Mar 2019
Imagine you are a ninja, darting through treacherous obstacle courses and flipping past embarrassing failures just like the contestants on the hit TV show, American Ninja Warrior. Now imagine that all of this happens on a tiny Switch screen! That's exactly what's happening with 'American Ninja Warrior: Challenge.' This game hopes to bring the thrills of the show right into your living room (or wherever you play your Switch). But is it a worthy tribute to the ninja legacy or just a low-budget spin-off? Let’s dive into the wacky world of ninja courses and screaming commentators!
In 'American Ninja Warrior: Challenge,' you create a customized ninja and send them off to tackle increasingly insane obstacle courses. Think towering walls, balancing acts on beams that have probably seen better days, and various death-defying leaps over pitiful water pools. While the game captures the spirit of competition and tries its best to replicate the tense atmosphere of the show, the execution feels a bit clunky. The controls can be a bit slippery, and all the button mashing might just leave you wondering if you’re training for a race or working out at the gym with your thumbs! The main game mode allows you to compete against others, which can be both fun and frustrating, and there are also mini-games that feature those infamous challenges you know and love. Timing your jumps and dodges is essential, otherwise, you might as well give your character a DQ for all the belly flops they’re going to take!
Graphically, the game does a decent job at recreating the aesthetics of the TV show. The levels are brightly colored and the character models have a charm to them, though they don't particularly shine in the modern gaming landscape. It feels a bit like taking a slide show trip back to the early 2000s, where everything was simpler and, let’s be honest, blockier. The obstacles are varied and visually pleasant, making you want to at least give them a whirl! However, don’t expect jaw-dropping animations or ultra-realistic graphics. Just think of it as a solid background to your epic inability to conquer the mighty Warped Wall!
Overall, 'American Ninja Warrior: Challenge' is a fun if flawed experience for fans of the show. It captures the essence and excitement of tackling obstacle courses, however, the controls don’t always do justice to the action you witness on TV. If you’re someone who loves competitive gameplay with a hint of silliness or you simply want to show off your ninja skills (or lack thereof) to your friends, this could be a fun addition to your collection. Just remember, practice may help you ‘ninja’ your way to the top, but you might still end up belly-flopping into the water as if you were auditioning for a dramatic swimming finale! Grab your controller, stay agile, and may the ninja odds be ever in your favor!
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