A challenging but fair game that reminds one of Ninja Gaiden. Fair warning: While it does have both 8-bit and 16-bit styles, it takes a good chunk of time to even get to the 16-bit stuff. I'd say about an hour or an hour 1/2. Don't go expecting seeing that part of the game within the first half-hour like I did.

The Messenger plays great. Responsive controls make being a ninja play like silk. You won't have much trouble doing what you want to do, unless you panic. Some parts require near perfect timing, so it's nice that they made sure it controls as good as it does.

The Messenger doesn't take itself too seriously. While the plot is more on the serious side, conversations you'll have with the shopkeeper and even bosses are packed with at least smirk-worthy lines. If you've played Shovel Knight, then you'll have an understanding on what kind of humor to expect.

Honestly, it's the best 2D "throwback" game I've played since Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, which wasn't that long ago, but still.

A challenging but fair game that reminds one of Ninja Gaiden. Fair warning: While it does have both 8-bit and 16-bit styles, it takes a good chunk of time to even get to the 16-bit stuff. I'd say about an hour or an hour 1/2. Don't go expecting seeing that part of the game within the first half-hour like I did. The Messenger plays great. Responsive controls make being a ninja play like silk. You won't have much trouble doing what you want to do, unless you panic. Some parts require near perfect timing, so it's nice that they made sure it controls as good as it does. The Messenger doesn't take itself too seriously. While the plot is more on the serious side, conversations you'll have with the shopkeeper and even bosses are packed with at least smirk-worthy lines. If you've played Shovel Knight, then you'll have an understanding on what kind of humor to expect. Honestly, it's the best 2D "throwback" game I've played since Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, which wasn't that long ago, but still.