Action
Here we have all the games in the Action Section.
PS2
Action
A fine Gundam title but more importantly a fine game in its own right with ginormous mech going for it in the confines of the sphere or in the more tactical open spaced mode. A massive multitude of mecha to unlock too but playing through the mission mode is a pleasure in itself with the controls soon feeling right after only a short bit of practise. Zone of Enders fans will be right at home here. Subtitled ‘Encounters in Space’ in the English version.
GameBoy Original
Action
Miyamoto magic at hand here yet somewhat slipped off the radar due to a certain yellow monster that radiated strange rays from its eyes. The bespectacled mole is out to rescue his poor folk kidnapped by the tough, gruff farmer. Levels are puzzle is style and players seek out a way to dispatch the bomb to move onto the next challenge. Bosses a plenty, but it’s the ability to dig that help players get out of a tight spot and takes the game onto a different level. Its Japanese name is Mogura Nya.
Nintendo DS
Action
Power up the coloured spheres on the bottom screen to unleash their super-charged protons on the top screen which is frequently overloaded with marauding monsters. Easier to play rather than explain and compelling, frantic gameplay perfect for the hardware and its dimensions.
Nintendo 3DS
Action
Beast battling game with quite a legion of followers in Japan so it is with some pride Nintendo bring it to the 3DS. Its easy to see why though with expertly rendered ogres to lay into with precision planned armouries all looking very easy on the eye and making the very most of the hardware. Oozes with the Capcom polish of a triple A release.
Nintendo 3DS
Action
Beast battling game with quite a legion of followers in Japan so it is with some pride Nintendo bring it to the 3DS. Its easy to see why though with expertly rendered ogres to lay into with precision planned armouries all looking very easy on the eye and making the very most of the hardware. Oozes with the Capcom polish of a triple A release.
PSP
Action
Epic proportions to Capcom’s tasty slice of monster battling with a posse of well designed beasts and some mean armour to bring them the cold justice of steel. Graphically very polished as one might expect from a series that is building up quite a following in Japan. The attack patterns have been improved and with it being possible to miss attacking through lack of player skill; there’s plenty of variety and substance to keep players going for a good while.
PSP
Action
Epic proportions to Capcom’s tasty slice of monster battling with a posse of well designed beasts and some mean armour to bring them the cold justice of steel. Graphically very polished as one might expect from a series that is building up quite a following in Japan. The attack patterns have been improved and with it being possible to miss attacking through lack of player skill; there’s plenty of variety and substance to keep players going for a good while.
XBOX
Action
Mech based shooting game where you are the hunter and the hunted. Allows a selection of weapons depending on the situation of the mission – some requiring great haste to take down the enemy android in time. Tight, intuiative controls making good use of the shoulder buttons for speed control. Really enjoyable to zip through the stunningly realistic skyscrapers at mach speed. Some nice bonus extras to unlock help you to strive to meet each goal.
Nintendo DS
Action
An off-beat beetle battling title from Sega in which players look after a fairly sizeable insect such as a helmet beetle. Other beetles can then be challenge to bouts with entertaining techniques and secret specials used to take down the rival bug. Although insect collecting is more acceptable in Japan, this sort of game could see the phenomena spread. Known in Japan by its full title of Kouchuu Ouja Mushi King Greatest Champion e no Michi DS.
PS2
Action
The feudal Japan setting in the winter months makes the visual pyrotechnics stand out as players soon discover you are no ordinary samurai. Koei is a real master of such action titles and Genki kowtows to a fine developer. Known as Warriors Orochi in the West.
Nintendo DS
Action
Naruto’s ninja skills are well tested in over sixty varied missions involving taking enemies down, collecting items, even acting as bodyguard. Utilises the stylus and microphone well to initialise special attacks during the heat of battles. Also allows for selectable extra moves to be added to your characters repertoire pre mission adding a tactical element. Plenty of unlockable characters hidden in there too.
GameBoy Advance
Action
Improves on the prequel offering more ninja related high jinx with jutsu moves available when in a tight fix. Faithfully recreates the high pitched battles of the anime series and as a result is a solid action scrapper even for those without the slightest interest in passing their Chunin exams. Impressive cut scenes for the small screen and bold boss battles set to swathes of bamboo forests.
Nintendo DS
Action
Naruto charges around in his much loved way, never being far away from ninjas jumping out of the bamboo forest (at least the wolves had an excuse to be sniffing around the trees.) The combat is fast, suiting the pacing of the anime in this superb, delightfully drawn action RPG.
Famicom Cart
Action
The classic title involving digging holes, trapping the aliens and then digging them into the ground without getting caught. Comes in new fangles mode with some impressive sprites and the old school version for the real purists. The music is where these Compass Circle titles really excel and this is no exception. Its really possible to feel the love of the developers in this impressive labour of love.
XBOX
Action
Combos doesn’t really go far enough as opponents are more dissected in air with a samurai sword. Yet quick reflexes are a requisite with some enemies using more modern weapons than the traditional ninja. Puts back the fear into the word boss.
