Game Of The Week: Lego Battles: Ninjago (DS/DSi)

LEGO Battles: Ninjago  is the sequel to the Lego Battles game, produced by critically acclaimed TT Games and developed by Hellbent Games.

In this exclusive DS/DSi title,  players aim to become a master of Spinjitzu - a form of Martial Arts in which characters spin and become tornadoes to defeat their enemies, as they restore harmony to the world.

 Players can choose to fight for both good or evil, by battling as either heroic Ninjas, villainous Skulkins, or as one of the bonus hidden hero characters in the two single-player campaigns, or test their skills in a variety of Battle Mode challenges, and even play against family and friends in some exciting multiplayer showdowns.

The single-player Story Mode is both funny and engaging. The main plot centres around two brothers, Sensei Wu and  Lord Garmadon whose father is a Spinjitzu Master. When their father passes away, the two brothers are put in charge of the 4 Golden Weapons - the Scythe of Quakes, the Nunchucks of Lightning, the Shurikans of Ice and the Sword of Fire (pictured above).

Although Sensai Wu wants to honour his promise to protect the weapons, his brother, Lord Garmadon is consumed with greed and wishes to possess all the weapons for himself.  A war has now broken out between the two brothers, and players get to decide which brother they wish to help: Will you assist Lord Garmadon to seize power in the 'Evil' campaign mode, or  become a Spinjitzu Master and hero in the 'Good' campaign mode? It is entirely up to you.

In the 'Good' campaign mode, players must build an army of heroes, battle the enemies and become a Master of Spinjitzu as they search and recover the powerful ninja weapons, (which have now been hidden in order to protect them,) and restore the balance between good and evil! Enjoy fun adventures and exciting missions as you travel the land of Ninjago to find the golden weapons before the evil Lord Garmadon.

In the 'Evil' campaign mode, Players must join Lord Garmadon’s Skeleton Army, who are attempting to free Lord Garmadon from the Underworld, where he has recently been banished by his brother. Help the evil lord to gain back his full strength, and then battle against Senai Wu's army of Spinjitzu warriors in order to find the golden weapons and allow Lord Garmadon to rise to power once more.

Multiplayer Mode allows you to battle against your family and friends to prove who is the best Spinjitzu Master. Play as an evil Skullen, or a Spinjitzu hero in a showdown of skills.

In conclusion, this is an interesting game. It features many traditional elements from the Lego videogame series, including a bucket-load of humorous cutscenes and creative gameplay.  If you enjoyed the first Lego Battles game and are looking for a new challenge, then this is the game for you. Overall rating: 8/10.