Hagane

"Nintendo's Shinobi Slayer"

I learned about Hagane after reading about it on the SNES board's topic for most under-rated games. I have to admit that this game is definitely does not have the recognition it should. It is fast, cool, and fun offering a wide range of attacks and techniques.

GRAPHICS
10/10

These graphics are top notch. Everything in the game has a whole lot of detail and nice, fluid animation. Many of the effects in the game are superb, from the flip attacks to the boss transformations to your main characters bomb attack with the flashing kanji. If there is an action game with better graphic that's not on a next-gen system I haven't seen it.

SOUNDS
10/10

I really didn't notice the music, but I found the sound effects were nice especially the sounds of explosions and such.

GAMEPLAY
9/10

Admit it, this game is FUN. You get to do a wide variety of Ninja moves, and I mean a WIDE variety. You can throw shuriken, bombs, use a grappling hook to attach to walls, or use a sword. Switching weapons also isn't a problem that you would expect it to be as you can pause the game and switch weapons so you never have to worry about being well equipped. Unlike Shinobi, enemies constantly drop projectile weapons so there is little need to worry about being without a shurinken. You character is also very agile able to perform a drop kick and a flying barrel roll. You are also able to do a forward and backwards cartwheel that enables you to flee quickly from attack. My only gripe is that you can't run or attach to walls (hence the 9)

The levels, though there are not many of them, are fairy long and consist of several parts. In addition there are plenty of enemies, so that you don't become bored from fighting the same ninja clones over and over again. The game is fairly challenging requiring precise timing, while not detracting from the fun. The only time the game can be frustrating is when it comes to out running obstacles (again hence the 9).

STORY
N/A

Not that is matters, but the game tells you nothing about what the hell is happening. From what I was able to gather you are a cyborg ninja in a post apocalyptic world. It reminded me a lot of a really bad anime called Apocalypse Zero.

OVERALL
10/10

Despite claims that the game is average it really outstrips every other platformer I have played in terms of innovation, challenge, and graphics. A few minor flaws don't detract from the fact that it is fast, cool, and fun. Definitely don't miss this title.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/20/03, Updated 06/20/03