Mark of the Ninja Xbox 360
User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 151 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 113 out of 151
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 151
  3. Negative: 24 out of 151

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  1. Locimento
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    One of the finest games out there on the Xbox marketplace, the cartoony art style mixed with the great story and stealth game play creates one of the coolest games i have played in quite a while. Mark of the ninja hits the ball out of the park with its graphical style, gameplay, voice acting and overall excellence. Mark of the ninja is totally worth getting at its 14.99 price tag.
  2. ActRaiser
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    After the disappointment of Deadlight (which admittedly is a good, if ludicrously short, game), and DUST: Elysian Tale (uuurgh those awful awful anime characters) this is what we have been waiting for. As good as, if not better in some respects, than Shadow Complex!

    A 2d Platformer with great graphics, very similar in style to Shank, atmospheric sound and above all excellent gameplay.

    It's like a 2d tenchu game mixed with the visual sight line enemies from the 'commandos' games. Stealth plays a huge part in the game, with you able to go through levels without killing anyone (very difficult though) and this is where the replayability comes in as each stage is rated and you will constantly come back to them to try and better your score, or just try the level in different ways. there are minor alternative routes but it is still fairly linear, though even finding a seperate corridor or tunnel that leads to a ladder that takes you onto a rooftop is a joy. The enemies are numerous and can be avoided using cover and shadows, or killed in a stealthy fashion (points are graded on kill style and additional things such as using equipment and hiding the bodies successfully.

    It's a great score attack game and, with no time limit pressuring you, you are free to take your time.

    You can also follow different paths, such as a silent assassin which is self-explanatory, or the horror path where you can freak out guards by stringing up bodies around. You can freeze action mid air and fire darts to destroy lights and fuse boxes, you can dump guards bodies into skips, into vents or off ledges etc. You can use spike mines, smoke bombs, and caltrops to aid you, and you can buy loads of abilities and upgrades for your moves list and equipment. there is a lot here for your money.

    It's a great game and it's absolutely worth the 1200 points, in fact it's a steal at that price.

    It has online leaderboards as usual so you can compare your score to your friends / the world.    … Expand
  3. FrozenStar90
    Sep 10, 2012
    10
    Bar none, Mark of the Ninja is the golden standard of stealth gaming. It seamlessly integrates its concepts onto a 2D plane, creating an incredibly absorbing and tactical experience. Don't miss it.
  4. ZergoBergo
    Sep 7, 2012
    10
    In my humble opinion this game is the best entertainment value for the money you can currently spend on X box live. It is a giant leap in game quality, compared to its predecessor Shank. It seems that Klei Entertainment have come into their own, and have earned my loyalty for what i hope are many more games to come.
  5. bosconian87
    Sep 9, 2012
    10
    Klei Entertainment's latest is a slice of genius, not only due to the sublimely intense gameplay, but also thanks to the brilliance of the implementation throughout. A lot of thought has clearly gone into the gameplay, and the concept is never sold-short - everything, and I mean everything, is geared towards the stealth action, from the controls, to the graphics and sound. As some sort of comparison (because I'm afraid I'm going to spoil the surprise for you, when you lay your hands on this game) I will say this: Klei Entertainment's previous games, the Shank series, were beautifully presented, but were let down by the fact, that eventually when all the gloss and goodwill has been used up, they didn't have much else to them really. Mark of the Ninja has so much more to it than both of the Shank titles, and the fact its so good can only mean that even if you fail to try the demo (which is free by the way, so why not?). A splendid revival for Stealth and Ninja antics indeed!! As a UK gamer, who's lost a lot of this weekend to this beauty, I can confirm that the £10 price is a steal!!… Expand
  6. ZSloth11
    Sep 7, 2012
    10
    Mark of the Ninja, by Klei Entertainment, is one of the best XBLA games I have ever played. A similar (but superior) visual style to Klei's previous games Shank and Shank 2 definitely helps, as does the great story, but the real winner here is the gameplay. The fact that this is a 2D sidescroller and has some of the best stealth gameplay I've ever encountered says something truly impressive about the game. If you have an Xbox, you should definitely consider buying this right now.… Expand
  7. sumguitardude
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    There is only one game you should get right now and that is this game! If you miss all the good stealth action from earlier days like tenchu then you need to get this game! It has everything you would expect real a ninja game to have and more. The 2d scrolling fits the game great and the game never feels liner due to the multiple pathways you can take. You can either decide to kill everyone on the map or you can decide to just sneak past them all.
    The game will reward you depending on witch style you want to use so you never feel obligated to do just one thing.You will be doing yourself a favor getting this and also help show love for this so they can make a sequel because after playing it i want MOAR!
    I honestly could go on and on how great this game is how beautiful the animations is how satisfying the stealth kills are but it won be enough, you need to get this game!
    So stop reading this right now and get online and buy this game.I promise you that it`s something you will not regret buying

