Ninjala: A Colorful Ninja Battle Royale Where Gum Is Your Weapon!

Stepping into the neon-drenched world of Ninjala feels like diving headfirst into a Saturday morning cartoon. Picture this: adorable ninjas wielding bubble gum as weapons, bouncing off walls with superhuman agility, and unleashing explosive ninjutsu techniques while rocking catchy J-Pop tunes. This isn’t your typical gritty fighting game; Ninjala embraces silliness and over-the-top action, making it an incredibly fun and accessible experience for players of all skill levels.

Developed by GungHo Online Entertainment (known for the immensely popular Puzzle & Dragons), Ninjala launched on Nintendo Switch in June 2020. Its free-to-play model, coupled with vibrant visuals and fast-paced gameplay, quickly garnered a dedicated player base eager to explore its unique mechanics and colorful world.

The Gum-Fueled Ninja World of Ninjala

Ninjala’s story revolves around the “Ninja Gum,” a special substance developed by a shadowy organization known as the World Ninja Association (WNA). This gum grants users extraordinary abilities, allowing them to transform into powerful ninjas capable of performing acrobatic feats and unleashing devastating attacks.

The narrative unfolds through in-game events and character bios, revealing the WNA’s ambition to train elite ninja warriors through competitive battles. Players assume the role of young ninjas seeking fame, glory, and ultimately, to become the “Shinobi Master.” The game boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with unique personalities, backstories, and fighting styles.

Ninja Gum: Your Weaponized Chewing Experience

The core gameplay mechanic revolves around Ninja Gum, which players can utilize in various ways. By aiming and flicking their Joy-Con controllers (or utilizing the touchscreen), players can shoot sticky projectiles, swing from buildings with gum threads, or even transform into powerful weapons like kusarigama chains or giant hammers.

This system introduces a delightful layer of strategy and customization to combat. Players must manage their gum supply wisely, choosing when to attack, defend, or utilize special abilities. Mastering different gum types and combinations is crucial for success.

Here’s a breakdown of some key gum mechanics:

Beyond gum combat, Ninjala also incorporates parkour elements. Ninjas can scale walls, grind rails, and leap across rooftops with impressive fluidity. Mastering these movement techniques allows for creative approaches to battles, enabling players to outmaneuver opponents and secure strategic advantages.

**The Battle Royale Frenzy:

Ninjala offers various game modes, but the most popular is its 8-player battle royale mode.** Players are dropped onto a colorful map filled with obstacles, hidden items, and power-ups. The last ninja standing emerges victorious.

While it may seem similar to other battle royales, Ninjala distinguishes itself through its unique blend of fast-paced action and wacky combat. Imagine dodging a flurry of gum projectiles while simultaneously scaling a skyscraper and launching into a surprise attack with your kusarigama. This constant interplay of movement, strategy, and sheer chaos makes each match unpredictable and exhilarating.

Unlocking Customization: Ninjala’s Aesthetic Playground:

Beyond the core gameplay, Ninjala offers a robust customization system. Players can personalize their ninjas with various outfits, hairstyles, accessories, and even unique emotes.

Earning in-game currency through battles allows players to purchase new items from the in-game shop. Ninjala also features seasonal events that introduce limited-time cosmetics and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and rewarding.

Final Verdict: Is Ninjala Worth Your Time?

Ninjala stands out as a vibrant and refreshingly unconventional fighting game experience. Its unique gum mechanics, emphasis on movement and parkour, and charming aesthetic create a truly memorable playground for competitive fun. While its free-to-play model may raise concerns about potential pay-to-win elements, the core gameplay remains balanced and enjoyable regardless of spending habits.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, accessible, and downright wacky fighting game experience on Nintendo Switch, Ninjala is definitely worth checking out. Prepare to unleash your inner ninja and embrace the gum-powered chaos!