Mark of the Ninja (multi-platform) : one of the most perfect side-scrolling games

Every now and then I like to get involved with a game that is a bit more simplistic - something you can just pick up and play, doesn't involve memorizing complicated combos using 8 different buttons or having precise timing with strikes. I suppose that from time-to-time you could say that I appreciate a casual game.

I do want these simpler games to have good graphics and a bit of gore and challenge is always welcome. Mark of the Ninja isn't a tough game (you can make it so in the settings) but it is a wonderful experience from start to finish and since it is now $5 to $10 on most platforms, if you haven't played it, I think you really should.

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The fact that it has been remastered might be an additional reason to play this stellar title, but i'll be honest and say that I have not played it and don't really feel that a remastering was necessary since the original was damn near perfect.

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Stealth is a big part of the game and in more ways that just sneaking up on opponents. There are certain aspects like throwing knives to take out light fixtures and walking very softly in order to not be heard by enemies. Unlike other games that I have played that follow this sequence, if your enemies can't see you, you can't see them either. You can, however, see where the noise they are making is coming from, just as they can do the same with you.

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Of course, just like in other stealth games you actually CAN come in swords a blazin and just take everyone on kamikaze style, but just like in other games such as Hitman this dramatically decreases your chances of success. Plus the kills you can execute on your opponents if you sneak fully up behind them is some of the most fun the game has to offer.

While not as absurd as Metal Gear in that the people you just moments ago threw a knife at stop their search for you after a cursory search, the enemies in this game will alert others to join in searching for you and it is a little bit silly how after a while they give up looking and return to their "rounds."

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You achieve "honor" by completing levels in the most efficient and silent manner possible and these honor points can be spent on upgrades between levels. The upgrades that you choose dramatically change your overall experience as the game progresses. Because of this variety, Mark of the Ninja has tremendous replay value.

The rainy and dark ambiance of the game overall makes it for a wonderful and tense experience and you genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment when you are able to complete a level flawlessly. As you would expect there are traps and some puzzles to complete to get through various parts of the game. As always in stealth games, there are a number of ventilation networks that you will access on a regular basis to gain access to certain rooms.

The last I checked on various platforms this game was around $8 for the full remastered game and I don't think you can actually buy the original anymore anyway. As far as all games are concerned in the past 5 years or so that I have played under $10, this very well may be the best one and comes highly recommended. It's great fun and I think almost everyone will enjoy it. So if you haven't already played it, and you have $8, this is a very good choice to make.