‘Ninja Blade’

‘Ninja Blade’

(Microsoft) for Xbox 360

Genre: Action; Rating: M

Grade: B-

As my ninja went spiraling down a skyscraper and I slashed my way through an untold number of enemies, I started really getting a kick out of “Ninja Blade.” Sure, it’s not going to be named Best Action Game of the Year (not even Best Ninja Game), but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t fun to play.

Most of this game is rather straightforward. You are a ninja. ’Nuff said for many gamers. You’ll be fighting in numerous locales where speed and button mashing are king. Boss battles are fun, though some overstay their welcome. The three weapon types you have at your disposal are easily more than you need to lay waste to anyone in your path.

I’ve already alerted my buddy Luke to stay away from “Ninja Blade.” This is not because it’s a bad game; in fact, it’s loaded with goofy action that should not be missed by anyone with a love of swordplay and over-the-top fighting. What will keep Luke, and some other gamers, away is the over-reliance on quick-time events, those expertly timed button-presses that move the animation forward. Luke can’t stay focused long enough to pay attention to them, and other gamers may crack under the strain of how prevalent they are.

Visually, the game is fun, if nothing else for the constant intensity thrown at you. It’s nonstop, and if you can avoid getting a headache from trying to focus too much, you will find plenty to enjoy. The costume customization is equally hilarious. I stuck with a pretty hi-tech looking black outfit, though you can make your ninja look like Bozo the Clown and get plenty of laughs from it.

If you are a bit wary of buying “Ninja Blade,” at the very least check it out as a rental. You don’t need to be an award-winner to still be a fun game to play.

‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena’

(Atari) for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC

Genre: Action; Rating: M

Grade: C

An opening caveat: If you played “Escape from Butcher Bay,” the 2004 Riddick game, you may want to avoid this one because besides re-releasing it as part of the “Dark Athena” package, there is probably not enough here to make it worth buying.

I, personally, missed “Butcher Bay” so it was interesting to experience it for the first time. The game-play is very intense, first-person stuff, and you will either really like it or absolutely loathe it. The highlights reside mainly in the excellent story line and character models, and the action brings you right into the game and into Riddick’s world. The fighting and action scenes can get a tad repetitive, but if you look past it you can see why “Butcher Bay” was included in the package as a re-release.

The other main sections to this game — “Assault on Dark Athena” and the online multiplayer — are both underwhelming. “Dark Athena” picks up right where “Butcher Bay” left off, and it’s noticeably less rewarding to play, particularly because everything seems slightly recycled or lacking reason for existing.

The online multiplayer, at least on the 360, was nearly empty of players looking for matches.

Again, if you want to check out “Butcher Bay” or replay it, definitely check out “Dark Athena.” Otherwise, only true Riddick fans will find this game not a bust.

‘Hammerin’ Hero’

(Atlus) for PSP

Genre: Platformer; Rating: E

Grade: C

Some games exist in a nexus. They are neither here nor there. They exist, and you can play them, but there is nothing about them that makes you hate it or love it. It’s just there, and it’s frustrating to no end. So you see where this is going.

“Hammerin’ Hero” is all about you playing as Gen, a guy who likes to swing objects around and beat people and things with them. Whether it’s a hammer, a record, a baseball bat or a fish, this game is all about moving left to right, jumping around and hitting things. Seriously, that’s it.

I can’t say it was awful, because there are some moments of enjoyment. But I can’t say it was great, either, because after two minutes of play, you have seriously seen all the game-play available. Only the level design and bosses change. Oh, and don’t forget the costume changes. Yeah, there’s some excitement there. OK, I didn’t even believe that. Try “Hammerin’ Hero” if you want. Or don’t. I’m not sure anyone would notice.

—Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard