Mark of the Ninja

Platform: Xbox 360, Windows
Genre: Stealth / Action / Platformer
Developer: KLEI Entertainment

Have you ever looked up to the heavens cursing various gods for the lack of 2D stealth / platforming games available? Neither have I, but someone must have because Mark of the Ninja is now available on Steam. The first time I saw the trailer for this thing I really thought it looked like the kind of game that may have been started with the best of intentions; however, the finished product had most likely spiraled down into a ridiculously convoluted mass of terrible controls and boring level progression. Was I right? Oh man... I was worse than right. I was wrong. This game is fantastic! I admit the controls can be a bit counter intuitive at times, but it's nothing to get your sexy panties in a twist over. Behold!

The overall story is not going to get you emotionally invested in these character's lives.

It seems to keep you around just long enough so you'll pay attention to it.

Before you enter each level, you are given the option to purchase new upgrades and select a load out that best suits your play style.

As you start sneaking around and silently murdering your enemies you begin to get that stealthy feeling you probably first felt while playing Metal Gear. Yeah, it's here and it feels awesome!

Towards the end you will begin to feel a real sense of accomplishment as you take down your enemies and "stealthy" your way past those who wish to cause you harm. While this game doesn't really bring anything new to the table in terms of game play or level design, it has taken what works and made it work better. We're done here.

LUke OUt!