I like puzzle games, and there is something inherently satisfying when a puzzle game is also an action-platformer. Playing through many of the 3D Zelda games is a testament to just how popular this type of puzzle game can be. Ninja Usagimaru – The Mysterious Karakuri Castle is a side-scrolling puzzle platformer which combines the need to solve a physical puzzle in the level with also reaching the goal. While the game has all the markings of a fun game, the controls and responsiveness of the game are a little but clunky and it makes the experience of playing as a ninja a little bit unsatisfying.
At this point of all of my reviews I always point out that the negative things I pointed out in the opening paragraph aren’t enough of a damper to kill the entire game for me and this is again the case. While the controls can be a bit of a pain, and at times not very intuitive, the game still has some solid challenge. Once you can master the controls, and breathe when your character walks off a ledge instead of jumping, there is fun to be had.
