Shinobido: Way of the Ninja
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| Shinobido: Way of the Ninja | |
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| Developer(s) | ACQUIRE Corp. |
| Publisher(s) | Spike Co, Ltd Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |
| Release date(s) |  November 10, 2005 July 5, 2006 July 7, 2006 |
| Genre(s) | Stealth/action |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Input | Analog Controller (DUALSHOCK 2) Memory Card (8MB) USB cable Mini-B connector PlayStation Portable |
Shinobido: Way of the Ninja (or Shinobido: Imashime in Japan), is a stealth-based video game for the Sony PlayStation 2, developed by ACQUIRE Corp. After the Tenchu video game series was lost to rival Japanese developer, FROM Software, ACQUIRE began development on a new series with similar style and gameplay values in an effort to retain its stealth/ninja genre fanbase. Another title in the series, Shinobido: Tales of the Ninja, is available on the PlayStation Portable. ACQUIRE has stated and apologised on its official website that, due to circumstances beyond their control, there is currently no planned North American release.
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[edit] Prologue
"End of the Muromachi period - the late 16th century: The power of the Ashikaga government is on the decline after the Ōnin/Bunmei civil war. Civil unrest is on the rise and conflict rocks province after province. Even Utakata, long peacefully ruled by the House of Ichijō, is now threatened. It was thought that the combined protection of the House of Ichijō and the Asuka Ninja would preserve the peace in Utakata. But this time of peace came to an end when the Asuka Ninja clan was destroyed in a single night... The provincial lords, who had been watching and waiting for an opportunity to strike at Utakata, wasted no time in making their moves. And they were accompanied by rival ninja clans hoping to take the place of the Asuka Ninja. Besieged by rival governments and ninja clans, Utakata stands on the brink of war."
[edit] Story
Shinobido has the player take the role of an amnesiac ninja who wakes to find himself lying on the bank of an unfamiliar river. In fact, everything is unfamiliar, as the man finds that he can no longer remember his identity and has no memory of his life or situation up until the point of his regaining consciousness. Finding only a sword lying next to him on the ground, the man stumbles across a seemingly derelict and isolated hut, only to have an arrow shoot past his head and lodge itself into the hut's outer wall. Startled, the man scans the trees and undergrowth surrounding him, but then notices a letter attached to the arrow. The letter states that the person who wrote it is simply a "concerned bystander," and further identifies the amnesiac man as "Goh," a ninja of the Asuka Clan, which was wiped out the previous day. The letter informs Goh that his memories and soul have somehow been stolen and placed within eight mystical stones which were scattered during the initial attack on the Asuka Ninja's village, and then further scattered by people who have located and claimed the stones.
Using the run-down hut as a base-of-operations, Goh must locate the stones to reclaim his memory and discover the truth regarding the destruction of the Asuka Ninja. However, this monumental task would prove impossible without the assistance of powerful and knowledgable allies, and Goh is advised by the mysterious writer of the letter to gain the trust and protection of one of three powerful warlords and charismatic leaders within his proximity. Goh is further advised to begin his search in Utakata Castle, where the kind and noble Nobutero Ichijo resides. Together with Ichijo, the Asuka Ninja apparently maintained peace throughout Utakata, although with the destruction of the latter, Utakata appears perched on the brink of war as ambitious neighbouring warlords and religious leaders turn their attention towards the vulnerable province. Goh must decide whether he will trust his supposed comrade Ichijo, or instead ally himself with one of the other leaders vying for control of the region to further his cause.
[edit] Gameplay
The player will take control of the Asuka Ninja, Goh "The Crow," who will conduct various missions and tasks, primarily stealth-based, for one of three warlords attempting to gain Goh's allegiance. Missions can include assassination, escort duty, protection, theft, kidnap and various other clandestine operations at the request of the lords. Missions are delivered by "Onji," the mysterious individual responsible for shooting the arrow into the wall of Goh's hut, and will continue to be delivered throughout the game via this method. Generally, several missions will be available to the player at any given time, and will sometimes involve locating and claiming one of the eight stones containing Goh's memories and soul after gaining the trust of a particular lord, who will then advise you of the stone's whereabouts.
