The endless genre has taken smartphone gaming by storm. Games like Temple Run and its sequel continue to top app store charts as the most popular genre among gamers. eastasiasoft’s Ninja Sprint, starring Neko the stray cat, is a play on the endless genre by including platform mechanics, achievements, special attacks, and 80 different levels to unlock.
Recently released for iOS devices and now available for Android devices, Ninja Sprint is a challenging game where the player manipulates Neko’s basic movements while she runs through enemy infested levels.
The simple on-rail gameplay is quite challenging as you jump to avoid hazards like snowballs and tree logs. Neko automatically attacks her foes when she comes in contact with them, so the majority of the game is spent avoiding obstacles and collecting coins.
Neko can also unleash a special attack that can clear the entire play field of dangerous obstacles. While enemies are automatically dealt with by Neko, environmental hazards like barricades, snowballs and tree logs can only be destroyed by using special attacks. Otherwise, the player must avoid them by jumping or sliding underneath them.. Special Attacks range from a ‘Hadoken! fireball to a “Sumo” attack. To execute one of these attacks, you must wait for the special attack power gauge to fill. Once the gauge turns green and starts blinking, you can unleash a special attack by tapping its icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
While most games from this genre are hampered by small on-screen action buttons, Ninja Sprint provides the player with large action buttons that respond well to your touch. They’re also perfectly placed and easy to access with both thumbs. Even double-jumping over large chasms is easy despite Neko’s incredible speed.
Neko can collect coins that can be used later to unlock special features. From the Shop menu, you can unlock new Special Attacks, Gameplay Modifications (i.e. Special Meter fills fast, etc.) and Blood Effects (i.e. Alien Blood, etc.). There is also an option to purchase additional coins from eastasiasoft.
Ninja Sprint by eastasiasoft is a charming game. Gamers looking for an alternate to Temple Run will enjoy Ninja Sprint’s refreshing take on the genre. Like all games from the endless genre, the simple gameplay mechanics translate into hours of endless fun.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: iOS (Also available for Android)
Developer: eastasiasoft
Publisher: eastasiasoft
Rated 12+ for the following:
• Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes
• Frequent/Intense Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
• Frequent/Intense Profanity or Crude Humor
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
Price: $1.99 (Currently Free)
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| Eye-popping 2D graphics with bright colors.. | |
| Sound | |
| Great music and sound effects. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Ninja Sprint's gameplay offers almost unlimited replay value. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Gamers will enjoy Ninja Sprint's refreshing take on the endless genre. | |
