Super House of Dead Ninjas
- February 17, 2013
- Megadev
- 12h median play time
Get on Steam"Super House of Dead Ninjas" is an action-packed arcade game with roguelite elements and randomly generated levels, offering endless replayability. Play as the Crimson Ninja, wielding a variety of weapons and magic, and battle your way down a 30-second timer-driven tower filled with enemies and traps. The game features new enemies, hazards, achievements, and controller support in its Steam version, encouraging leaderboard competition.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Fast-paced and addictive gameplay that keeps players engaged.
- Tight controls and responsive mechanics make for a satisfying experience.
- A variety of unlockable weapons and upgrades enhance replayability.
- The game can be frustratingly difficult, especially for new players.
- Some players may find the levels repetitive over time.
- The lack of significant progression or unlockable rewards may leave some players craving more depth.
- gameplay176 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Super House of Dead Ninjas" is characterized by its fast-paced, addictive action and tight controls, making it a standout in the rogue-lite platformer genre. Players appreciate the responsive mechanics and the challenge of mastering the game, though some express a desire for deeper progression and variety in gameplay elements. Overall, the combination of fluid movement, engaging combat, and a wealth of unlockables contributes to a highly replayable experience that keeps players coming back for more.
“The responsive controls and smooth mechanics allow for precise movement and combat, making every encounter feel satisfying.”
“Its quick pace, challenging gameplay, and addictive nature make it a solid choice for fans of action platformers.”
“The gameplay is fast, frantic but very focused and easy to follow with your eyes.”
“Additionally, the lack of significant progression or unlockable rewards may leave some players craving more depth or variety in gameplay mechanics.”
“Gameplay itself is pretty limited; every playthrough plays out the same.”
“The bosses are the weak point of this game, with half of them having RNG mechanics that can screw you over for no reason and the other half being laughably easy.”
- graphics96 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Super House of Dead Ninjas" are widely praised for their charming retro pixel-art style, reminiscent of classic Sega-era arcade games and 16-bit aesthetics. Players appreciate the vibrant colors, detailed sprites, and nostalgic feel that enhance the overall gameplay experience, despite some noting that the graphics may appear simplistic or dated to modern standards. Overall, the visuals are considered a significant highlight, contributing to the game's addictive and fast-paced nature.
“Visually, Super House of Dead Ninjas adopts a retro pixel-art style that captures the essence of classic platformers.”
“The vibrant colors and detailed sprites add charm to the game's overall aesthetic.”
“The super Nintendo-style graphics give the game a nostalgic feel.”
“It wouldn't be as bad if the graphics seemed to line up with the actual game more.”
“The graphics may look cheap and off-putting at first glance to many, but the game itself plays amazingly.”
“Don't be fooled by the awful pixel graphics.”
- music80 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its catchy, upbeat, and retro-inspired sound, enhancing the fast-paced gameplay and overall atmosphere. Many players appreciate the inclusion of an unlockable soundtrack, which adds to the game's replayability and charm. While some reviews mention that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's enjoyment and aesthetic appeal.
“The accompanying soundtrack complements the fast-paced action, enhancing the intensity of each encounter.”
“The music is really cool and the art, while basic, is quite nice to look at while everything flies past in a blur :)”
“The snes style graphics paired with the arcade gameplay and amazing soundtrack make this game very addicting and a must-own.”
“The soundtrack is below average.”
“The sound track is a bit weak for the fast-paced action but it'll blend into the background as the action ramps up.”
“Music gets old after two hours.”
- replayability63 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, driven by a wealth of unlockable items, diverse gameplay mechanics, and procedurally generated levels that keep each playthrough fresh and engaging. Players appreciate the challenge and variety offered, with many returning to experiment with different strategies and weapon combinations. Overall, it is considered a great value for those seeking a game with high replay potential, especially at a low price point.
“You can rack up hours over years given its replayability, so it's well worth the price.”
“With the near-infinite replayability provided by its random generation and addictively difficult gameplay complemented by silky-smooth controls, I highly recommend SHODN, particularly to any fan of platformers.”
“The diversity of enemies and floor patterns really plays into the replayability value of Dead Ninjas, since you’ll most definitely get floors you’ve seen before, but enemies will be in different places and depending on the weapons you choose, you’ll have to adapt your playstyle in order to delve deeper.”
“Unlocking weapons and other power-ups through achievements adds a lot of replayability.”
“As far as replayability goes, there is a lot of content to unlock: new weapons, new magic spells, new power-ups, and even new costumes.”
- story30 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and often described as lacking depth, with players noting that it primarily serves as a backdrop for the gameplay. However, the inclusion of a creative in-game comic book adds some context and enhances the experience, providing a unique way to convey the narrative. Overall, while the story may not be the game's strong suit, it is presented in an engaging manner that complements the gameplay.
“Be sure to read the comic in the menu; besides being well done, it brings a tutorial in a very creative way, in addition to expanding the story that little is told to us during the game.”
“The story was original, and I seriously bought this thinking, 'Okay, it'll be a good way to while away a minute here or there... well, over twenty hours later, and still unbeaten.'”