As a ninja, Goh is swift, agile and silent, and can use these attributes to his benefit during missions. However, although Goh is a capable combatant, he will generally be at a disadvantage in a straight sword fight, as his opponents are larger in number and are often more skillfully trained in direct combat than he is. Goh will encounter heavily armoured rival ninja, extremely skilled yojimbo and ronin warriors, and guardsmen who will often call for reinforcements or sound the alert if they become aware of Goh's presence. It is very much in Goh's favour to utilise stealth tactics, such as crouching behind ledges and walls, climbing across rooftops and sneaking through aqueducts to avoid detection. Thus, allowing Goh to accomplish his tasks with minimal interference, or until the enemy can be picked off slowly and silently one-by-one.
Goh is capable of using the landscape to his advantage. By running across walls, soaring across rooftops, utilising items or keeping a low profile by using obstacles and rainfall, Goh can perform a "stealth kill" on an unsuspecting opponent. These attacks will eliminate an opponent in one fell swoop, although if spotted or heard, the enemy may deflect or prevent the attack. For example, if an opponent catches sight of Goh just as he creeps up from behind to slit their throat, the individual in question may grab Goh's arm and struggle for his life. Depending on the opponent's strength or level of alertness, this struggle may or may not work, with Goh still able to force the stealth kill under the right conditions. There are many stealth kills available to the player, and some cannot be prevented by the enemy. Using railings, pools of water or when enemies move to examine items that they find lying around will present Goh with the greatest opportunities for a successful stealth kill. Goh can then carry fallen enemies or allies into shadowy corners, down wells or into rivers to prevent the enemy from finding a corpse and sounding a general alert.
Just as the Tenchu series did before it, Shinobido uses a type of "Ki Meter." However, where Tenchu uses a number-based system to judge the distance of an opponent, Shinobido uses a colour-based system to judge the enemy's current status. When approaching an opponent or group of opponents, a pair of eyes will appear at the top of the screen, with an individual set of eyes for each enemy within Goh's range. If the eyes are grey, the enemy is unaware of Goh's presence. Purple eyes indicate that the guard has become alert or cautious due to a noise or having seen something in the distance. Red will indicate that the opponent has identified Goh or one of Goh's allies and is closing to attack. Orange indicates that the enemy has lost sight of Goh, but is still attempting to locate him. The shape of the border around the eyes indicates an individual's status, with different shaped borders for enemies, allies and powerful opponents.
The open-ended nature of Shinobido allows the player to continue the game for as long as he/she wishes to do so. The game can only advance and finish upon the player selecting specific missions. If the player continues to select alternative missions rather than those necessary to advance through gameplay, the war can effectively be sustained indefinitely or until the player decides to eliminate two of the warring factions and locate all of the mystic stones. Due to this style of gameplay, missions take place in pivotal strategic locations throughout Utakata rather than on uniquely specific levels. These locations include commercial hubs such as Sengen Town and Ryonin Market, transport routes such as Dandala Peak and Rokudo Valley and the strongholds of each individual warlord, such as Fudo Castle and Sotai Tower. One mission may have Goh attempting to sabotage a transport cart full of food or weapons bound for the front by attacking the convoy in Rokudo Valley, whilst the next misson may have Goh returning to the same location to exterminate a group of barbarians who are attacking allied convoy shipments.
This also means that these focal points all have their pseudo-realtime ramifications. For example, if there is no rice (if Goh stole it or destroyed the cart transporting it) for a particular warlord, his/her soldiers will be less focused, weaker and much less dangerous, repeatedly complaining about their severe hunger and alerting Goh to their positions. If the player opts not to eliminate a rampaging bear in the mountain or forest regions surrounding Utakata in one mission, the beast will likely find its way into the town settlements, leaving the player the responsibility of cleaning up the resulting mess further down the line.
