Mini ninjas

Welcome to my
Mini Ninjas shrine!

Mini Ninjas is a video game developed by IO Interactive and published by Eidos Interactive, released in 2009.
The game itself is very simple.
The story doesn't have much depth, and the combat has no challenge; it's exactly what you would expect from a children's game.
Well, why did I make a shrine for this semi-obscure children's game? Because the game goes so fucking hard, and it's one of the first console games I've ever played, there are so many warm memories attached to this video game.

Even nostalgia might be the biggest factor that makes me care about this game, I do sincerely enjoy the game outside of that mindspace. The visuals are gorgeous, the soundtrack is beautiful, and the game is simple enough for me to actually enjoy (I'm too weak for games with difficult combat).
Anyways, let's continue talking more about the game.

Mini Ninjas is an action-adventure game with 22 total levels, 5 of them being boss battles. The normal levels themselves are quite open and offer a lot to do and find.
You can explore, collect plants and coins, fight enemies, craft potions, find hidden Jizo statues, FISH, and discover ancient shrines that grant you a new spell, etc.
There are about 6 playable characters that you find as you play the game, but you'll probably find yourself not using most of them when you play.

Characters!

HIRO
the main character, Can do kuji magic, whereas others can't.

FUTO
Strongest character. can take down bigger enemies.

SUZUME
She uses a flute to fight and has the deadliest power attack.

SHUN
He uses a bow in combat, is able to use his bow while hanging from a ledge.

TORA
He uses his metal claws to fight and has the fastest attack rate.

KUNOICHI
She uses a spear to fight, able to attack from a longer distance.

My Experience

It was Christmas, possibly around 2010. I was at my grandfather's house with my dad. He had brought an Xbox 360 with him. One of the games that came with the console was Mini Ninjas!
I was overwhelmed with joy, as I had earlier in the year played the demo at my uncle's house. I had replayed that one demo level thousands of times, and now I got to experience the game in full. I played the game casually with my dad, so actually beating it took a while.

The game deeply resonated with me. At preschool I wanted to roleplay the game with people during recess, but none of my classmates knew what I was even talking about (I was a professional in obscure media before it was cool… heh). I even had a slight childhood depressive episode after finding out that the things depicted in this game aren't really a thing in Japan anymore.

I'm eternally grateful to the developers for this wonderful game that was such a big part of my childhood and my growth.

Tora sleeping in a bunk bed. (By me, 2011)