Ninja Brigade feat. Jonah Weingarten stands out as a 2D pixel art Metroidvania action platformer that blends fast-paced combat with exploration in a feudal Japan setting twisted by demonic forces.
Gameplay
In this game, you control Jonah Weingarten, a musician pulled into a digital world inspired by ancient Japan. The core loop revolves around navigating interconnected areas, unlocking new abilities to access previously blocked paths, and engaging in combat against various Yokai enemies. Jonah combines ninja agility for quick dodges and strikes with oni strength for powerful attacks, allowing players to adapt their style during battles.
Exploration plays a key role, as the world features locations like castles, caves, forests, mountains, and even hellish realms. Demonic energy, known as onification, alters the environment and its inhabitants, making them more aggressive. Jonah can harness this energy to enhance his abilities, turning the infection into a tool for progression.
Combat involves facing a range of Yokai, each with distinct behaviors, requiring precise timing and strategy. Boss encounters guard major regions, demanding players to learn patterns and exploit weaknesses to steal powers and advance.
Game Modes
The game focuses on a single-player campaign where you guide Jonah through his adventure to escape the arcade world. This mode emphasizes story-driven progression with Metroidvania elements, including backtracking and ability upgrades.
There are no confirmed multiplayer options, keeping the experience centered on solo play with challenging platforming and combat sequences.
World and Enemies
The setting draws from feudal Japan, with areas such as the Edo-jo castle landscape, forgotten dark caves, a graveyard forest that shifts into windy mountains, and a hell realm for the final confrontations. Onification corrupts these places, spawning savage Yokai that Jonah must defeat.
Enemies vary from standard foes to massive bosses, each tied to their region. Defeating them grants new powers, expanding Jonah's moveset for deeper exploration.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits fans of Metroidvania games who enjoy pixel art visuals and demanding boss fights. Players have noted solid controls and engaging combat, with one completing a 100% walkthrough in 33 hours.
Recent updates, like the addition of cloud saving in version 1.02.00, show ongoing support. If you appreciate indie action platformers with humor and style, it offers a creative take on the genre without overcomplicating mechanics.
Overall, the challenging exploration and creative enemy designs make it a solid choice for those seeking a focused single-player experience in a demon-infested world.