Another such example would be the omnipresence of the feudal lords. The player may be required to carry out a mission in one lord's castle, at the behest of another lord, although this mission will not involve contact or interaction with said opposing lord in any way; they are simply there. One lord will write haikus, another will conduct prayer, etc. Due to this fact, the player may decide not to comply with the objectives or given contract and instead choose to carry out his/her own ends. One example would be accepting a contract to steal food, money or documents from the castle of one lord and transport them to the lord contracting Goh's services. Instead, the player may assassinate the lord occupying the castle hardly into the second hour of gameplay (which is absolutely possible, although in some cases, a lord may have his/her own nasty surprise awaiting Goh). Stealing provisions, assassinating enemies and allies alike in secret and gaining a lord's complete trust so as to eliminate them later is all quite possible. However, such actions require prudent planning and a certain level of skill on the player's part. Nevertheless, the previously set objectives can fail or succeed with Goh's trust with the contracting lord increasing or decreasing dependng on the player's choices. The player's imagination and ability are the only restrictions involved in governing each faction towards famine and ruin or power and prosperity.
Witnesses can also be problematic for Goh. Should Goh choose to accept a contract from one lord against another for whom they have worked on many occasions, the lord in question will feel personally betrayed and likely request his/her troops hunt down and execute Goh. This can become especially tedious if said lord consistently contracts rival ninja or barbarians to attack Goh's rundown hut. Failure to fend off these attackers will result in Goh's hard-earned money and items being stolen by the enemy. Eliminating witnesses and taking extreme caution not to be seen during missions is highly recommended. Earning an "Invisible" rank after each mission will prevent this from occurring to much extent.
Some of the levels featured in Shinobido are especially complex to a high degree, adding to the player's immersion in the atmosphere.
[edit] Prominent characters
Goh will encounter other ninja throughout gameplay. Some are friendly, while others are hostile. Some will make their intentions known, while others will appear from nowhere, launch into attack, and then vanish just as quickly. The most prominent characters are:
Goh "The Crow" - The main character and protagonist of Shinobido, Goh appears to be widely known throughout Utakata, and has apparently garnered many enemies throughout his former life. Goh's only remaining purpose is to find the eight mystic stones containing his soul and memories and uncover the truth behind the destruction of the Asuka Ninja. However, as each day passes, Goh will discover that perhaps the truth is best left unknown.
Kinu "The Canary" - A mysterious, young kunoichi whom Goh will encounter during his missions. She is clad in bright red clothing, and has a canary tattooed on her thigh. She does not appear openly hostile towards Goh, but what are her intentions, and can she be trusted? Kinu may or may not be a surviving member of the Asuka Ninja, although if so, how and why did she survive the attack?
Zaji "The Hawk" - A one-eyed ninja who wears an Asuka-style uniform, fighting with the same sword and in Asuka-style martial arts. Although Zaji does not speak, he appears extremely hostile towards Goh and each encounter with him will involve open combat. What are his reasons for wanting Goh dead? Was he somehow involved in the destruction of Asuka Village?
Hebitonbo and Uzumushi - Two rival ninja who arrive in Utakata to reap the rewards of war. The pair are intent on hoarding all contracts and establishing a name for the mercenary clan that they command; the Kenobi Ninja. While both are powerful and difficult to overcome in direct confrontation, they are dimwitted and short-tempered, leading to a great many failures at their own hands.
Ageha and Usuba - Twin sisters and leaders of the Mosu Ninja group which has become involved in the conflict in Utakata. Whilst using the war to fund their operations, the sisters' true purpose for entering Utakata is to hunt down and kill Goh. Ageha and Usuba were once triplets. However, according to the pair, their sister Tataha was mercilessly executed by Goh during a battle between the Asuka and the Mosu clans. Goh does not recall this event, although the twins care very little for this fact and will attempt to kill Goh once they have successfully pinpointed his location.
Kabuto - Leader of the heavily armoured Taraba Ninja. Kabuto utilises cannons and a heavy-hitting zweihander to pulverise his opponents. Although the Taraba arrive in Utakata as the war begins, Kabuto seems more intent on retreiving the mystic stones than accepting highly paid battle contracts. Why does Kabuto want the stones and what purpose would it serve him to possess them?
