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 game? Because the game goes so fucking hard and It's one of my first console games i've ever played, so many warm memories attached to this video game.
Even nostalgia might be the biggest factor that makes me care about this game, i also unironically 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 hate challenging action games). anyways, lets continue talking more about the game.
Mini ninjas is a action adventure game with 22 total levels, 5 of them being boss battles. The normal levels itself are quite open and offer a lot to do and find. you can explore, find plants, fight enemies, collect coins and potions, find hidden Jizo statues, FISH, Find possible ancient shrines that grant you a new spell, etc. There's 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 open heavy doors/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 grandfathers 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 extremely happy, as i had earlier that year played the game demo at my uncles house. i replayed that one demo level thousands of times and now i got to play the game in full. I played the game casually with my dad, so actually beating it took a while.
It's very pleasant to look back on these memories, Like being so afraid of the ghost enemies that i made my dad play through the graveyard level for me.
additional memories would be; 1) wanting to roleplay the game with people in my preschool, but none of them knew what the fuck i was talking about.
2) having a breakdown when finding out that samurai and ninjas aren't really a thing in japan anymore.
Im eternally grateful for the developers for making this amazing experience. thank you!!!