An old samurai commander reappears, raising a new demonic army to conquer the world. Instead of employing untrustworthy minions, he transforms innocent animals into powerful fighters. A ninja master watches how each metamorphosis disrupts nature’s balance, producing storms and earthquakes, and resolves to dispatch his best ninja pupils to restore order. When none return, he is left with only the young ninja Hiro and his blunt companion Futo as options. Players guide the characters through many environments from a third-person perspective, with some freedom to explore the environment. When the characters become disoriented, they can meditate to receive a suggestion and observe an arrow pointing in the approximate direction of the next objective.
Throughout the game, they will follow in the footsteps of the other warriors, finally freeing four of them to make them playable. At any time, the player can switch between characters. Each ninja has unique powers. Hiro is a versatile ninja and the only one who can cast Kuji spells. Fireballs, whirlwinds, and the ability to enter a spirit form where animals can be taken over to fight are all spells that can be unlocked by finding and praying at hidden shrines. They also aid in the identification of goods and collectibles in the surroundings. Animals are imprisoned in cages but appear when an adversary is defeated and reverts to their former form. Futo holds a giant hammer and is handy when dealing with larger foes. Suzume, a young girl with a flute that enchants foes when she plays music; Shun, a master with the bow; Tora, who thinks he’s a tiger and has enormous metal claws to prove it; and the acrobat Kunoichi with a long spear are the other characters who become available throughout the game.
Characters have basic attacks and the ability to stun adversaries and block. Wall jumping, running along walls, and hanging from ledges are acrobatic maneuvers. All characters have a sneak mode in which they can hide in the grass or the environment to deal more significant damage when attacking or simply avoid fights. Gathering fruit restores health, and there are collectible things in the settings. When new recipes are purchased, these materials can be combined to create potions, bombs, and power-ups. Characters level up to gain new skills, each with a unique focus attack to deal more damage.
