Draw Slasher: Dark Ninja Vs Pirate Monkey Zombies

Ok now you’d think that combining dark ninjas and pirate monkey zombies (say that three times fast) together would create the single greatest game devised by anyone, ever. I, for one, was somewhat let down.

“Draw Slasher” [App Store] is a survival action game in which you take control of a cute ninja fighting against Pirate Monkey Zombies. These monsters invade your peaceful island, and you are the only one, who can stop them! Slash through your enemies in style known from countless Japanese anime, and movies! – The App Store

Use your fingers to control your ninja left and right on the screen and draw blood lines across your opponent to cut through him leaving him headless, limbless and generally messy. Brilliant! Tarantino would be proud… or would he?

Now here’s the deal.  This game looks amazing, I will not deny that. Black and white sketch graphics, copious amounts of blood splatter, lots of gore and limbs flying all over the place, and let’s not forget PIRATE MONKEY ZOMBIES! The animation and art direction team did an absolutely amazing job to get the visuals of Draw Slasher right. Musically, the score also did some justice in bringing a sense of atmosphere.  The story however… Well let’s just say that the writer of the project must’ve been out at lunch – a lot. There is no purpose whatsoever, other than to get a high bodycount score. If this is what you call gaming, then strike me down with a katana and let’s call it a day.

Great hand drawn inspired games like Inkvaders for example, have a purpose and a goal. Like a book they tell a story of accomplishment to the very end. The great games of yesteryear had poor graphics by today’s standard, yet they had compelling gameplay. A perfect example would be Ninja on the Commodore64. Does it look as good? Nowhere near it, but I’d certainly rather play that, than a shallow game that looks gorgeous. With beautifully directed visuals leading the charge, it’s a shame the gameplay mechanics were left behind.

I, like many others, would be happy to pay three-four times more, for a complete package.

Feeling short changed. 2.5 stars.