My Played Video Games Review: Super Ninja Boy for the Super Nintendo

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Super Ninja Boy is an RPG video game that came out on the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom in 1993. It was created by Culture Brain, a Japanese game developer known for their action and RPG titles.

It may not be that popular in its time, but this game stands out for its unique combination of action, adventure, and RPG elements, all set in a captivating ninja-themed world.

Japan only Super Famicom box cover art. (Image source)

The Story

After the Universal Peace Conference in peaceful Chinaland, a sudden disaster struck, and the Emperor's worries grew. That's when Jack and Ryu decided to step out and confront this problem. Their journey took them through various lands: Chinaland, Mysteryland, Fairyland, and Futureland. As they progressed, the suspense grew, and they uncovered a troubling plot.

Throughout their adventure, they encountered thrilling action, collected cool items, rode in neat vehicles, unleashed powerful attacks, and harnessed magic spells. All of these resources were at their disposal to overcome adversaries and restore the tranquility of once-peaceful Chinaland.

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

Regarding the graphics, there's not much to complain about; they were pretty good. The enemy attacks are well-defined, and the screen doesn't get too cluttered. The colors are pleasing and diverse, and the backgrounds contribute to the overall game experience. One minor gripe was the lack of detail on the world map, where you appeared as a simple red or blue block on a mostly green or tan background with a few mountains and lakes. But, as long as you can distinguish one thing from another, it's not a major issue.

In terms of sound, it's worth noting that while it may be a bit annoying, it's decent for the time when the game was released. Don't expect orchestrated battle music, surround sound effects, or incredibly memorable themes at the beginning or end. It's just decent, nothing exceptional. However, it's interesting that you found the town's music so catchy that it stayed in your head for days; sometimes, even the simpler tunes can have that effect.

Gameplay video sample of Super Ninja Boy. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

Super Ninja Boy offers three distinct gameplay modes:

1. Top View: This mode is commonly used in RPGs and serves as the standard view for moving between locations.

2. Fighting View: This is a unique aspect of the game where it shifts into a side-scrolling fighting style. Here, you have access to a variety of moves and weapons, including punches, kicks, swords, and more. Special attacks are also available to help you defeat enemies more efficiently.

3. Boss Fights: When facing off against bosses, the game switches to a classic RPG fighting mode. While the moves and weapons remain the same, this mode adds an extra layer of depth and excitement to boss battles, making them particularly enjoyable.

Replay value decent. It is a game that you'll likely come back to, whether you're attempting to conquer harder difficulties or just reliving the entire experience. While it might not be a perfect 10 for everyone, it still offers a satisfying replay value. The only minor inconvenience might be the lengthy passwords, particularly in the later stages of the game. Nonetheless, it's a game that many players will find worth revisiting.

My Verdict

Super Ninja Boy is a great game and is definitely worth playing. It's important not to judge it solely based on your initial impression. Give it a fair chance, at least until you've defeated the first two bosses, and then form your judgment. Enjoy!

Play it on the wonderful Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a beloved emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!