    What the hell?! Are you still reading this?! GO BUY IT NAO GOD DAMN IT!    … Collapse
  8. RUST
    Sep 9, 2012
    9
    Klei Entertainment and I seem to have a long and understanding relationship. When I feel the need to murder something they provide a compelling, addictive and ingenious little downloadable title for me to munch on. Mark of the Ninja is another hallmark in our simple, but beautiful, relationship. Hitting all the right notes for a stealth and precision freak like myself and having enough left over for me to share. The visual style, not breaking from the brilliant Shank franchise, is fluid and overall Mark of the Ninja was constantly testing my decision to name The Walking Dead my favourite downloadable title of the year. It cannot be missed, so go buy it. Now.… Expand
  9. Pericles83
    Sep 16, 2012
    10
    An spetacular game! You really feel lika a ninja. Stealth is back, for fans of this genre this game is a must buy. The graphics are cool, the gameplay is solid and fun. Go buy now!
  10. TerKaDer
    Oct 10, 2012
    9
    Mark of the Ninja is simply put an amazing game. Klei Entertainment has merged together some great mechanics and art style into a near perfect game. The environment sensitive movement is done quite well. When you want to climb a wall jump onto it and climb if you want to transition to handing from the ceiling just hit A and you are there its all very easy and flow nicely. Mark of the Ninja has a good amount of upgrades which you earn by getting honor points that you can collect during missions by doing certain objectives, that might include get through an area without being detected. You also earn honor by getting enough points, which you get by doing anything during a mission, you kill a guard you get some points, hide that guards body get some more points, you hide behind a planter more points for you but be careful not to get detected because you lose points too. With the mixture of great game play and awesome art Mark of the Ninja is definitely a great game to pick up.… Expand
  11. FaceOfBear15
    Sep 14, 2012
    10
    Coming from a person who really enjoys their stealth and ninja games (Ninja, Tenchu, MGS, Splinter Cell, etc.) "Mark of the NInja" absolutely destroys the genre, in a very, very, very good way. The art style is fantastic. Very reminiscent to "Shank", which makes sense, as their both made by the same company. I played through Shank and Shank 2, and I prefer the "Mark of The Ninja" over them both. The stealth elements are incredible. Moving the joystick makes your character move at a slow sneaking pace. Running is very seldom throughout this game, as it garners too much attention. It's more so used for backtracking, or running away. From what I've played so far, the controls are great. No button miss-presses or clunky game mechanics that have accidentally gotten me killed. Every time I died, it was my own fault. Speaking of dying in this game, I love how harsh the creators were when it comes to being spotted. From the first level, the majority of enemies have guns. If you're seen at all, and you try to engage them by running in blindly, you're probably going to die. A few shots to your ninja and he's toast. This unforgiving element of the game only adds to how important the stealth element of this game really is. If this game were sold as a hard copy for $60, I would still pay for it. Please, do yourself a favor. If you're into platforming/stealth/ninja gaming at all, this is a must buy. Even if you're not, it's at least worth a download of the trial.… Expand
  12. LazarusGravity
    Sep 27, 2012
    9
    Wow! Just wonderful! Am rarely tempted by anything on XBLA beyond the usual big titles DLC bolt-ons, but this is a lot of game for a small price. Just blown away by how beautifully realised it all is. And it's that rare thing these days, truly challenging. Bravo!
  13. Rezevilfan
    Oct 2, 2012
    9
