute ways of using the DS mic.
If you're a NG fan you also will expect some level of more advanced difficulty, but given the fact that it's on the DS and with the newer control scheme and lack of DS AI ability, SOME may want the game to be harder (as overall it doesn't match wits with the challenge of the console NG games). There are times when the game gets pretty difficult and intense, and this usually comes in trying to defeat a certain amount of enemies in an area before losing all your health. The game pretty much walks a perfect line of not being too overly and cheaply difficult considering the control scheme, but not letting it get too easy that it can be easily beaten by your average 10 year old. The good thing is that there are plenty of save points and no arduous or tedious backtracking. So don't be worried about ever getting lost or pinned up against a big boss with only limited energy. No, things are kept fair and accessible.
Graphically and sound-wise the game is top notch. These are some of the best animations you'll see on the DS, and the sound quality is simply outstanding, most especially with the japanese flairs tossed in to keep things real (yea, no real spoken dialogue, you'll have to read words).
Great controls, addicting gameplay, intense challenge, great graphics, awesome sound, worthwhile campaign length; this all makes Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword a game no action fan should be without. Considering the cheaper price, this game is a steal, plus a good practice break in between console NG games.
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An original entry in the modern day Ninja Gaiden series
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2011
While the Nintendo Wii will never see any of the modern day reboot Ninja Gaiden games, the Nintendo DS got lucky. In 2008, Tecmo released Ninja Gaiden: Demon Sword and is an original entry that takes place alongside the Xbox 360/PS3 titles. It was bold, different and a great game to boot. No other DS game looks like this one and that's saying something.You control Ryu Hayabusa, the main character of all of the NG games as he protects his village from evil people who want to use the Demon Sword to unleash chaos throughout the world. You hold the DS like the book to see the screens and eventually play and you use the stylus to control all of your character's movements. Choose a difficulty level and get ready to be treated to cut scenes, interact with NPC's, use magic spells to enhance your attacks, battle huge bosses and see how long it takes you to complete the game. Your progress can be saved onto the cart directly and you can upload your progress online and see how you stack up against other players' stats.The PROS: This game looks great. The graphics aren't typical of your average DS game and that's a good thing. The presentation is very well done while the music and sound effects draw you in as you control Ryu and fight against the enemies. It's one of the few games you hold the DS like a book but it doesn't deter you from playing at all. And the fact that you can check out other players stats online is nice. Don't think because it's on the DS it's an easy game because it is not. It starts out easy but once you're in the middle, the difficulty picks up and it challenges you to fight well. The puzzles let you take a break from the action and aren't too tough to figure out.Since the camera sits behind you, it pans in and out depending on the view so you will always see where the enemies are.The CONS: You can't do much with the online connection since it's only used to upload your overall game stats (the time it took for you to beat it, your karma score, etc.) Also, this game relies heavily on using the stylus so it will take a bit to get the hang of it. This may turn off some gamers who prefer to use the directional pad but if you are patient, you will learn how to play with it.Games like Ninja Gaiden Demon Sword don't come out too often for the Nintendo DS. And while the direction and use of stylus only controls may deter gamers and fans of the Ninja Gaiden series, there is a game there worthy to be seen and played. Tecmo did a good job bringing one of their most popular franchises to the DS so more people should check it out. Give it a go but if you're still not convinced, get a used copy or see if someone you know has it.
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2011
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