The storyline in Xbox’s Ninja Gaiden is as tried, true and unoriginal as they come, pitting our hero Ryu against all types of foul enemies in order to preserve his family’s traditions — traditions that involve the protection of an ancient, horrible power that could wreak terrible havoc on Earth.

But when the storyline falls short for innovation and complication, the developers make up for the weaknesses with amazing 3D-animated cut scenes that fully mimic textures of objects and reflections of light.

The actual gameplay world is just as impressive, with complex textures and a completely 3D environment that allows for classic ninja tricks like running along and back-flipping off walls.

The gameplay is very quick and centers around the use of melee weapons — usually swords. Enemies are predictable to an extent, but defeating them requires careful timing of attacks amidst constant, skillful blocking.

Enemies are varied, encompassing the technological and the mystical, and they require the gamer constantly to adapt his fighting style in order to destroy the wide variety of adversaries.

While most of the attacks and fights occur at high speed, at times being successful requires stillness and incredibly precise movement, particularly when aiming a bow-and-arrow for ranged attacks.

By making some enemies, such as ninjas on horseback and tanks, resistant to close melee combat, the developers have succeeded in the necessity for constant use of all available weaponry.

Luckily, the controller configuration is straight forward enough to make switching between melee and ranged attacks very quick, simple and easy enough for idiots.

And since no ninja would be complete without it, various magic attacks are also available and crucial for saving the world.

In fact, these magic attacks are possibly the most visually impressive graphics of the game, with fire, ice and electricity attacks glistening lethally across the screen.

The game also involves several puzzles and dabbles effectively in changing up format to include tightrope-crossing and swimming. The constant hint and tutorial system is subtle and gives easy access to tips and instructions for new attacks for first time players while allowing players trying the level for the hundredth time to skip past with no interference at all.

Simple control set-up, complex and varied gameplay and unparalleled graphics make Ninja Gaiden entertaining and highly replayable.