    I'm so glad that there is finally a game, since Shadow Complex, that finally is worth the money on Xbox live. I always seemed disappointed to spend $15 or more on these games that get hyped up for no reason. This game is incredible in every way. Splinter Cell, ninjas, and side scrollers just had a baby... and it's damn sexy.
  14. normyp
    Sep 24, 2012
    10
    A fresh take on the 2d side scroller, an excellent stealth game and a very fun play. For what you're paying it's well worth it! The story is good yet I wish more was explained at the end, it could've lead to a better twist in my opinion! But seriously, there's a surprising amount of game styles to play the game with which increase the replayability too! Definitely check this one out!
  15. netcoder
    Sep 27, 2012
    9
    I had no idea this game existed until about a week ago when I checked Metacritic. I downloaded the XBLA demo and, after playing the first level, was impressed enough to buy it. There is no doubt in my mind that this game deserves the approx. $15 price tag you'll pay for it. An instant stealth action 2D classic, in my opinion, Mark of the Ninja makes you play as a ninja in a quest of revenge, with a few twists. The story and cutscenes are good enough, although they could have skipped it and it wouldn't change my opinion about the game. The level design is very well-done. There are multiple paths available, some obvious, some less. But even for the less obvious paths, navigating around the levels is still well-paced and doesn't bore you. After each level, you get to upgrade your gear using Honor points, awarded for avoiding detection, stylish kills or going through the level without killing anyone. Speaking of stylish skills, a lot of upgrades are available to allow you to kill in different fashions, from hanging down a pole to killing some poor guard through a door. Not killing anyone is also a great challenge, made easier with the use of upgradable and unlockable ninja tools, such as firecrackers and flares. Aggression tools are also available, such as traps and ravenous insects that devour enemies alive, scaring the crap out of everybody witnessing it. One thing that is very enjoyable is actually to terrorize guards by committing gratuitous violent actions and having them witness it. You can hang bodies to poles, throw dead bodies at a guard, use poison, etc. to terrorize guards. Scared guards will become trigger happy and shoot at everything that makes a sound or appears through the darkness, be it rats, or even their fellow guards. A very fun and challenging way to play levels is to terrorize guards and lead them to clear a building filled with their colleagues, using quick appearances through lights or the use of firecrackers to fuel their fear, only to have them throw themselves off a ledge when they're done. Other upgrades include different suits that give advantages such as, per example, silent running to the detriment of carrying weapons. The game is long enough and the replay value is huge considering the upgrades, multiple ways to dispatch enemies and the New Game Plus mode, which adds a restricted line of sight and overall make the lurking in the shadows experience a lot more stressful and realistic. The checkpoint system is also great: getting detected and killed will not affect your end score and will just reload you at the previous checkpoint, allowing you to try different things and aim for a perfect score without having to restart the level countless times. I have only two complaints about this game. While the controls are great, the Action button is used for too many things, such as dragging bodies, hiding in doorways, pickpocketting, etc. It is usually not a problem unless when in a room with many options. It's a little shameful considering the LB button is not used for anything, so they could have used it for some of these actions and spare us the previously mentionned troubles. The other complaint I have is that there is no way to play specific levels or even restart a game once you completed the story once. You can only have a single save per storage device and you can't start over without deleting it entirely. The very enjoyable game experience do make up for these two issues however, and I would definitely recommend this game to anyone who likes stealth action and platformers.… Expand
