Stealth and sidescrolling rarely intersect; after all, where are you supposed to hide in a 2D world? Mark of the Ninja seems wholly unfazed by this notion, effortlessly blending elements from both genres with fresh concepts for a dazzling concoction — one that shuns the blade-borne massacres and flashy maneuvers of other shinobi sims in favor of deliberate planning, unseen movements, and precise execution.
Meticulously crafted to deliver ample choice amid trying situations, the ninja’s quest spans a dozen missions filled with elaborate temples and catacombs, each crawling with guards, dogs, and snipers. Luckily, the hero is well equipped for the task at hand. Inked with mystical tattoos that heighten his senses (while slowly driving him mad), he catches faded glimpses of out-of-sight guards and can see through doors by leaning against them, among other perks. Despite the supernatural tilt, the result is a stealth game that feels nuanced and natural without the need for a mini-map.
Mark of the Ninja’s brilliant approach to stealth hits all of the right notes throughout, whether you’re silently slaying guards from the shadows and stashing them in crevices, evading laser tripwires with a well-placed smoke bomb, or using darts to lure enemies into their own traps. Each walled-off stage resembles an open playground; each scenario an opportunity to showcase strategy and agility, and have it unfold however you please. It feels utterly spectacular to take the long way around through tunnels and across rooftops to dismantle snipers and patrol dogs sans discord, but the game allows for much brasher tactics (and provides frequent checkpoints) — it’s just less satisfying that way.
And this is exactly why you'll want to remain unseen.Klei honed its hand-drawn craft with the markedly different Shank series, but takes it to a whole new level here, with gorgeous shadow-heavy stages that facilitate covert action while creating incredible atmosphere, despite the regular absence of coloring. Excellent sound design only adds to the sensation, especially in the rainy stages.
And because you keep developing skills throughout this increasingly tough six-hour adventure (which concludes in awe-inspiring fashion), Mark of the Ninja’s New Game Plus mode seems mandatory, as the added challenge and wider range of abilities — poisonous darts, extra killing techniques — allow a whole new way to tackle the quest. It’s a ninja game like none before, fueled by the giddy freedom to tackle its masterfully designed sidescrolling world how you see fit.
Ninja is just like Spider-Man, except with a metal chain and no remorse.PUBLISHER: Microsoft Studios • DEVELOPER: Klei Entertainment • ESRB: Mature • MULTIPLAYER: None • ACHIEVEMENTS: Intriguing • COST: 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15) • RELEASE DATE: September 7, 2012
+ Genius sidescrolling take on the stealth genre.
+ Wealth of options for working through missions.
+ Atmospheric visual and audio design are spectacular.
? Will the ninja make his mark again?
