Super Street Video Game Reviews
| Game Title: Nightshade |
| Genre: Action-Adventure |
| Console: Playstation2 |
| Publisher: Sega |
| Hot: Beginner mode, graphics, replay or restart option at all points |
| Not: Saves only at the end of the level |
| Score: |  |
Nightshade comes to us from Sega, and the makers of the super-popular Shinobi series. While it's not supposed to be "Shinobi 2", it is more of an off-shoot, using some of the old characters and story, but mainly introducing a new heroine and a new storyline. Sega WOW, the development team behind Nightshade, took the essential elements from Shinobi, then refined and tweaked them to create this new adventure game. A fresh twist in Nightshade is the female ninja heroine, Hibana, who is as fierce as they come--armed, dangerous, and very, very good at what she does. On assignment with the government for special missions, Hibana comes with a whole new cache of moves, a new weapon, and a little bit of attitude. Hibana comes determined to finish the mission no matter what comes her way.
Nightshade starts out a year after the end of Shinobi with a rift that has developed between the demon realm and earth. Working for the Shinobi Agency, Hibana's ultimate goal is to find all the pieces of a great, all-powerful sword, Akujiki, whose blade was shattered then scattered far and wide. Whoever finds all the pieces of Akujiki will wield ultimate power. Out to stop Hibana are mercenaries from the Nakatomi Conglomerate, a corrupt corporation bent on world domination. It's at that point the story begins and gamers find themselves standing defiantly on the back of a fighter jet, ready to kick some cyborg butt and fight off rogue missiles and sprays of bullets, while dangerously careening through Tokyo city streets simultaneously.
There are 13 huge levels to explore and once gamers have achieved certain goals, other characters become playable as well. Hibana has a new kicking ability allowing her to smash through enemy armor and some breakable objects. Along with her long sword, she comes equipped with two short swords for increased combo ability and slick kills. In the "smash-it-and-get-stuff " style, gamers can collect extra points, energy, bonus items and most importantly-pieces of the sword. Not all of the smashables are obvious, so don't forget to take a poke at everything to make sure you get all the goods.
In a smart move to reach out to less-skilled gamers, the nicely provided beginner mode is sure to attract a horde of new followers. We all know that there are tons of "casual gamers" out there who love to play, but don't have the advanced gaming skills required to finish every level. With this game mode, players are promised a full, fun gaming experience allowing them to reach upper levels to complete the game. Hardcore gamers, there are game modes for you too, so don't think that this is a compromised, wussed-out game that you'll finish in an hour. Advanced players will have a challenge reminiscent of Shinobi, so get comfortable-you too will be denting the couch for awhile.
Nightshade's Hibana is one of our favorite game heroines, on par with our last year's favorite, Jen Tate from Primal. Gamers, don't worry if you have never even played Shinobi, you don't need any Shinobi knowledge to get into this game. Besides, everything you need to know, they'll tell you in the cut scenes, so what have you got to lose? We've had nothing but fun and give it four nukes.