  16. swamplord666
    Sep 22, 2012
    10
    This is a fantastic game that flawlessly puts you in the shoes of an elite assassin. This is stealth done right. There were very little moments were I didn't feel at the mercy of controls or poor design. Whatever I wanted to do I could execute with finesse. Although there is plenty of content for the price, I only wish that there was more! I would gladly buy any DLC for this game!
  17. KyRez
    Oct 13, 2012
    9
    A highly enjoyable game, that refreshes the stealth action genre through an amazing presentation and flawless gameplay. This awesome game left in shame the summer of arcade selection of this year. Good job Klei!
  18. frugal_frogger
    Nov 27, 2012
    10
    Easily the best XBLA game I've played in my life. The way in which enemies come onto the stage is like an old school arcade game except the whole narrative is laid out like an action/RPG. The story is epic, the graphics are unbelievable, and the voice acting is incredible. HIGHLY recommend it. Very affordable as well.
  19. jamesweber
    Dec 5, 2012
    10
    Tom Clancy move over this is the new stealth! and the graphics are dope!!! and the music... best marketplace game ever! i couldn't say GOTY but maybe for DLC games... overall seriously you should get it. it's cheap and it's freaking AMAZING
  20. Alturis
    Dec 5, 2012
    10
    An excellent experience all around. Well polished with a clearly well laid out plan for its design and presentation. Replay value is impressive as well. For the price you just can't beat this. If you have any interest in stealth based gameplay dont miss this one. If you have a distaste for stealth based gameplay it might just not be your cup of tea.
  21. silvergamer
    Mar 28, 2013
    10
    Usually, I don't like 2D Games, but this one is great exception. It has everything you need to be entertained and challenged plus excellent setting and sound, good controls once you get used to them.
  22. ShaggyHermit
    Oct 25, 2012
    10
    Ignore the people who gave this game a bad score and didn't explain themselves as those scores are probably fraudulent. If you like stealth games or like ninjas you will thoroughly enjoy this game. This game does not reward those who just rush into the room blindly; in fact it will severely punish you. At first your abilities are limited but with time you can add new skills and weapons. This game is a ton of fun because you can get through each level in a multitude of ways. Replay value is huge as you can try different paths, explore the levels (which is must to get skill ups) and you can either try to kill no one (extremely hard) or try to kill everyone (also extremely hard if you want to do it without alerting anyone).… Expand
  23. BillGR17
    Sep 19, 2012
    10
    This game is a lot of fun !
    I must say i didnt thought it will be a good game and now i am surpised to say that!
    The game has a lot of stuff to do even if u beat the game there are deferent modes or try to not kill anyone and its a lot of fun!You can upgrade stuff or learn new stuff unlock items and many many other stuff!
    The only bad thing is it doesnt have coop! That is all!
  24. Kermie
    Apr 2, 2013
    10
    Aside from some issues with the context sensitive controls, it's a fantastic blend of quick reactions and great gameplay. The graphics are great and the art style is easy on the eyes. The gameplay is so incredibly strong as well. Aside from one or two hitches this game is a surprisingly fantastic stealth game. 2D stealth is an unusual medium, but Mark of the Ninja makes it work phenomenally well.

