What starts off as an old-school 8-bit challenging ninja side-scrolling action platformer with linear levels, then gradually subverts your expectations by completely shifting the genre, graphical style and difficulty at the halfway point. Yet STILL retains its core essence despite the introduction of different gameplay mechanics. From a level design perspective, this game is pretty much mind-blowing and chances are you haven't played something like this before (I shan't spoil the second half gimmicks...). Controls are tight, fast-paced and great for masochists who want to speed-run without a single death (good luck!).

Admittedly the backtracking for musical notes, power seals and other useful items grew tiresome not because of their design or purpose. But really due to the lack of sufficient fast travel points for repeat level visits. There's eight, in the entire world. getting to a specific area where a fast travel portal isn't close can be tedious, especially as chances are you'll be doing it multiple times. The late game bosses were surprisingly easier than the first batch of bosses too. Maybe I just got good? No idea.

Throwing shurikens, grappling between walls and slashing enemies with my katana has never been this mechanically satisfying before. The immediate retro difficulty may put some people off, but believe me...stick with it and you'll be incredibly surprised by what the game eventually turns into.