IO's shift has to be one of the oddest in recent memory. From Hitman's brutality and Kane & Lynch's sweary language to a cel-shaded ninja jaunt? Our hero, er, Hiro, can even turn into a cute panda. If Kane and Lynch ever met a panda they'd blow it up with a bazooka...
Interestingly, Mini Ninjas borrows ideas from both of IO's recent worlds. You can go in stabby-stabby action style or sneak in like our favourite barcoded baldy. Maybe it's Hiro's dumpy stature, but the action reminds us of the Lego games.Speedy button-hammering is translated by Hiro into mad flourishes, but it's not exactlydifficult.
The combat's ease means you don't have to worry about enemy encounters, but slinking around is satisfying enough to tempt you from brawling. Invading the castle of the Earth Lord - one of the nasty types poisoning the land - there's great fun to be had taking to the rooftops and legging it along lantern strings while guards foolishly patrol below. If Pixar made a Tenchu game we'd imagine it would look like this.
If only IO could up the combat stakes to make the softly-softly approach worthwhile. We're all for freedom to choose, but each choice has to earn its place. A mini fix could make for big fun.