    9.75    … Expand
  25. Xenugears
    Nov 4, 2012
    10
    A remarkable and refreshingly original title. As much as I enjoy stealth/action games like Assassin's Creed, Splinter Cell and of course Metal Gear sometimes I get the urge to play, you know, a stealth/STEALTH game. To be a ghostly assassin or, in this case, a ninja. Allowing me to do that in an expressive and brilliantly designed 2D side scrolling field is a revelation because it works so well yet has been so underused by video games in general outside of cult classics like Flashback and Out of this World. In a year full of high profile disappointments (Mass Effect 3, Assassin's Creed 3) it's nice to be greeted with a genuine surprise. In my book this is the sleeper hit of the year and a worthy contender for GOTY.… Expand
  26. mailordermonstr
    Oct 30, 2012
    9
    Amazing game. Shows that 2D still has plenty of juice left in it. I can't imagine what this game would be like in 3D. Probably a pile of **** The main reason being controls. No worries about camera issues or wonky 3D navigation. You hit left and jump, you jump to the left. Simple. I usually avoid stealth games. Too much waiting, just to be screwed over by sloppy controls. But his isn't an issue with Mark of the Ninja. Like I already said, the controls are spot on. There's some waiting required, but it isn't as much of an issue. I know that when the guard turns around and walks away, I'll be able to sneak up on him and take him out. No worries about the tip of my shoe crossing their line of sight and setting of a thousand alarms. Unlike most 2D games and even plenty of 3D "sandbox" games, there's plenty of ways to make your way through a level. Kill everyone who gets in your way? Distract them and sneak by? Or maybe kill everyone and string their bodies up on lampposts? It's up to you. Several different outfits and equipment are available for you to take on a level however you choose. Most levels (maybe all) can be beaten without ever being seen by the enemy. The graphics are well executed. This however is the main area that I have a problem with. The graphics are fine, but the style doesn't sit well with me. It's got one of those generic Saturday morning cartoon looks to it. Same style as the companies previous work, Shank. If this game had had a more serious look (anime, ninja scroll style?) , it may have gotten a perfect score. Could also use a few more execution animations as well. Lots of voice work in this and it's all good. A Japanese voiced, english sub-titled audio track would've been nice and made the whole thing feel more authentic. For the price, this is a must download title. Even at double the price, this would be a game worth checking out. Great game with plenty to do even after you've beaten the mission. New game + , all the different equipment/outfit combos, and three unique and inventive challenges per level. Probably the best downloadable title of the year.… Expand
  27. Breegullbeak
    Dec 23, 2012
    10
    A really great stealth game. While the story starts off pretty slowly, it picks up quickly and all the pieces fall together in the end. The game play is simple trial and error stealth with numerous ways to take on every level. Once you obtain enough medals and progress through the game further you can unlock even more ways to play with different costumes and equipment. While the best gear is unlocked pretty early on, the difficulty is pretty consistent through out. The game is good looking and the cutscenes are well made. I'll enjoy scaring guards to death before killing them for a long while.… Expand
  28. cloudfinalmix
    Nov 2, 2012
    10
    controls are perfect feel very comfortable the graphics are perfect the lighting is perfect, this game is perfect without doubt one of the best games I played all year ....
  29. StelioKontos
    Oct 29, 2012
    10
    This game is very fun and let you play the levels in different ways and styles. A good stealthy game where you can go through a level killing every one you meet or pass like a shadow. Best game of xbox live i bought
  30. Payne
    Jan 9, 2013
    9
    Feels fun and fresh, but you've got to be creative on your way to kill. It can get repetitive after a while. Worth a try though, i enjoyed it a lot, and stealth seems to be a genre dying for the lack of quality put by devs on the genre. But this is a game that does stealth right. It's 2D so it might not be your cup of tea. But for me, this game was a blast. And for 15$, it's a bargain.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 51 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. XGN
    Dec 28, 2012
    92
    Mark of the Ninja has almost everything you can wish for in a game like this. The animations are wonderful and the soundtrack suits the game well. You can play the game in various ways and this extends its lifespan. With a minor flaw the game may not be perfect, but the game is very close to it.
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  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Dec 12, 2012
    91
    Mark of the Ninja is an excellent 2D-platformer, which cleverly combines stealth with explosive action. The striking visual style is also worth a mention. [Dec 2012]
  3. Worth Playing
    Dec 10, 2012
    90
    Whereas Shank and Shank 2 seemed to succeed on brute force, Mark of the Ninja feels like a more nuanced affair. All of the Klei hallmarks are here, and the polish has been turned up to 11. A few minor issues aside, there is much to like here.
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