How Long Can You Elude Certain Death In, Elusive Ninja: The Shadowy Thief?
Elusive Ninja: The Shadowy Thief ($1.99) by Bulletproof Outlaws is the developer's "first full-blown professional game," but it's so polished you wouldn't have guessed it.
The graphics in this game are superb. The controls are flawless, efficient and extremely easy to pick up. Get ready to dodge attacks and see how long you can last!
You can control the ninja by tapping (and holding when necessary) on the side of the screen you want him to move to. If you prefer, you can also drag him across the screen. You must carefully dodge the many attacks being thrown at you, while also trying to collect power-ups and use your shield when needed.
The shield is very useful. The more attacks you dodge successfully, the more your shield meter will fill up. Once it is full, just tap on it and you will gain a shield that will momentarily absorb attacks.
The items to avoid are pretty obvious: the Chinese stars, flame arrows, and dynamite. But make sure to collect the sushi platters and the onigiri (rice balls). The platters restore all of your lives, whereas, the onigiri restores only one. But either way they are both a big help when trying to stay alive the longest.
Although it may only appear for mere seconds, I snapped a screenshot of what I believe is the best opening screen ever. Not because it was flashy — in fact, it was quite the opposite — but because of its raw humanity.
On this screen, the developer has an inspirational, well-written blog entry displayed for all to see (if you look hard enough). He blogged about his game's development and has also included links and more "behind the scenes" tidbits within the app.
I've included the screenshot (you can click it in the gallery below to view it) that I took of the opening screen because, although I think you should buy the game and see it for yourself, it may just encourage you to do so. Or at least encourage you to follow your own dreams. Either way. I feel it definitely added more to the app. Even if that something is just respect and empathy.
In the end, this game was highly enjoyable. The longer you last, the more difficult it becomes, but it's not impossible. This game is fun and fast-paced. With Game Center achievements to encourage you to do better, and last longer, you'll probably want to give it a try. It is currently in the App Store for $1.99.
