Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja
Ages: Everyone

The title is clever, the story has a female character – Izuna, a ninja, who has ticked off the gods and has to make amends. So I looked around for god-like statues or altars to make a sacrifice or offering. It took me awhile to find out that what is required is that you beat each god in a boss fight at the end of each level. Eight levels, eight gods.

This game is hard and no fun. Remember what I said is important in a game for girls? No dying – and starting from the beginning. The game makes it easy to die. First off – it's hard to get enough money to buy the magic and weapons or armor you need. You don't get much encouragement from talking to the townspeople, except a guilt trip. A senior ninja lets you in on the game's battle style which, to say the least, seems to be designed to favor your enemies. It is turn based, and every move you make, every step you take, counts as a turn giving your enemies the next move. You have to find your way and pick up items and all they have to do is bash you. If that isn't bad enough, you die and you lose everything and end up back in town.

The attempt at humor is painfully juvenile – and that's giving juvenile an undeservedly bad name. There is nothing to explore above ground the only things available are mines, caves, snake holes – are you getting my drift? Dungeons. It's a dungeon crawler -- 'nuf said! And they don't even touch the touch screen.

Fun Factor: Hard and no fun.
Female Factor: Good character but only in the title.
Player Friendly: If they cared about the player they would have made a better game.

Reviewed by: Editor - 03/07