So, Ninja Gaiden is back to a Nintendo console with a proper release and for the DS, taking advantage of the touch screen and other aspects of the handheld, even though not that much; the result is a game that should be played by both long time fans and newcomers to the series.
For you to play the game you hold the DS like a book, just like you did with the Brain Age games if you ever played it, with the stylus at hand you control where Ryu Hyabusa will go and attack, the main attack is done by the sword, and you need to slash your way through the enemies, it can be rather systematic, and somewhat not as deep and responsive as it may sound, like wielding your stylus like you would be wielding your sword, but in the end it serves just right for the game, you can also throw shurikens or use the bow by simply touching the screen, as well as other secondary control mechanisms. The only thing you'll need a button to perform is the block, and you can use whichever you want, your choice.
The save system is done by several save points situated all over the game, works fine. The game is action filled and will keep you busy, not much wandering around wondering what to do, more like non-stoppable action from one hallway to the other, sometimes the perspective can feel a little awkward but it shouldn't be in your way to enjoy the game.
The difficulty is pretty good, but if you are through with the game and wants to start a more difficult challenge, it can be deceiving, since some save points won't allow you to go back, so you can't upgrade, and also the more difficult also comes with various enemies before the bosses for you to defeat, which makes the system a little boring, when you finish the fight you're not at full health anymore, if you lose for the boss, you have to start all over again and beat the enemies as well, no save in between, kinda frustrating.
The music and sound design are pretty good and won't let anyone down, the sound fits the atmosphere and changes pace nicely when the action comes. The length of the game may come as a problem for some, it's short, but enjoyable for as long as you play, which may be better than a longer game but with long periods doing nothing or just going from one place to the other.
The graphics are beautiful, the levels are well designed providing a nice 3D feeling, certainly not a title to be overlooked if you seek a good looking game for the DS. The story does the job of being there, action games never relied on stories too much, this fits in the pick and play kind of game easily. Ninja Gaiden is also one of those games that won't be gently to your touch screen, you'll find yourself harshly scratching the screen while playing the game, so a screen protector is recommended.
If you played the games released originally for the Nintendo Entertainment System I bet you're curious to see how this is going to turn out, if you never played a Ninja Gaiden game you'll feel right at home with this amazing game, another great one for the Nintendo DS.