Klei Entertainment has entered the scene as a premiere 2D game development studio. Previously, the development team has released both Shank and Shank 2, both of which are action packed and beautiful games. Next up: Mark of the Ninja-a stealth action (mostly stealth) game about a ninja warrior with tattoos that grant both power and insanity.

The Meat

Mark of the Ninja’s most appealing trait is obviously that the player gets to play as a ninja. Ninjas are after all the coolest warriors in history and can offer developers a lot of creative freedom when crafting their ninja games. So, what separates this game from masterpieces like Ninja Gaiden? First off, stealth is essential to success and players are greatly rewarded for actions such as silent kills, hiding bodies, breaking lights, and avoiding enemy detection. And oh boy how fun it is to finally play as a ninja where stealth is paramount. In no time you will be utilizing the many ninja tools available to silently kill and evade enemies in a manner that no other ninja game has achieved.

My personal favorite tool is the grapple chain that you receive early on. This little tool works a lot like Batman’s grapple hook in the Arkham series as it allows the player to zip along levels with finesse befitting of a master assassin.

The protagonist is fast when he needs to be, slow when he needs to be, agile, resourceful, and always lethal!

So, what happens when stealth fails and the player is detected? Well, a very Metal Gear Solid like alert system triggers and enemies become much more aggressive to try and weed out the player. This is usually very manageable since there are so many spots to hide and wait out the alert timer. If all else fails though and the player must encounter an enemy face to face, the chances of survival become extremely slim. The protagonist can only take maybe 3-4 bullets before dying and guards are usually not alone. Speaking of guards not being alone, avoid the guard dogs at all costs! They can sniff you out and provide a very challenging situation.

The protagonist is fast when he needs to be, slow when he needs to be, agile, resourceful, and always lethal!

The Potatoes

Klei Entertainment has done a phenomenal job at utilizing graphical cues to assist the player in maximizing the probability of stealth success.

If the mechanics are what drive the game forward then the graphics and use of imagery to assist the mechanics are what entice the player in the first place? Klei Entertainment has done a phenomenal job at utilizing graphical cues to assist the player in maximizing the probability of stealth success. For example, when the player is in the dark then the color palette of the protagonist is almost completely black with vague white outlines. If the player steps into the light, the full color of the outfit is revealed along with the tattoos and skin tone.

Another example of functional graphics is when the player is in an adjacent room to guards. Instead of normal 2D games that allow players to effectively see through walls, Mark of the Ninja utilizes animated rings that pulse outward to simulate the noise of a guard’s footsteps.

Not only are the graphics functional, but they are downright gorgeous. I would never imagine that 2012 2D games would be on the comeback, but boy was I wrong. 2D games are now showing their true potential this generation thanks to some very talented indie developers taking risks and showing how far creativity and passion can go.

Bottom Line

Mark of the Ninja has what matters most- excellent game mechanics, slick visuals, and absurdly fun gameplay. Did I mention that you play as a ninja? Patience and caution pay off big time and for once in a 2D ninja game, the player will be more focused on being a ninja then killing infinitely respawning enemies…

Mark of the Ninja Score: 9.5

Why so good? Ninja, stealth, visuals, $15 bargain price tag.
Why so low? The only drawback is a slightly weak story.

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JustinPrime

Contributor at Bag of Games

To me, gaming is more than just some simple hobby or another way to blow off steam from work. Gaming has offered a sort of companionship throughout my lifetime that no other medium has been able to match.

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• Mark of the Ninja PC Review - November 22