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Review of Kinniku Banzuke: Road to Sasuke on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 2023
Cover image of Kinniku Banzuke: Road to Sasuke on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 07 Oct 2023
Genre: Sports/Party Game
Developer: Koei Tecmo
Publisher: Koei Tecmo

Introduction

Ever dreamed of becoming a ninja? Well, fasten your headbands and warm up your muscles, because 'Kinniku Banzuke: Road to Sasuke' is here to whisk you away into a world where athleticism meets absurdity! Picture this: giant foam balls, questionable physics, and contestants who seem like they've just stepped off a carousel of calamity! If you thought training to be a ninja involved a lot of stealth and quiet training, think again. In this joyfully bonkers game, you'll be flinging yourself at obstacles like your dignity is on the line. Let's dive into this gymnastic smorgasbord and see if this game really brings the muscle or just a big ol' bowl of noodle limbs.

Gameplay

Gameplay in 'Kinniku Banzuke' is like trying to navigate a breakfast buffet after a night of feasting on fun. You control contestants through outrageously complicated and often downright ridiculous obstacle courses. The controls are fluid enough that you won't feel like you're playing a game designed by someone who just discovered what a joystick does (thankfully). You'll jump, duck, and tumble your way through insanity, letting out cries of triumph or despair depending on whether you faceplant into a giant banana during 'Bamboo Derby' or master the 'Daruma Challenge' like a pro. If you ever imagined running really slowly across a suspended beam while avoidingly being slapped by swinging padded logs, you're in for a treat! Plus, you can invite friends to join in on the hilarious failures, making this game perfect for parties. Whether you're bouncing off walls or just trying to stay upright, nothing is more satisfying than watching your friends go splat. There's an arcade feel to it too, with each course turned into a mockery of your real-life fitness goals. The true test is not just whether you can summit the obstacle but if you can do so while laughing maniacally at your own demise.

Graphics

Graphically, the game exceeds expectations in the wacky department. The character models are stylized with a cartoonish flair reminiscent of classic Saturday morning cartoons, which matches the outlandish nature of the show it's based on. Each obstacle is deliberately designed to blend vibrant colors with chaos - think of it as the result of an all-night party between a rainbow and a gelatin buffet. The environments are bright and cartoon-like, making it easy to ignore the fact that you just tried to do a somersault over a giant inflatable pretzel and ended up in a heap. The animations accompany the ridiculousness beautifully, from triumphant jumps to embarrassing falls that'll have you rolling on the floor - literally. You may even end up throwing a fit of laughter at some of the outlandish physics. Yes, there might be a guy flying across the screen while trying to leap over a pool of foam blocks; no, it won't be believable, but who cares? We're just here to have a blast.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of video game mastery, 'Kinniku Banzuke: Road to Sasuke' might not be your path to victory, but it will surely take you on a hilariously regrettable journey along the way. Whether you're a buff gym rat or just someone who would rather fry while playing than actually exercise, this game offers an inviting charm that encourages multiplayer mayhem. The captivating blend of humor, chaos, and absurdity makes it a delightful time sink worth trying. If you've ever wanted to feel like a ninja without actually doing any of that strenuous training (or thinking), grab your friends, jump into this wild ride, and watch the antics unfold. With a solid score of 7.5 out of 10, I've got to hand it to 'Kinniku Banzuke'; not only can it flex muscles, but it certainly knows how to flex those funny bones too.

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