This under-recognized NES game isn't the greatest of the 8-bit Brawlers; but is more than worth checking out.
GAMEPLAY
Keep in mind that this game is a brawler; inside and out. You play as Niki; a ninja who helps people; I think. The game doesn't tell you much about who you are and what you are doing, but I think that is the basis. Anyways; you have to walk through enemy-laden areas and eventually reach and defeat the boss at the end.
Niki has a sword that he can spin around in front of him for your main attack, and he can jump pretty high. Using the sword attack is what you'll be doing for most of the game. Enemies are relentless; even though there are only a few (three or four) enemy types in the game. This is a bit of a button-masher; but I can't really dock points, as most brawlers are. Enemies spawn at random from both sides at both ground-level and in midair. You can dispose of most in a single strike, but when you are surrounded from different sides; that is when some improv strategy in necessary. The game is difficult I admit, not the first level; but later, some timed jumps are made to be filled with enemies so even if you make the jump; you die. While this is probably avoidable; in a fast-paced cheery beat-em-up like this; the last thing you want to do is spend time thinking of how to do a simple platform jump do to outrageous enemy spawning locations.
Yes; all the enemies that approach you are spawned at time intervals; so unfortunately the enemies are very predictable after a few seconds. There are some pre-set enemies (mostly birds and bomb-throwing enemies) set above yo, but that is about it for surprises. Kid Niki gives you what you would expect, simple but still decently fun combat.
Also, one of the more fun aspects would have to be the boss battles; which can use a variety of unique 'attacks' to dispose of you. Whenever one of these brusque baddies strike you; they send your sword flying away, so you have to pick it up. This seriously makes the player dodge hell to get it; and it's a very intense gaming moment which deserves mention. The boss battles are what get the highlights of gameplay. 7/10
GRAPHICS
Kid Niki is very pretty looking as far as NES games go, but at a price. See; the issue with many NES games is that small-sprites are used to make the game larger and support more intense gameplay. Well, to keep enemies detailed; Kid Niki has all the characters rather large on the screen compared to most games. This way; all the characters look detailed and expressive; to the degree that you can see the folds in some characters' clothing.
Of course; looking pretty is not enough, some of the sprite design is rather... bizarre. For some reason, Niki walks with his head shaking like one of the adolescents in the "What is love" internet phenomenon. Some characters look odd; and I have no IDEA where the gust of air is coming out of the first boss. Since his name is 'Death Breath', I would assume his mouth; but it looks more like air is shooting from his armpits, or nipples; I just don't know.
The levels are simple; but pretty. Think Super Mario Bros 1 graphics; above Atari; but not by much. The best way to compare the backgrounds is with the NES Jaws; with the layered style. They suffice; but just barely. I have to admit; the game has got style, and I can dish out a few extra points for that. 8/10
SOUND:
The music is mostly one track; with a boss track. The song is catchy; but does get repetitive. Still; for the few few moments, it is very high tier for a NES title.
Sound effects are... adequate. The sword makes a swish-esque noise; and enemies make bizzare blips when they die. Ole' fashioned NES fare, really. What sticks out most is the boss fights; where some bosses actually make understandable noises; like coughs and the whisks of punches; pretty ahead of its time there. Overall, the soundtrack isn't Mozart; but not terrible in any sense. 7/10
REPLAYABILITY:
There is a two player mode which I haven't tried yet; but I assume it is cooperative or one dies-the other starts. I don't see how it could be anything else considering gameplay style. The game is fun; and could be played a few times before it gets too boring. 6/10
Overall; it's a title well worth checking out; and if you like mindless, brawling fun; worth the purchase if you can find it. Good game deserves a good, solid score: 7.2/10.