Ninja Five-O’s cult classic comeback
By Paul Hunter
Since its debut in 2003 on the Game Boy Advance, Ninja Five-O has carved a special place in the hearts of action-platformer enthusiasts. This once-overlooked gem now makes a triumphant return, reimagined for modern PC and console players through the combined efforts of Konami and Limited Run Games. The revival opens the door for both longtime fans and newcomers to step into the swift, stealthy boots of Joe Osugi, the ninja detective whose adventures blend high-stakes justice with breathtaking agility.
The gameplay draws inspiration from iconic classics like Bionic Commando, Shinobi, and Rolling Thunder, weaving together mechanics that feel both familiar and polished. Ninja Five-O offers a seamless fusion of precise platforming and dynamic combat, where every leap, slash, and grapple demands skill and strategy. Joe Osugi’s arsenal of ninja abilities creates a thrilling rhythm, pulling you into a world where split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The challenges are relentless, yet they promise a feeling of satisfaction for those willing to master their craft.
This isn’t merely a rehash of the past; it’s polished for today’s platforms while preserving the essence that made the original so captivating. Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the Game Boy Advance days or a curious newcomer eager for a taste of ninja action, this release brings back one of the most sought after retro titles. It’s an adventure that intertwines ninja prowess with crime-fighting, delivering a journey that’s as gripping as it is unique.
Ninja Five-O thrusts you into the sleek, shadowy world of Joe Osugi, a police detective possessing extraordinary ninja skills, tasked with dismantling a terrorist syndicate known as the Mad Masks. This ruthless organization has seized mystical masks that grant their wearers supernatural powers, unleashing havoc across the city through abductions, heists, and precision strikes. Osugi’s mission stretches beyond merely thwarting these criminals—it’s a race to rescue hostages trapped in their grip and unravel the sinister ambitions fueling their chaos. From the opening moments, the game hurls you into the fray, offering scant time to find your footing before enemies close in, eager to test your reflexes.
The storytelling in Ninja Five-O unfolds with elegant simplicity, relying on concise interludes to bridge its levels. Rather than leaning on lengthy dialogues or cinematic flourishes, it delivers the essentials through crisp pre-mission briefings that set the stage with clarity and purpose. The narrative follows a familiar arc—Osugi tackles case after case, toppling increasingly formidable bosses while peeling back layers of the looming threat. Though the plot doesn’t plunge into profound depths, it sustains momentum with well-timed twists and a relentless pace that keeps dull moments at bay, drawing you deeper into the hunt.
What elevates the story’s appeal is how seamlessly it intertwines with the gameplay. Osugi’s ninja prowess, honed through specialized training, feels purposeful, while the level design mirrors his role as a covert operative infiltrating enemy strongholds. This harmony lends the game a believable, immersive edge, even if it doesn’t rival the narrative complexity of more contemporary titles. Every rooftop leap and silent takedown reinforces the stakes, grounding the experience in a gritty, crime-riddled world.
Far from a mere backdrop, the context amplifies the thrill of embodying a ninja detective. It’s a lean, focused tale that pairs perfectly with the action, inviting you to lose yourself in a whirlwind of stealth, skill, and justice. Whether clashing with empowered foes or piecing together Mad Mask’s endgame, Ninja Five-O crafts an adventure that’s as captivating as it is swift.
At its core, Ninja Five-O thrives on a gameplay experience that melds platforming finesse with visceral action, drawing inspiration from legends like Shinobi and Bionic Commando. Joe Osugi, the nimble ninja detective, dashes through levels, leaps with precision, wields a razor-sharp katana, and hurls shuriken to dispatch foes from afar. Yet, what truly sets this title apart is its grappling hook—a tool that lets him latch onto platforms and ceilings, swinging swiftly across gaps and scaling heights that would otherwise bar his path. This mechanic weaves a layer of strategy into the fabric of each stage, urging you to master timing and trajectory to evade traps and claim vantage points.
The levels unfold with clever design, blending stretches of pure exploration with bursts of combat against enemy waves and subtle environmental puzzles. Beyond cutting down adversaries, Osugi must rescue hostages scattered throughout, introducing a delicate twist to the challenge. A reckless strike risks harming them, triggering penalties that nudge you toward a more calculated approach—rewarding those who can marry speed with surgical accuracy. This departure from the run-and-gun norm elevates the experience, demanding focus amid the flurry of action.
In its remastered form, Ninja Five-O smooths some edges to welcome newcomers without diluting its spirit. Features like quick saves and a five-second time-rewind option soften the sting of missteps, encouraging experimentation with tactics rather than forcing restarts after every fumble. Still, the game holds fast to its roots, presenting a formidable test of skill and patience that doesn’t coddle the faint-hearted. The level design, while thoughtfully crafted, occasionally borders on unforgiving—small slip-ups can unravel progress in ways that test even seasoned players’ resolve.
This balance of accessibility and challenge keeps the gameplay gripping, inviting you to refine your mastery of Osugi’s arsenal. The grappling hook transforms movement into an art form, while the interplay of combat and rescue missions sustains a pulse-pounding rhythm. It’s a dance of agility and intellect, set against stages that teases both triumph and tension. For all its modern polish, Ninja Five-O remains a tribute to its origins—a relentless, rewarding journey that dares you to rise to its challenge.
