Ninja Taro Overview
Ninja Taro is an action RPG for the Game Boy that utilizes a game engine also found in other American Sammy titles like Rolan's Curse. Its setting is a stylized version of feudal Japan that blends historical references, such as the daimyo Oda Nobunaga, with creatures from folklore and modern anime inspired designs.
The player controls the ninja protagonist, who is initially sent by his teacher to meet Lord Nobu. This lord then assigns a new mission to investigate the rumored death of the antagonist, Lord Shin Takeda. Progress requires navigating a world where direct paths are often blocked, leading to quests like finding a teacher's friend and persuading his daughter for assistance.
Gameplay involves combat and exploration with a starting arsenal of a sword and throwing stars. Various other items can be acquired, including alternate weapons like the Masamune sword, healing herbs and potions, and utility tools such as camouflage. While the player character moves at a deliberately slow pace, enemy behavior is calibrated to this speed, making the challenge fair.
