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When a game asks you, "Tell me, aren't you some kinda sad retard to still be playing on a CPC?" your attention is most certainly grabbed. Why, yes, yes I am! I only came on to play a game, and this meta-referential game is firing insults at me.

The premise behind this witty banter is that the player is the influential, guiding voice to Ishikawa Nato, who is on a one-man mission to assassinate a contemptuous Yakuza overlord. This sets the scene for a static, graphical adventure with a varied puzzle-based environment, a plentiful supply of risk to life and, at times, demanding quick reflexes.

In a nutshell, it's a trial-and-error-based game, with countless deaths assured for the player.

Although beautifully distracting in the graphics department, the game's information all comes down to reading the text and sussing out the correct route through the screen - one mistake and you have to retry the particular segment. One of the earlier puzzles the player comes across is how to get across a bridge without being detected.

Guards, dogs and falling into the ravine are all hellbent on making to try the level over and over again - there is only one way to do it correctly. The only means of control is that of a cursor that is moved around the screen, and it changes to green when there is an interactive object/area - this doesn't necessarily mean it's of any use - it may be a false trail.

The quick action sections, which were en vogue for a short period in modern AAA games give a welcome break from the clicking of objects. The player must rapidly tap the direction of the arrows of the screen in quick succession in order to survive the challenge. With a bit of luck and patience, Ishikawa will reach his destiny.

Warning! The following game contains 8-bit bloody gore and foul language used amusingly and satisfyingly. If you are easily offended by any of this, then I would switch off now! Otherwise, get ready for an enjoyable romp through inner Japan as you help guide legendary ninja Ishikawa Nagato on his latest mission to kill the Big Boss.

Chock full of witty and amusing dialogue, you'll find yourself chuckling along as you make mistake after mistake, while you make your way deeper into the enemies' temple. Along the way, you'll have to dispatch various goons with your lethal ninja weaponry, defuse a bomb and even deal with Japanese Nazis - I know!

Yes, it's a bit try, die, repeat, but with a whopping 29 levels and 128 amusing ways to leave this world, there's not much to dislike. The graphics are quality and capture the game's look and feel perfectly, as does the Oriental style soundtrack. I can only hope this isn't the last we've seen of Mr. Nagato and his fly-kicking exploits!

I was initially uncertain what to think about Ninja Carnage. It was rude, witty, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to play a static screen game. I thought it was going to be like one of those hidden object games.

But, with a bit of time and getting used to the concept, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, it's a bit "rinse and repeat" until you get the sequence correct, but it's how it delivers it is how it wins you over; with its lush graphics and clever dialogue, it's a keeper.

Presentation 80%
Laid out like a basic graphic adventure. Something a little different, but in a good way.

Graphics 90%
Well drawn with some lovely effects, especially towards the end. Makes good use of the system's colour palette.

Sound 89%
Great, catchy, Oriental style in-game soundtrack that fits the Japanese setting perfectly.

Addictive Qualities 90%
A game that involves "try, die, repeat" has never been so much fun. You won't want to put this one down!

Lastability 84%
A decent enough challenge, but over far too quickly.

Overall 87%