Much better than what I expected and what it gets credit for, take this action game for what it is to really enjoy it
This is a game that doesn't take itself to seriously and doesn't want to be anything else than an action game, it didn't reinvent the genre
and that are a lot of other action games out there who are supposed to be better than this, think god of war or devil may cry for example, I personally prefer ninjas over angry greek wannabe gods or metrosexual gun toting tom cruise look a likes, Ken Ogawa (the main character) is a regular guy, he's not cocky, he's not shy, he has being raised as a ninja, he knows his place, his job, and all he wants to do is just that, which consist on slicing mutants in half and riding bikes 3 kms up in the air to drive them down huge worm like creatures mouths, then making them explode in their throats, man what a job.
Combat: You will get three swords, your main one is quick and strong, sort of balanced, one other is huge and powerful as hell though it's the slowest, you're third sword is actually a double short hook sword, and is lightning quick but your weakest weapon, each of the sword will have they're specific tasks in combat and in solving puzzles to proceed to the next areas, for example your hook sword are used also as grappling hook, and your gigantic heavy sword can break walls to access hidden areas, and so on.
Beside weapons you also have Ninjutsu (what ninja wouldn't have that) once again you have three types, one wind based, the second fire based and the third electrical based, its important to understand how and when to use them, against what enemy and, once again, they will have their application in solving puzzles, and one of your abilities is the Ninja vision, which is good to see your enemy's weakness points, hidden items and such, and most important, it slows time down giving you room to escape or take advantage, learn how to use and it will save your butt in many occasions.
The only issue I found was the running, it can feel shaky and out of control, seems like Ken Ogawa is ice skating rather than running, also in some of the platforming sequences, because of the front view, it gets confusing and easy to take a false step into your death.
Now, this game uses QTE (quick time events) a LOT, fighting the bosses especially, but also against your average enemies, if you score a combo you'll have the chance to perform a perfect kill which is a qte that if you get right, will get your enemy destroyed and you'll score a lot more blood orbs to upgrade your characters weapons or ninjutsu. The upgrading in the game is done pretty nice, your weapon will actually change and look different once you'll upgrade it.
Another nice addition is the fact that you can personalize your character, meaning you can have different costumes, some of them are scattered through the levels and its up to you to find them, this, while being nice, hasn't been done in the best way in my opinion, mostly because the costumes are basically all the same with just a few writings or drawings printed on them or just being pallet swapped.
The music in the game is awesome, its perfect to set the mood, I usually don't even that that into account, but in this game it caught my attention and it's definitely worthy of notice.
Ninja Blade has got a lot of replay value, once you beat the game you can revisit each mission ( 9 in total) in higher difficulty, trying to obtain all the unlockables or meeting the criteria for the achievements, maintaining your stats and all your upgrades.
Story wise it's nothing new, but it is intriguing enough and the cut scenes, while not being overly lengthy, are nice to look at graphic speaking and do a good job explaining what's going on, why all these parasites are wreaking havoc in Tokyo, and why only you can defeat them.
All in all, Ninja Blade is an action game that wants to be just that, it's here to entertain you and doesn't want much back, anyone can pick this up and play it, and I'm sure it will keep you interested for some time.
Some small issue don't spoil the fun this title can give, patiently waiting for a sequel.