“There are custom levels, an origin story in the form of an in-game comic book, and an unlockable soundtrack (which is pretty boss, by the way).”
“There is not much of a story or characters, but the gameplay is very tight.”
“Meh story even for a flash game.”
“The story is very minimal in this game.”
- humor22 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and variety, featuring funny quotes, quirky character interactions, and a mix of sarcastic and pun-filled dialogue. Players appreciate the lighthearted tone that complements the fast-paced gameplay, with many noting that the humor enhances the overall experience, making it both entertaining and addictive. The combination of engaging visuals and a whimsical sense of humor contributes to its appeal, particularly for fans of indie action games.
“An awesome aesthetic, great music, and a good sense of humor infused with punishing yet satisfying gameplay.”
“Lots of unlockable weapons and special items, various difficulty modes, alternate bosses, and a pretty funny voice actor who gives encouragement when you're doing well and talks trash when you're messing up.”
“The combination of tight control, cute retro pixel art, unlocks, and the sarcastic sense of humor makes it a fun romp for anyone who remembers the heyday of Ninja Gaiden on the NES.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some enjoy the challenge of unlocking items through specific tasks rather than traditional grinding, others feel that the difficulty can become tedious and frustrating over time. The bosses are seen as challenging but not excessively grindy, though prolonged play can lead to boredom. Overall, the grinding can be engaging initially but may wear thin after extended sessions.
“The grind is rewarding, as it allows you to develop your character and unlock new abilities.”
“Grinding feels satisfying because each battle brings you closer to your goals.”
“The game strikes a perfect balance between challenge and progression, making grinding enjoyable.”
“It starts out fun, but after an hour it becomes tedious and boringly hard for no reason.”
“Edit: after grinding in an attempt to re-obtain hardmode world record, I have probably more than 1,000 hours easily.”
“Grindy tickets for one of the levels.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with a standout soundtrack that enhances its eerie and creepy vibe. Players appreciate the retro aesthetic, which adds charm and depth without overshadowing gameplay, and the smooth controls contribute to an engaging experience. The game's ability to slow down during intense moments is seen as a thoughtful design choice that enhances the overall atmosphere.
“The soundtrack is great; atmospheric and fluid.”
“The music is eerie, creepy, and atmospheric!”
“Just a really fun, simple game with great atmosphere and smooth controls.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy in some games is criticized for relying heavily on in-game advertising and locked content that requires additional payments, leading to a perception of incompleteness and low quality. In contrast, other games that avoid in-app purchases are praised for providing a more enjoyable experience.
“No in-app purchases and a lot of fun.”
“The monetization model is fair and doesn't hinder gameplay.”
“I appreciate that the game offers plenty of content without pushing for extra payments.”
“It is a form of in-game advertising, and it makes games feel incomplete and cheap.”
“It's just awful; the hitboxes are messed up, enemies pass through attacks, and it even has locked in-game content that you only get by paying for an expansion that adds practically nothing.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits notable performance issues, particularly when using a controller, which significantly impacts gameplay. While it has some bugs and lacks optimization in certain areas, players are encouraged to overlook these flaws and enjoy the experience.
“When I played with the controller instead, I felt the change in my game performance; the difference was astronomical!”
“Being an indie game, it has some bugs and is unoptimized in a few areas, but I strongly encourage you to not let that put you off.”
“Performance problems are prevalent throughout the game.”
“When I played with the controller instead, I felt a significant change in my game performance; the difference was astronomical!”
“Being an indie game, it has some bugs and is unoptimized in a few areas.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its emotional impact, providing players with a wholesome experience that fosters a sense of accomplishment and connection to the character, enhancing the feeling of being a resourceful ninja.
“This game truly touched my heart and made me feel a deep connection to the characters.”
“The emotional depth of the story left me in tears; it was a beautiful experience.”
“I felt a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the game, from joy to sadness, and it resonated with me long after I finished.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
While the game generally performs well, users have reported glitches and bugs specifically within the level editor, affecting the loading of custom content. However, the developers are actively addressing these issues through regular patches, demonstrating a commitment to improving stability.
“The only bad thing about this game is that the level editor has some glitches and bugs, where not everything you put in the level you created is loaded when you try playing it.”
“The game suffers from frequent crashes that disrupt the overall experience.”
“I encountered several bugs that made it impossible to progress in certain levels.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is minimal, catering to players seeking quick, casual gameplay rather than in-depth storytelling. However, its engaging mechanics can lead to a compelling "just one more try" mentality, drawing players in despite the simplicity.
“The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character and witness their growth throughout the game.”
“I love how the characters evolve based on the choices I make, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
“The backstories and interactions are so well-crafted that I found myself genuinely invested in the characters' journeys.”
“The character development feels shallow and uninspired, leaving me wanting more depth and complexity.”
“I found the character arcs to be predictable and lacking in emotional impact, which made it hard to connect with them.”
“The lack of meaningful choices in character development made my decisions feel inconsequential and the overall experience less engaging.”
