I’m back and for this week’s Retro Game Friday I’m covering a game for the Nintendo DS. It’s Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword!

Plot Synopsis: Six months after the events of Ninja Gaiden (chronicled as the Dark Dragon Blade Incident), Ryu Hayabusa has rebuilt the Hayabusa Village.

Plot: Having never played a Ninja Gaiden game prior to this entry in the series, I have to say the plot was overly complex and not that great. I think I got this because I heard it had a Japanese voice track and I was taking Japanese at the time of it’s release.

Characters: Ryu was a decent enough main lead, but I was disappointed that Momiji was reduced to the Damsel in Distress trope. Than again the team behind this game has been known for always going for the typical stereotypes in the past. The rest of the cast was disappointing as well.

Gameplay: I can stand playing it, but because it’s a touch screen game I felt that it took away plenty of potential for actual gameplay and focused on gimmicks. That isn’t to say it was bad, but it’s only decent and not amazing. Have I mentioned that I hate gimmick control schemes? Because this game had you hold the Nintendo DS vertically and it was highly uncomfortable to do so.

Art: Dated and not super amazing even for the Nintendo DS in it’s prime. Again the gimmicky control schemes are probably to blame.

Music: Nothing more than mediocre.

Overall: Skip this game as it’s pretty much an abomination and should never have been made.

For those who like: Gimmicks, Ninja Gaiden.

Not for those who don’t like: Either of the above.