LightWeight Ninja

Classic platformers were all about quick reflexes and trial & error, because they were usually unfair and extremely difficult toward the end. However, they did manage to create a huge market for themselves back in the 8-bit era, with titles like Sonic and Super Mario being the most illustrious of them. Fortunately, you can still enjoy them even today, without having to employ emulators or anything like that.

LightWeight Ninja is about as classic as it can get when it comes to platformers and sidescrollers, since the entire action revolves around being able to jump from ledge to ledge, avoiding repetitive enemy patterns and collecting items on your way to the end of the level. However, this can be extremely entertaining if the mechanics are responsive and fun, which is definitely the case in the game at hand.

The main character’s name is Ty and he is a little ninja with quite the temper, ready to face off against any kind of danger in order to prove himself. As it turns out, there is a villain by the name of Elliot Xavior who’s about to put his evil plans into motion if no one stops him, which is exactly the kind of challenge Ty likes to undertake and your main mission throughout the game.

Although you mostly have to jump over the foes that stand in your way and evade their attacks, you can actually kill them for good, by throwing acorns and various other such ‘deadly’ objects at them. In essence, the game tries to be as friendly as possible and it certainly doesn’t involve too much graphic violence, gore, or any other kind of imagery that would be inappropriate for small children.

Speaking of which, the 2D graphics are very colorful and beautifully drawn, which makes for some interesting levels and quite the cute-looking enemies. On the other hand, there are bosses to fight as well, which are much larger and far more imposing when it comes to weaponry and special attacks. Just like every other 2D boss fight, however, it all revolves around figuring out their pattern and taking advantage of the unguarded moments.

LightWeight Ninja can provide you with a few hours of fun and challenging levels, but the gameplay is entertaining and it is definitely worth the effort to pass the more difficult passages. You can always replay the stages and try to get a better score, by collecting more gems and getting to finish line faster.