Ninja Five-O returns after more than two decades, bringing one of the Game Boy Advance’s most elusive action platformers to modern consoles. Originally released in 2003, the game never gained a lot of mainstream attention but became a cult classic due to its tight gameplay and unique mechanics. Now, Konami and Limited Run Games have revived it for the PlayStation 5, complete with modern features like save states, a rewind function, and multiple display options. Iits old-school design holds up remarkably well, though some aspects of its challenge and presentation reveal its origins.
The game follows Joe Osugi, a ninja-themed detective who takes down criminals in high-stakes situations involving hostages, bank heists, and hijackings. Unlike a traditional police officer, Joe uses shuriken, a sword, and a grappling hook to navigate through levels filled with enemies and environmental hazards. The premise is straightforward but effective, channeling the look and feel of classic ninja games like Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden. While the narrative is light, the masked villains and exaggerated boss fights add an arcade-like charm.
Gameplay remains the highlight of Ninja Five-O, which was also known under the name Ninja Cop. The action blends fast-paced combat with traversal mechanics that require skill and precision. The grappling hook, in particular, differentiates it from similar games, demanding careful swings to reach platforms. It can be tricky to master but offers rewarding mobility once players get the hang of it. The challenge is significant, as one hit downgrades the player’s shuriken power level, making encounters tougher. Even with a special meter that grants temporary invincibility or unleashes a powerful screen-clearing attack, the game demands precise execution. The inclusion of a rewind feature (one of the perks of emulation) helps mitigate some frustrations, but the difficulty may still feel punishing at times.
Controls are well-adapted to modern hardware, making the experience smooth despite its retro origins. Jumping, attacking, and using the grappling hook feel responsive, and the addition of the rewind function allows players to correct costly mistakes, such as accidentally hitting a hostage. However, some aspects of the level design still reflect an older era, occasionally feeling like trial-and-error based rather than purely skill-driven. This may frustrate some players, even though the ability to save progress at any time helps alleviate the issue.
Visually, the game retains its original pixel art style, which looks sharp in its intended resolution but can become rough when stretched onto a far larger screen than the GBA original. The animations are fluid, and the environments are varied, from high-tech facilities to enemy-infested aircraft. That said, playing in full-screen mode on a modern TV isn’t ideal, as the small character sprites lose clarity. Adjusting the display settings or playing on a smaller screen likely improves the visual experience – we played the PS5 version and imagine that the Switch version fares well in this sense. The re-release also includes extras like a museum with artwork and both the Ninja Five-O and Ninja Cop versions, making it a more complete package.
On the audio front, the game’s soundtrack is serviceable but unremarkable. It complements the action without standing out, and while the sound effects are punchy enough, they don’t leave a lasting impression. Given how well the gameplay has aged, it’s a shame the audio design doesn’t carry the same weight.
Despite its difficulty and some dated design elements, Ninja Five-O remains an excellent action platformer that stands the test of time. Its blend of satisfying combat, skill-based traversal, and retro charm makes it a great pick for fans of classic ninja games. The modern quality-of-life features make it more accessible, even if the challenge remains steep. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate old-school action will find plenty to enjoy in this long-overdue re-release.
Score: 7.8/10