Amazing Ninja Buddy -- Review

Category: entertainment ninjas
Price: $0.99
App Store Link [Full] / No Lite Version

Review: Has possibility, but not quite there yet.
Recommendation: Gets boring fast, but could be great with updates. One to watch.
Replay Value: Low

Amazing Ninja buddy is exactly what the title implies: your own personal ninja buddy! Upon launch, players will find a ninja standing somewhat patiently in front of them. The ninja will respond to your touch commands; you can make him jump, sit, roll, and disappear all with a few flicks or taps. Occasionally, the ninja will give you some "ninja advice," but the comments were very repetitive (and rarely ever came).

In addition, there are currently two mini games players can initiate with their ninja buddies. One is a very simplified Simon-esque matching game (except with ninja moves rather than tones and colors... and only 5 at a time. No more. No less). The second is a ninja star throwing game. With a flick of the wrist, you try to hit the ninja with a throwing star (not as fun as it sounds). Once players complete these games, they unlock 2 additional gestures.

At the moment, that's all there is to the app. Simply put, there needs to be more content here--much more--to justify the price. In its current incarnation, I think it's safe to say many users will bore of this app after their second 5-10 minute use (and that may be generous). Taking some notes from Nombie Zombie might really help Amazing Ninja Buddy. First, I'd like to see some unlockable accessories added to the game for the Ninja to interact with. I'd like to see a couple of new mini-games with more depth and replay value than the current ones. Additionally, I'd really love to hear the ninja talk more. He should easily offer 25+ clever (or funny) ninja tips. Finally, Ninja buddy needs to be way more interactive. The basic 6 or 7 gestures get very old very quickly.

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Gameplay Video:

All that said, there is definitely something good here. The concept's fun. The animation is strong. Now we just need more play value, and hopefully we'll get it in future updates.



~M@