PS3
Action
Based on the X Box release Ninja Gaiden Black, Tecmo seems to have taken influence from Hong Kong action movies, Onimusha, the speed of the PS2 Shinobi and the raw power of the PS3 to create an intense action title. Water and fire effects are stunning as our masked one sprints over the waters surface or slices through foes entombed in burning buildings. Combos doesnt really go far enough as opponents are more dissected in air with a samurai sword. Yet quick reflexes are a requisite with some enemies using more modern weapons than the traditional ninja. Puts back the fear into the word boss.
Switch
Action
Six Ninja Ja Ja Maru games from 1985-91 well worth investigating and not just for the superfluous number of ninjas. Our wee ninja leaps around the platform levels dispatching shurikens to clear a path to rescue his beloved. Smashing though platforms to get a shortcut and grabbing the ghosts that rise from bosched opponents are all part of the fun.
PC Engine HU Card
Action
Any title combining ninja’s, kunoichi (female ninja’s), shadowmen, snipers and fire ninja’s can’t be bad. Ninja Warriors is a fine conversion of Taito’s late eighties coin-op smash with the only feature lacking being the Darius style three sectioned screen.
PS2
Action
Ancient chanbara title set in feudal Japan with lovely period setting cut scenes adding to the atmosphere. Includes a few mini games to boost your stats such as gambling away on the dice. Plenty of weapons to choose from; some looking more at home in the garden shed, but adding to the variety nevertheless. Battles are jammed with speed lines and the fleeting effect screen when the fatal blow is struck does justice to the samurai’s honour – even in death.
Famicom Cart
Action
Competitive platform action to help rescue the damsel, or egg, in distress. Wholesome, heathy gameplay by the lashing.
Wii
Action
One of the most beautiful games imaginable from the Odin Sphere team that looks like a Hiroshige woodprint brought to life with all the colours of a summer kimono. An absolute treat of a game too with fluid platform slash action make for the most essential of Wii releases. Makes you drool its so lavish and feels like Princess Crown studying at the Ninja Dojo. Bon appetite.
Playstation
Action
More high jinx on the seven seas between Luffy and crew with a catapult and stretchy arms thrown if for good measure. All very nicely animated with sunshine settings and tasty beer and rice ball power ups capturing the energetic spirit of the manga. Each character is portrayed accurately with their own unique trait such as Zoro’s three swords. Gameplay is like Power Stones madcap action clashing with Super Smash Brothers arcade style fight mechanics. Any chance of a Captain Pugwash release in a similar mould?!
PS2
Action
Plenty of land lubbing high jinx in the One Piece pirate world as every sea dog worth his salt scours the Seven Seas in pursuit of Golden Roger’s treasure. Monkey Luffy is the leader of the motley crew of sailors and his strectchy limbs come in handy in a tight spot, yet the whole cast is worthy of mention such are the rich characters on show. Its possible to select a back-up character too so the fine designs can be savoured some more. Deliriously fine cel shaded graphics sit at ease with the background splendour. Special moves are simple to initiate and power ups pop up at random giving this a feel of Power Stone with its all action gameplay. A variety of innovative mini games gives players the opportunity to unlock hidden extras such as animation clips or sound bites from the hit series.
Gamecube
Action
Full on compilation of all out action mini games that utilise the relentless pacing of the anime to be crammed full of visual impact as tough as the attacks themselves. Memorable games include the parachuting sequence with an octopus parachute in a bizarre twist on the Pilotwings series. A rhythm action take on a RPG fight sequence in tidy cel shaded sprites and the mayhem of random objects reigning down from above whilst under attack make it hard to encapsulate the chaos into words.
PSP
Action
Brings the incredibly vibrant anime to life which is no mean feat considering how much vitality and high-jinx it contains. Plenty of speed lines and sound effects as the loveable pirate rogues take on our beloved Luffy by hook cane or by crook brass hand. The bosses are a delight.
PS2
Action
Samurai slasher less cerebral than the ‘Biohazard’ series, but the beautifully realised feudal Japanese world draws you in. Capcom’s class oozes through this title along with some sublime action sequences.
XBOX
Action
Samurai slasher less cerebral than the ‘Biohazard’ series, but the beautifully realised feudal Japanese world draws you in.
XBOX
Action
Samurai slasher less cerebral than the ‘Biohazard’ series, but the beautifully realised feudal Japanese world draws you in.
PS2
Action
Capcom’s polish is more than evident as this epic samurai slasher captures gamers hearts and minds. Beautifully set in a Feudal Japan with plenty of adversaries straight from Japanese mythology. Thankfully the slash of steel can bring down even the biggest and baddest of boss monoliths.
PS2
Action
Third and possibly final installment of the samurai slasher seeing refreshing new backgrounds with the addition of Parisien Jaques played by Jean Reno (Leon, Wasabi.) Whilst never cynical, Genki is very envious of the angel who teaches Jaques to speak Japanese in an instant. Reaches new pinnacles on the PS2 with fully rendered scenery in glorious 3D including beautiful forests and marvellous magic effects. A true samurai would only play with the sword controller though.