Developer: Ametist Studio
Publisher: Ratalaika Games
ReleaseDate: 16th July 2021
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch & PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
*Review code provided by the publisher*
Within the Blade is a game I knew nothing about going in. So when asked if I wanted to do a review, I quickly hopped on to YouTube, watched the trailer (see below) and instantly knew it was right up my street. I love punishing side-scrollers, where precision matters and skill is a requirement. Plus who doesn’t like Ninjas? No one!
The first thing you’ll notice about Within the Blade is the beautiful 16-bit graphics. Kills look brutal with ample blood on display. The procedurally generated levels are always detailed well enough, not distracting from the action, yet providing a decent backdrop throughout. The animation is also on point, with executions proving the highlight.
You play as Hideaki, a ninja of the Black Lotus clan, who is tasked with defeating the steel clan who decided to seek the knowledge of dark entities as Japan fell into civil war. After gaining the powers of an evil samurai warlord, the steel clan’s leader then summons a demon army, leaving Hideaki’s and his chums as the last hope.
Gameplay is fun and varied, although the melee combat is at times a little less precise than I would like. When you connect it feels great, but sometimes I was left feeling punished for what looked like a clean hit. Bombs, throwing stars and other such projectiles pad out the route one approach. I always got the vibe that this was how the game was intended to be played, but with stealth as an available option I just couldn’t help but gravitate towards that.
Whenever a stealth route is possible, I go with it. Attacking unsuspecting foes for a one-hit kill always felt great thanks to the excellent animation I spoke of earlier. Hiding in grass, waiting for the perfect moment to execute your foe. It doesn’t always work out so smoothly though. Often times being forced to jump to specific ledges for enemies would alert them, forcing you into combat.
Movement is very fluid, with players able to double jump, wall jump and also wall climb – but unfortunately they create noise. This left me feeling like the inclusion of stealth may have been implemented late in development. However, it does remain a satisfying option when the opportunity presents itself. Speaking of satisfying, the boss fights are a particular highlight, offering great variation and at times a steep challenge.
There are also some RPG-lite elements, allowing players to personalise their experience. You can focus on traversal, fighting and more. There is also a crafting system, with an abundance of options, but you are pretty much left to figure it out for yourself which I found a little jarring.
When it comes to trophies/achievements, this is not your usual Ratalaika Games list. Within the Blade is decent length and to get the platinum/1000G you will have to actually complete the full game instead of just the opening few levels like many of their library. It is a path worth taking though, as the game provides an ample challenge throughout. Coming in at £8.99 on PlayStation, you get both the PS4 and PS5 versions – giving you the option of two platinum trophies.
Within the Blade is a game that is worth your time. It may not hit the heights of The Messenger or Mark of the Ninja, but if you liked those games I think you’ll find enough here to enjoy, especially with the solid price point.
-Terry 🦊