Visually, Ninja Five-O clings proudly to its pixel-art roots, channeling the spirit of ‘90s arcade and action-platforming legends. Its art direction paints a vivid tapestry—character sprites burst with detail and fluid animation, while each level unfurls a distinct backdrop, from stark military bases to gritty industrial warehouses and serene Japanese temples. The color palette dances with bold, thoughtful vibrancy, ensuring every locale stands apart, instantly recognizable. This aesthetic, though rooted in simplicity, captivates with a charm that feels timeless rather than dated.
On the technical front, the PS5 version of Ninja Five-O delivers a seamless experience, boasting a rock-steady frame rate that keeps Joe Osugi’s movements razor-sharp and responsive. Animations flow with a grace that elevates the gameplay, especially when chaining grappling-hook swings with swift, precise strikes—a sequence that feels almost choreographed in its satisfaction. The refined graphics are sharpened beyond the Game Boy Advance original, offering crisp clarity while preserving the retro soul intact. That said, those hoping for a dramatic overhaul of textures or models might find the upgrades modest, as the focus remains on fidelity to the past rather than a bold reinvention.
The sounds of Ninja Five-O pulse with life, driven by a dynamic soundtrack that mirrors the ebb and flow of the action. Tracks shift effortlessly—high-energy melodies propel you through tense battles, while atmospheric tones settle over quieter exploratory stretches, lending depth to the journey. Sound effects land with crisp precision, each slash, leap, and grapple accentuated by clear, punchy audio that heightens the immersion. Though voice acting is sparse, confined to brief expressions and cutscenes, it infuses the characters with just enough personality to enrich the mood without overstepping the game’s lean design.
Together, the audio-visual package strikes a harmonious chord, meeting the lofty expectations of a title aiming to resurrect the raw authenticity of classic action-platformers. It’s a sensory experience that doesn’t just lean on nostalgia—it refines it, blending retro reverence with modern polish to craft a world that’s as striking to behold as it is to navigate. Every pixel and note pulls you deeper into Osugi’s relentless quest, proving that simplicity, when executed with care, can still mesmerize.
Final Score: 8/10 - Great
Developer: Limited Run Games
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Action, Platformer
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Since its debut in 2003 on the Game Boy Advance, Ninja Five-O has carved a special place in the hearts of action-platformer enthusiasts. This once-overlooked gem now makes a triumphant return, reimagined for modern PC and console players through the combined efforts of Konami and Limited Run Games. The revival opens the door for both longtime fans and newcomers to step into the swift, stealthy boots of Joe Osugi, the ninja detective whose adventures blend high-stakes justice with breathtaking agility.
The gameplay draws inspiration from iconic classics like Bionic Commando, Shinobi, and Rolling Thunder, weaving together mechanics that feel both familiar and polished. Ninja Five-O offers a seamless fusion of precise platforming and dynamic combat, where every leap, slash, and grapple demands skill and strategy. Joe Osugi’s arsenal of ninja abilities creates a thrilling rhythm, pulling you into a world where split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The challenges are relentless, yet they promise a feeling of satisfaction for those willing to master their craft.
This isn’t merely a rehash of the past; it’s polished for today’s platforms while preserving the essence that made the original so captivating. Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the Game Boy Advance days or a curious newcomer eager for a taste of ninja action, this release brings back one of the most sought after retro titles. It’s an adventure that intertwines ninja prowess with crime-fighting, delivering a journey that’s as gripping as it is unique.
Ninja Five-O thrusts you into the sleek, shadowy world of Joe Osugi, a police detective possessing extraordinary ninja skills, tasked with dismantling a terrorist syndicate known as the Mad Masks. This ruthless organization has seized mystical masks that grant their wearers supernatural powers, unleashing havoc across the city through abductions, heists, and precision strikes. Osugi’s mission stretches beyond merely thwarting these criminals—it’s a race to rescue hostages trapped in their grip and unravel the sinister ambitions fueling their chaos. From the opening moments, the game hurls you into the fray, offering scant time to find your footing before enemies close in, eager to test your reflexes.
The storytelling in Ninja Five-O unfolds with elegant simplicity, relying on concise interludes to bridge its levels. Rather than leaning on lengthy dialogues or cinematic flourishes, it delivers the essentials through crisp pre-mission briefings that set the stage with clarity and purpose. The narrative follows a familiar arc—Osugi tackles case after case, toppling increasingly formidable bosses while peeling back layers of the looming threat. Though the plot doesn’t plunge into profound depths, it sustains momentum with well-timed twists and a relentless pace that keeps dull moments at bay, drawing you deeper into the hunt.
What elevates the story’s appeal is how seamlessly it intertwines with the gameplay. Osugi’s ninja prowess, honed through specialized training, feels purposeful, while the level design mirrors his role as a covert operative infiltrating enemy strongholds. This harmony lends the game a believable, immersive edge, even if it doesn’t rival the narrative complexity of more contemporary titles. Every rooftop leap and silent takedown reinforces the stakes, grounding the experience in a gritty, crime-riddled world.