[edit] The warring clans
The House of Ichijo - The House of Ichijo, alongside the Asuka Ninja, has maintained peace and order throughout Utakata for generations. Although the Asuka did not directly serve the Ichijo Family, the two parties had long held an alliance designed to benefit and safeguard the people of the region. Currently under the rule of the virtuous and peaceful Nobutero Ichijo, many neighbouring leaders and powerful social figures have long despised Ichijo as a weak and cowardly ruler. Now, without the combined threat presented by the presence of the Asuka Ninja, these leaders have decided to claim Utakata for themselves. Ichijo despises war and cares deeply for his people, going to great lengths and expending military resources and finances to ensure the safety of Utakata's people by eliminating the barbarian tribes and wild animals infesting the province. Goh and Ichijo were once apparently very close, almost like father and son, and Ichijo intends to continue this relationship, although Goh's allegiance may now lie elsewhere.
The House of Akame - Kagetora Akame is a former samurai and ruler of the Fudo Province, which borders Utakata. Kagetora has gained a fearsome reputation for his short temper and violent nature, and is known for swiftly executing those who fail or betray him. Having amassed vast wealth through dealings with China, the Akame Clan is the richest, largest and most well-equipped faction of the three. Believing Utakata to be the first step towards conquering all of Japan, Akame has wasted no time in mobilising his armies for a military offensive against the House of Ichijo. Akame has become familiar with Goh's reputation as an efficient assassin, who reminds him of himself as a young man. Upon hearing of Goh surviving the extermination of the Asuka Ninja, Akame is highly impressed. He then attempts to recruit Goh's services, offering vast wealth and power beyond imagination should he choose to accept.
The Amurita Faith - Led by their charismatic leader known only as Lady Sadame, the Amurita Faith have gained widespread support amongst the peasant and merchant classes who fund the divine Amurita's coffers with material offerings and financial donations. Lady Sadame was born the daughter of a farmer, which is why the peasants of Utakata have become smitten with her teachings and rhetoric, enlisting their services and resources en masse to support the Amurita Faith. Lady Sadame primarily funds her faction's military strength and affections for lavish clothing and a luxurious lifestyle by using the divine Amurita to continually squeeze said funds and offerings from her faithful followers, and those who choose to stray from Amurita's teachings are swiftly and sternly punished. Although neither Ichijo nor Akame truly consider her a threat to their positions, both attempted to gain her allegiance before the outbreak of the war, to which she strongly declined both offers. Lady Sadame is well aware of Goh's reputation and has long been envious of the protection afforded to Ichijo by Goh and the Asuka Ninja, believing him to be weak and unworthy of their services. She asks that Goh serve her in the same manner, so that she may prove to him that she is a leader worthy of his trust.
[edit] Opponents
Goh will face a large number of opponents as he hunts for the mystic stones. Especially deadly are the rival ninja factions and individuals listed below.
Kenobi Ninja - The Kenobi are always alert, moving swiftly and silently, with little talk. Sneak attacks from the ground prove exceptionally difficult against these opponents, and attacks from above and from within close proximity are recommended. Kenobi Ninja utilise shuriken and status-damaging projectiles such as "Spheres of Weakening" and "Confusion Spheres." Their attacks are similar to Goh's and are roughly the same speed, making them tough to attack if confronted by more than one opponent. Their dark clothing makes them difficult to spot from a distance, and the rain will afford them the same stealthy cover as it does for Goh. They are sometimes seen working alongside their leaders, Hebitonbo and Uzumushi.
Mosu Ninja - The Mosu are very fast and agile during conflict. They tend to gather in groups and stand their distance, preferring to attack Goh with kunai rather than move in for a proximity encounter. Although they move slowly when patrolling, they have a tendency to stretch and lean against walls to warm up and avoid cramping, moving away from their standard patrol configurations and making them unpredictable. This also gives them the ability to see behind and above them, making sneak attacks difficult to achieve. Alluding to the female stereotype, Mosu kunoichi have a tendency to constantly chat, giving away their positions every few moments. The Mosu will sometimes be seen working alongside Ageha and Usuba during missions.
