Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ninja Five-O delivers a high-octane platforming experience that deftly balances tight controls with varied mission objectives. You step into the tabi boots of Joe Osugi, a skilled ninja cop equipped with a versatile arsenal: the swift ninja sword for close-quarters combat, razor-sharp shuriken for ranged takedowns, and the ingenious Kaginawa grappling hook to scale walls and navigate treacherous terrain. Each tool feels genuinely useful, encouraging players to mix and match techniques as they dispatch waves of terrorists and reclaim hostages.

Level design in Ninja Five-O is both thoughtful and challenging, weaving together linear runs with imaginative vertical sections. Enemies are placed strategically to test your reflexes—snipers perch on rooftops, heavily armored guards block crucial pathways, and explosive barrels can turn an ambush into a fiery spectacle. Secret rooms and hidden power-ups are tucked away in shadowed corners, urging thorough exploration and rewarding those who master the grappling hook’s swing arcs.

Beyond standard missions, the time-trial modes unlock as you clear each stage, transforming familiar layouts into adrenaline-pumping speedruns. These bonus challenges push you to optimize every jump, slash, and swing of the grappling hook. Boss encounters punctuate the campaign at regular intervals, each one introducing unique patterns—whether it’s a heavily armored drone that requires rapid shuriken throws or a masked mastermind whose attacks force you to master timing and spatial awareness.

Graphics

For a Game Boy Advance title, Ninja Five-O’s visuals are surprisingly crisp and colorful. Character sprites are well-animated, with Joe’s idle stance, attack swings, and grappling hook maneuvers all feeling smooth and reactive. Enemies exhibit distinct looks—urban terrorists clad in tactical gear, giant robotic sentries, and the eerie, mask-wearing cultists under the Mad Masks’ influence—making each encounter visually distinct.

Backgrounds are richly detailed, from bustling city skylines at dusk to shadowy warehouse interiors and underground hideouts. Parallax scrolling adds a sense of depth as you traverse rooftops or descend into sewers. The game’s color palette shifts to match the atmosphere: warm oranges and purples evoke a setting sun over the city, while cooler blues and grays underline more clandestine operations below street level.

Special effects, though simple, are effectively employed. Sword slashes generate brief bursts of light, shuriken impacts flash on contact, and explosive barrels send pixels flying convincingly. Even the Kaginawa hook’s trajectory is clearly delineated, helping players judge their swings. Cutscene art and mission briefings are rendered in a slightly more detailed style, lending a comic-book flair that complements the ninja-cop narrative.

Story

Ninja Five-O casts you as Joe Osugi, a dedicated ninja cop on the trail of a mysterious evil force empowered by the ancient Mad Masks. These mystical relics have hijacked the minds of terrorist cells across the city, turning them into ruthless henchmen bent on chaos. Joe’s mission is clear: neutralize the threat, dismantle the cultish network, and rescue innocent hostages before it’s too late.

The narrative unfolds through brief but punchy mission briefings delivered at the start of each level. A sense of urgency permeates the dialogue—you can practically feel the stress in Joe’s voice as he gears up for another high-stakes infiltration. Villains are introduced via snappy text and occasional cutscene stills, giving context to their nefarious goals without dragging down the pacing.

Despite its relatively simple framework, the story manages to stay engaging through escalating stakes and inventive set pieces. The Mad Masks themselves remain shrouded in mystery, and each recovered mask piece hints at a darker conspiracy that Joe must unravel. While the plot doesn’t revolutionize ninja or police dramas, it provides more than enough motivation to charge headfirst into the action.

Overall Experience

Ninja Five-O stands out as a hidden gem on the Game Boy Advance, combining polished platforming mechanics with a gratifying sense of progression. The interplay between sword strikes, shuriken throws, and grappling hook acrobatics keeps combat fresh, while the time-trial modes and hidden collectibles extend replay value. Developers have clearly prioritized responsiveness and level variety, ensuring no two stages feel identical.

While the difficulty curve can spike—especially during late-game boss battles—the satisfaction of mastering each obstacle makes every triumph feel earned. Power-ups such as health refills and temporary attack boosts are thoughtfully placed, preventing frustration without sapping the challenge. For players seeking both a brisk single-session playthrough and deeper completionist goals, Ninja Five-O delivers on both fronts.

Ultimately, this title captures the thrill of being a modern-day ninja cop thwarting a masked conspiracy, all within the palm of your hand. Its meticulous level design, compelling tools of the trade, and punchy presentation have secured its reputation among GBA aficionados. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or simply hunting for an action-packed portable adventure, Ninja Five-O deserves a spot in your library.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10