Far from a mere backdrop, the context amplifies the thrill of embodying a ninja detective. It’s a lean, focused tale that pairs perfectly with the action, inviting you to lose yourself in a whirlwind of stealth, skill, and justice. Whether clashing with empowered foes or piecing together Mad Mask’s endgame, Ninja Five-O crafts an adventure that’s as captivating as it is swift.
At its core, Ninja Five-O thrives on a gameplay experience that melds platforming finesse with visceral action, drawing inspiration from legends like Shinobi and Bionic Commando. Joe Osugi, the nimble ninja detective, dashes through levels, leaps with precision, wields a razor-sharp katana, and hurls shuriken to dispatch foes from afar. Yet, what truly sets this title apart is its grappling hook—a tool that lets him latch onto platforms and ceilings, swinging swiftly across gaps and scaling heights that would otherwise bar his path. This mechanic weaves a layer of strategy into the fabric of each stage, urging you to master timing and trajectory to evade traps and claim vantage points.
The levels unfold with clever design, blending stretches of pure exploration with bursts of combat against enemy waves and subtle environmental puzzles. Beyond cutting down adversaries, Osugi must rescue hostages scattered throughout, introducing a delicate twist to the challenge. A reckless strike risks harming them, triggering penalties that nudge you toward a more calculated approach—rewarding those who can marry speed with surgical accuracy. This departure from the run-and-gun norm elevates the experience, demanding focus amid the flurry of action.
In its remastered form, Ninja Five-O smooths some edges to welcome newcomers without diluting its spirit. Features like quick saves and a five-second time-rewind option soften the sting of missteps, encouraging experimentation with tactics rather than forcing restarts after every fumble. Still, the game holds fast to its roots, presenting a formidable test of skill and patience that doesn’t coddle the faint-hearted. The level design, while thoughtfully crafted, occasionally borders on unforgiving—small slip-ups can unravel progress in ways that test even seasoned players’ resolve.
This balance of accessibility and challenge keeps the gameplay gripping, inviting you to refine your mastery of Osugi’s arsenal. The grappling hook transforms movement into an art form, while the interplay of combat and rescue missions sustains a pulse-pounding rhythm. It’s a dance of agility and intellect, set against stages that teases both triumph and tension. For all its modern polish, Ninja Five-O remains a tribute to its origins—a relentless, rewarding journey that dares you to rise to its challenge.
Visually, Ninja Five-O clings proudly to its pixel-art roots, channeling the spirit of ‘90s arcade and action-platforming legends. Its art direction paints a vivid tapestry—character sprites burst with detail and fluid animation, while each level unfurls a distinct backdrop, from stark military bases to gritty industrial warehouses and serene Japanese temples. The color palette dances with bold, thoughtful vibrancy, ensuring every locale stands apart, instantly recognizable. This aesthetic, though rooted in simplicity, captivates with a charm that feels timeless rather than dated.
On the technical front, the PS5 version of Ninja Five-O delivers a seamless experience, boasting a rock-steady frame rate that keeps Joe Osugi’s movements razor-sharp and responsive. Animations flow with a grace that elevates the gameplay, especially when chaining grappling-hook swings with swift, precise strikes—a sequence that feels almost choreographed in its satisfaction. The refined graphics are sharpened beyond the Game Boy Advance original, offering crisp clarity while preserving the retro soul intact. That said, those hoping for a dramatic overhaul of textures or models might find the upgrades modest, as the focus remains on fidelity to the past rather than a bold reinvention.
The sounds of Ninja Five-O pulse with life, driven by a dynamic soundtrack that mirrors the ebb and flow of the action. Tracks shift effortlessly—high-energy melodies propel you through tense battles, while atmospheric tones settle over quieter exploratory stretches, lending depth to the journey. Sound effects land with crisp precision, each slash, leap, and grapple accentuated by clear, punchy audio that heightens the immersion. Though voice acting is sparse, confined to brief expressions and cutscenes, it infuses the characters with just enough personality to enrich the mood without overstepping the game’s lean design.
Together, the audio-visual package strikes a harmonious chord, meeting the lofty expectations of a title aiming to resurrect the raw authenticity of classic action-platformers. It’s a sensory experience that doesn’t just lean on nostalgia—it refines it, blending retro reverence with modern polish to craft a world that’s as striking to behold as it is to navigate. Every pixel and note pulls you deeper into Osugi’s relentless quest, proving that simplicity, when executed with care, can still mesmerize.
The Verdict
Ninja Five-O emerges as a triumphant revival of a bygone classic, weaving together a potent blend of ninja finesse, heart-pounding action, and a narrative that pulls you in with subtle magnetism. While certain aspects might whisper of their origins in an earlier era, the overall journey delivers a deeply satisfying thrill that's sure to resonate with both seasoned players and those stepping into its world for the first time. The meticulous care poured into its remastering, paired with thoughtful modern touches, reflects a clear dedication from the developers to honour this iconic gem and breathe new life into its legacy.Final Score: 8/10 - Great
Ninja Five-O details
Platform: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PCDeveloper: Limited Run Games
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Action, Platformer
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.