Ninjin Clash of Carrots Review (Nintendo Switch)

Developer, Pocket Trap, has set out to create an anime-inspired beat em up game featuring a ninja rabbit and a plethora of carrots. It’s an intriguing premise that is well-executed and provides more than just a main story. Players will grow to love this concept and become engulfed in laughter on their respective journeys. With online and local multiplayer, others can also join in on the fun. Although this title’s combat grows stale over time, there is much to be taken out of this release.

Wacky But Entertaining Premise

Players take control of the titular bunny, Ninjin, as it tries to avenge its village, which has just been ransacked by a group of villains. On a journey for revenge, this ninja rabbit traverses through multiple areas and levels. It’s a strange yet hilarious premise that will keep many entertained throughout. Along the way, many characters are introduced, some with useful tips and items, and others trying to put an end to the bunny’s wrath. A major plus is the game’s cutscenes. Many of them have comedic writing that shows this title doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a good thing. Doing so provides a well-tuned atmosphere that is very enjoyed.

Level design is fairly straight-forward without many changes. Each world has different themes, for instance, snow to forests. All of these set out to create a sprawling world with varying appearances, however, it comes off as more of a reskin than anything new. There are some with a few new obstacles, such as slippery surfaces, yet it’s not enough to mix things up completely. Although this is classified as a Beat Em Up, it feels more in tune with a Hack and Slash due to the combat and gameplay introduced.

Bunny-Packed Adventure

Combat is fast-paced but doesn’t offer much in terms of variability. With only a dash mechanic, button mashing through levels can become stale after quite some time. New enemies are introduced throughout the course of the game, yet there isn’t enough to keep players on their toes. Although this aspect isn’t as deep as it could be, it does offer an obstacle which helps keep things engaging. On the contrary, later levels do become a hassle to get through due to a mass increase in enemy waves. Not only this, but death sets gamers back to the start of wave one regardless of where the death occurred. It wouldn’t be much of a problem if healing wasn’t so difficult. Executing combos is what keeps you regaining health, but only a tiny bit. This is also a way to earn carrots, Clash of Carrots’ in-game currency.

Carrots are used to purchase new weapons, power-ups, and masks. Unlockables are often times expensive enough to constitute a grind. Constant back-tracking of levels and replays are needed to obtain a higher ranked piece of equipment to make the player more successful. Weapons found on the ground, more often than not, were quite under-leveled, making them irrelevant from the get-go. With over 150 pieces of equipment to be earned, there are only a few that actually benefit the player. Those that were useful had unique looks and feels which enhanced involvement and could make things even more out of the ordinary.

More Than Just Carrots and Bunnies

Luckily, there is more to Ninjin: Clash of Carrots than just a campaign. Another mode that can be found during a playthrough is a survival mode. While exploring the overworld, users can stumble upon an arena, which tasks those with completing endless waves for prizes. They can range in difficulty, making each one unique and engaging. Users will definitely keep coming back to earn bigger and better loot. This addition to the game provides more replayability and will keep many playing after the completion of the story.

One other welcome addition to this title is its online and local co-op options. Having a friend drop in and playing through levels was extremely fun and made everything much more involved. Not only this but getting stuck on certain levels was not much of an issue when someone could quickly hop in and assist. Things did get a bit more hectic on-screen, yet the payoff was well worth it.

Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is an enjoyable title that is perfect for the Nintendo Switch. Having friends able to jump in and play is one of the game’s strong suits. In addition to this, levels are not too long and can be experienced in quick bursts. Auto-saving is done after each stage providing a better pick-up-an-play approach. Although the campaign is on the shorter side, survival mode more than makes up for this. It’s a fun release that offers plenty for gamers to enjoy.