Mini Ninjas

It took a minute to click, but before long we realized what the impossibly cute Mini Ninjas reminds us of: Nintendo’s controversial cel-shaded entry in the legendary Zelda series, Wind Waker. From the gorgeously cartoony art style to the hack-and-slash action-adventure gameplay, it’s got a similar look and feel. And that’s just fine with us.

Instead of having you save a princess, though, Mini Ninjas casts you as Hiro, the last hope in a village whose best heroes have disappeared after being sent off to stop an Evil Warlord from using Kuji magic. You see, Mr. Warlord’s been decimating village homes with his Kuji-fueled storms and turning local woodland creatures into mutated servants. Bad Warlord!

Fortunately, joining Hiro at all times is his best friend, Futo, who (physically speaking) is the Chris Farley to Hiro’s David Spade. The plump pal wields a mean club, and though only one character is ever onscreen at a time (sadly, this means no co-op play), you can switch between them at any time. Along the way, you’ll also rescue lost village ninjas, who will join your party and become playable, boasting their own moves and attacks.

We couldn’t help but smile at a couple of Hiro’s moves. He can use his big hat as a shield, a sled, and a boat, while his evolving mastery of Kuji magic lets him possess freed animals (so he can, say, scare enemies away as a bear).

With RPG-like character upgrades, multiple paths, and stealth elements rounding out the package, perhaps Mini Ninjas will even manage to make a certain green tunic–wearing Master Sword–bearer a bit envious…