Mini Ninjas (2009). Play online

Summary

Mini Ninjas turned the DS into a playground for chaotic stealth and fast‑paced combat. I love the freedom to swing between six Mini Ninja characters, each granting a different weapon set—from shuriken to fishing rods—and a signature spell like fireball or camouflage. Enemies are charmingly twisted animals turned samurai by Ashida; defeating them lifts the curse and sometimes recruits a bear or panda as a brief ally. Between bouts I gather coins, mushrooms, ginseng and other ingredients to trade with the wandering Tengu for gear upgrades, quest tips, and new recipes.

Scattered shrines hide scrolls that unlock Hiro’s more exotic magic, while 100 hidden Jizo statues reward completionists with extra achievement points. The game mixes frenetic action with quieter exploration, letting me slip into camouflage to sneak past ghosts that otherwise drain my life force. Because the layout is largely linear yet encourages side routes, I often find myself wandering off‑track to discover a new weapon or a secret food stash that restores health. All of this packs a surprisingly deep experience into the portable format.

Storyline

In ancient Japan, peace has reigned since the evil samurai warlord Ashida was defeated by a wise ninja master. The master sealed the secrets of Kuji magic in scrolls hidden in shrines across the wilderness. Three centuries later, at Ninja Mountain, he trains six orphaned ninjas—Hiro, Futo, Suzume, Shun, Tora and Kunoichi. Hiro alone can wield Kuji magic.

Mysterious disappearances of animals and sightings of armored samurai signal Ashida’s return, now using Kuji to turn forest creatures into deadly warriors. The master sends Kunoichi, Tora, Shun and Suzume to investigate, but they are captured. Hiro and the strong but clumsy Futo are dispatched, learning new spells from the hidden shrines. They rescue Suzume, breach the Earth Castle, defeat its massive samurai boss and trigger an explosion that alerts Ashida.

The duo frees their captured friends, battles through Night, Water and Snow Castles, each guarded by unique samurai bosses. Ashida taunts them to his volcanic fortress, which he animates with Kuji into a living monster. Hiro confronts Ashida, defeats him and sends the warlord plummeting into the volcano. Peace returns and the ninjas march back to Ninja Mountain.