Ninja Blade  [23 June 2009]  By Arun Subramanian  Although
primarily known for its work on the Armored Core and Tenchu
franchises, both of which largely play it safe, developer From
Software’s most ambitious work has arguably been with the Otogi
series.  Both entries were gorgeous and ethereal hack and slash
affairs, and there was certainly hope among series fans that
From would release either a direct or spiritual successor. 
While Ninja Blade is a hack and slash game and some of the
visuals are quite impressive, it is clearly not an attempt to
follow in Otogi’s footsteps.  Rather, it essentially seems to be
a tounge-in-cheek homage to 2004’s Ninja Gaiden, among others. 
While it can be fun while it lasts, it is neither as challenging
nor engaging as its inspirations.  Part of what made the rebirth
of Ninja Gaiden so satisfying was it’s depth.  Although it’s
likely that the game is remembered most for its exacting
difficulty, what really set Ninja Gaiden apart was the way that
it brought the strategic nature