Taraba Ninja - The Taraba Ninja rely on brute strength and hard-hitting weaponry. Covered in armoured suits and wielding heavy cannons and blades, the Taraba move exceptionally slowly and make a lot of noise as they do so, even when simply turning their heads to look in a particular direction. This makes them easy to locate and easy to creep up on to perform a stealth kill. The difficulty when confronting a Taraba ninja lies in direct conflict. Due to their heavy armour, they are well-defended and can withstand most of Goh's assaults. A Taraba ninja will not even flinch when taking damage unless performing Goh's strongest offensive technique. Fleeing from the Taraba proves difficult also, as their cannons can cause severe damage from a great distance. If encountering multiple Taraba ninja in direct conflict, it is highly advised that the player retreat and hide, continuing only after the Taraba have given up pursuit. Taraba ninja will sometimes be seen working alongside their leader, Kabuto.
Yojimbo - Former samurai and ronin warriors, these mercenaries work alone and are usually hired as high-level bodyguards and elite soldiers. Yojimbos are easily distinguished by their dark green kimonos and calm demeanor, usually seen leaning against walls or casually strolling around the area. They never speak outside of combat and do not maintain a consistent patrol pattern, making them difficult to find and easy to run right past during the course of a mission, with the subsequent battle proving difficult to say the least. Yojimbo warriors are highly skilled, often on par with each warlord's very best Samurai General warriors, albeit with lower stamina. A yojimbo can quite easily eliminate up to four opposing regular soldiers at once with relative ease, and will be more than a match for Goh in direct conflict, especially if another yojimbo in close proximity hears or catches sight of the battle. Yojimbos are extremely confident in their abilities and will never call for reinforcements or sound an alert, wishing to claim Goh's head for themselves. Since Yojimbos do not rely on warlords for provisions, it is not possible for Goh to weaken them through the destruction of supply convoys.
Samurai General - The Samurai Generals are the warlord's most highly valued retainers. They control and command their lord's armies and offer tactical advice to benefit their forces during battle. Being veteran samurai warriors, they are all highly skilled in combat, sometimes wielding two katana at once, and are usually capable of defeating up to ten regular soldiers and even ninja in battle without assistance. Initially, each faction begins with two Samurai Generals, although more can be appointed should Goh assist a particular warlord in gathering enough money and provisions to achieve a military build-up. Goh must eliminate and/or protect these officers on various occasions to maintain the strength of, or severely damage, a warlord's military capabilites. Alternatively, Goh may be contracted to protect one such officer from an enemy attack and instead slit his throat during the chaos if doing so would benefit his motives.
[edit] Critical receival
The game was generally well-received by both critics and fans alike, with the latter offering the highest praise. Whilst critics awarded the title an average rating of about 7/10, fan-based average was usually around 9/10. Critics and reviewers criticised the game's awkward control system, which would at times cause the player to accidentally alert the enemy of his/her presence when attempting a sneak-attack or stealth kill, and also the lack of variety between missions. On the other hand, critics praised the unique story, ragdoll physics and open-ended system which allowed players to choose their allegiance and style of mission, be it stealth or all-out attack.[1] Fans generally enjoyed Shinobido, with many placing it on par with its predecessor titles of the Tenchu series and even hailing it as a superior title.[2] Many fans were thrown by the use of English voice-actors, with some finding the change difficult to accept, whilst others believed it to add a unique quality to the title.
[edit] Trivia
One mission featured in Shinobido is entitled "Echigoya, the traitorous merchant." In this mission, Goh must execute a well-guarded, corrupt merchant of high social status who has been embezzling funds from one of the three warlords. This mission alludes to the first mission of ACQUIRE's original Tenchu title; "Punish the Evil Merchant," who is also a wealthy and corrupt man named Echigoya.
