Overview
Based on early player impressions, Nikujin presents a unique twist on the ninja genre with its unconventional protagonist and movement mechanics, though significant technical hurdles currently hold it back from greatness. The game's core concept of a chubby, naked ninja navigating environments with wall-climbing and ceiling-sticking abilities shows promise, but unresponsive controls and camera instability create a frustrating experience that overshadows its potential. While practice improves the flow, the journey to competence feels more arduous than rewarding in its current state.
Movement Potential vs. Technical Frustrations
Nikujin's most compelling aspect lies in its movement system, which offers legitimate ninja-inspired traversal options. The ability to scale walls with quick dashes, shimmy horizontally across surfaces, and even cling to ceilings provides a solid foundation for engaging platforming. These mechanics suggest a game that could deliver satisfying verticality and freedom when mastered. The inclusion of a dedicated tutorial menu option demonstrates awareness of the learning curve, and players report that investing time to practice these moves does yield dividends in gameplay fluidity.
You can jump onto walls, shimmy from left-to-right in order to climb, quick dash up the walls, stick to the ceilings and more. Ample practice makes this game move at a much quicker pace.
Gohst
Unfortunately, this potential is undermined by persistently problematic controls that feel unresponsive during critical moments. Inputs frequently fail to register with the precision required for challenging platforming sections, turning what should be fluid acrobatics into clumsy missteps. This issue is compounded by a haphazard camera system that unpredictably shifts perspectives, often obscuring critical environmental cues or disorienting players mid-maneuver. The camera's tendency to "jump around all over the place" creates unnecessary difficulty that feels technical rather than design-driven, transforming potential excitement into consistent frustration.
Verdict
Promising ninja concept hampered by technical flaws
