Red Ninja: End of Honor is an old game that takes me back to the days of my old Xbox, when my biggest worry was getting through another school day and coming home to immerse myself in virtual worlds. I remember spending countless hours in the basement, glued to the screen, trying to master the art of stealth as Kurenai. Now, years later, I’ve revisited this gem, and let me tell you, it’s been a trip down memory lane—albeit a bumpy one.
Voice Acting: Lost in Translation
Let’s start with the voice acting, which is crucial for any game trying to pull you into its story. The English voice work in Red Ninja: End of Honor almost sounded like the actors were being held at gunpoint. It was flat, uninspired, and, at times, downright painful. Kurenai’s voice actress in particular seemed to have about as much enthusiasm as someone reading a grocery list. I never played the game in Japanese, but I’ve heard that the Japanese voice actors, including a well-known model voicing Kurenai, did a far better job. If only I’d known enough Japanese to switch the audio back in the day.
Stealth Mechanics: More Like Stealth Comedy
Now, let’s talk about the stealth mechanics, or rather, the lack thereof. For a game that’s supposed to revolve around sneaking and assassination, Red Ninja really dropped the ball. The guards in this game are some of the dumbest I’ve ever encountered. They stick to their predefined routes like they’re on a conveyor belt and don’t stray unless they catch sight of you. And even then, if you manage to escape to a rooftop, they’ll forget about your existence within seconds. It’s like Skyrim’s infamous stealth mechanic where you can shoot someone in the face, hide for a few seconds, and they’ll just chalk it up to the wind. Seriously, the AI in this game is laughable.
Camera Angles: A Broken Battle of its Own Making
If you think the AI is bad, wait until you get pissed off with with the camera. The camera in Red Ninja has a mind of its own, and not a good one. It swings around unpredictably, making it nearly impossible to keep track of your surroundings. More than once, I found myself staring at a wall while a guard discovered me from behind. In a game where situational awareness is key, this is a massive failure. That giant statue platform level was the fucking worst!
Storyline: A Cliché with Potential
Despite its flaws, the story of Red Ninja: End of Honor had a lot of potential. Sure, the revenge plot is cliché, but it’s a classic for a reason. Kurenai’s journey from a young girl whose family was brutally murdered, to a vengeful assassin using the very wire she was hanged with, is compelling. It’s raw, gritty, and had the potential to be deeply emotional. It reminded me of Afro Samurai, another tale of bloody revenge that got its own (equally disappointing) game adaptation.
Gameplay: Good Ideas, Poor Execution
The gameplay had its moments. Swinging around with Kurenai’s tetsugen (the wire weapon) felt pretty badass when it worked. The problem is, it didn’t always work. The controls were clunky and unresponsive at times, which made performing even basic maneuvers frustrating. Combat wasn’t much better. The mechanics felt half-baked, and the hit detection was spotty. It’s like the developers had great ideas but couldn’t quite pull them together into a cohesive experience.
The Ending: A Downer to Remember
The ending of Red Ninja was a real letdown. By the time the credits rolled, most of Kurenai’s friends and allies were dead, and those who survived had turned against her. It’s a bleak conclusion that left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m all for dark, gritty stories, but this one felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy without earning it.
Missed Potential: A Rival for Tenchu?
Reflecting on Red Ninja: End of Honor, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment for what could have been. This game had so much potential. With a compelling storyline and a unique protagonist, it could have been a worthy rival to the Tenchu series. Instead, it fell flat due to poor execution and a lack of polish. It’s almost painful to think about how great this game could have been with a bit more time and care.
Should You Play It?
So, should you play Red Ninja: End of Honor? If you’re a die-hard fan of ninja games or have a penchant for flawed gems, then sure, give it a shot. You might find some enjoyment in its quirks and nostalgia. However, if you’re looking for a polished, well-executed stealth game, you’re better off sticking with the Tenchu series or even the more recent Ghost of Tsushima.
In the end, Red Ninja: End of Honor is a game that promised a lot but delivered little. It had the potential to be a standout title with its unique story and protagonist, but it was let down by poor mechanics, terrible AI, and a frustrating camera. Despite its flaws, it holds a special place in my heart as one of those games that, while not great, shaped my gaming journey.
So, here’s to you, Red Ninja. You may have been a mess, but you were my mess. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.
~ Rita 🖤