May 2020’s “Ninjala” could capitalize on a lack of monthly “Splatoon 2” events since July 2019. Image: Courtesy of GungHo Entertainment via AFP Relaxnews
Presumptive “Splatoon” successor “Ninjala” is preparing to launch itself onto the Nintendo Switch in May, with a series of animated shorts paving the way.
Featuring Max Mittelman (main character Saitama in hit anime series “One Punch Man”) and “Vampirina” voice actress Kailey Snider, video game “Ninjala” is introducing its characters and setting through a series of animated shorts.
With its debut episode running to nearly 10 minutes, “Ninja-Gum is Born” co-stars Regi Davis (Mr. Sammich, “Game Shakers”) and Andrew Morgado (Cliffjumper, “Bumblebee”).
It follows three lab researchers in their quest to create a chewable gum that activates latent Ninja DNA in people descended from a stealthy warrior class of old — and two of them show why, in the real world, we use comprehensive clinical trials to make sure medicines are safe to use before ingesting them ourselves!
First demonstrated as a show floor attraction at E3 2018, bubblegum-powered free-to-play multiplayer action game “Ninjala” is readying for launch in May with a series of animated shorts.
Having broken cover once more as part of a procession of games included in March 26’s Nintendo Direct Mini video, “Ninjala” experienced a new wave of comparisons to Nintendo’s own supreme, soft-edge, off-kilter multiplayer action franchise, “Splatoon”.
“Ninjala”‘s form of gum-based martial arts allows players to dash at high speeds on the ground and in mid-air, disguise themselves as everyday objects and execute special moves.
Players can wield katanas that look like foam bats, circus tent hammers and oversized yo-yos.
Presented as a Battle Royale to make the most of current trends, “Ninjala” player counts are capped at eight rather than 100 or 150; neither Nintendo nor developer GungHo has yet revealed whether a gradually shrinking area of play is part of match flow.
Still, as well as an eight-player free-for-all, there is a four-on-four team mode to add another element of variety.
Living up to the standard of the Switch’s established “Splatoon 2” might seem like a mighty ask, “Ninjala” is not only free-to-play but does not require players to have an annual membership of the $20 (around P1,000) Nintendo Switch Online scheme.
Presumably, as a free-to-play title majoring on visual appeal and character customization, there will be plenty of other ways for GungHo and Nintendo to make their money from enthusiastic fans. RGA
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