Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

In the second stage of the forest, the enemies remain primarily ninjas, but new dangers lurk in the form of wild animals. Hayate can hide under bushes and trees, utilizing his environment to stay undetected. As Zaboru explored the dense woodland, he noticed a particular bush that looked suspicious. He carefully approached it, his gamer instincts telling him something was hidden there. Meanwhile, Kazu and Akechi, who had designed this level, widened their eyes in shock—Zaboru had found a hidden passage they had expertly concealed!

Without hesitation, Zaboru struck the bush, revealing a secret door. Inside, he discovered a crimson katana resting on an altar. Hayate picked it up, and his current weapon was replaced by the Hitokiri Katana, a sword imbued with increased damage against human enemies.

"Hm, not bad, really," Zaboru chuckled. "But it's not well hidden enough."

With that, he continued playing, moving swiftly through the level. Soon, he encountered the boss, Yontehito, a humanoid with four puppet-like arms wielding deadly swords. Before entering the boss room, Hayate had acquired a special Ninja Scroll: Ninjutsu: Chou Bakudan Shuriken! This powerful technique allowed Hayate to throw a massive shuriken that exploded upon impact, dealing devastating damage. Using this new ability, Zaboru quickly dismantled Yontehito's attacks, realizing that the boss was merely a puppet himself, manipulated from afar. With Yontehito defeated, Hayate pressed on toward the next destination—the village.

The village was teeming with enemies wearing eerie monster masks. As always, Zaboru expertly controlled Hayate, making full use of his stealth mechanics. He effortlessly navigated through enemies, avoiding unnecessary fights and eliminating threats with swift, calculated strikes. Akechi and Kazu exchanged glances, sighing in disbelief. Akechi, the Yakuza prince himself, had designed this game with difficulty in mind, yet Zaboru was breezing through it like it was child's play.

Eventually, Zaboru reached the boss of the village stage—Akuma Shinobi.

"Kurokage... it seems one of you still lives," Akuma Shinobi sneered. "Do you know why Kengai-sama massacred your clan? It was because he himself is Kurokage! But he was exiled after being falsely accused!"

The battle began. Akuma Shinobi fought with relentless aggression, using rapid slashes, shadow clones, and demonic fire techniques. However, Zaboru remained unfazed. He swiftly countered each attack, using precise dodges and well-timed Ninjutsu. Within minutes, Akuma Shinobi was defeated, and Hayate moved on to the next stage—the Mountain Hill, the domain of the Obsidian Daimyo himself.

As Hayate reached the peak, he was met with the Daimyo's elite ninja guards. These enemies were stronger, faster, and deadlier than any he had faced before. But Zaboru remained calm, dispatching them one by one. Finally, the confrontation with Kengai, the Obsidian Daimyo, began.

"Kurokage… my wretched brethren," Kengai snarled, standing atop his throne. "I will end you! The sin of that wretched clan's blood courses through your veins! After everything I did for them, they exiled me! I was framed, cast aside, and now I will have my revenge! With the power of the Obsidian Demon, I am unmatched!"

The battle commenced. Kengai wielded a black spear engulfed in dark flames, striking with immense power. He performed wide slashes, thrusts, and devastating spinning attacks. However, Zaboru skillfully dodged every move, countering Hayate's swift katana strikes. Soon, Kengai entered his second phase—transforming into his Obsidian Demon Avatar.

His body turned pitch black, his eyes glowed crimson, and he sprouted four additional arms, each wielding a flaming spear. He could now teleport, attack from multiple angles, and unleash powerful area-of-effect attacks. Yet, despite the overwhelming spectacle, Zaboru remained calm, casually playing as if he had already mastered the game. Within minutes, he struck the final blow.

A dramatic 8-bit cutscene played.

Hayate approached the fallen Kengai, his blade ready. "You'll pay for what you've done to my family, wretched bastard."

Kengai, wounded, let out a dry laugh. "Do your worst... You think revenge is satisfying? You will soon realize the emptiness it brings..."

Without hesitation, Hayate stabbed Kengai in the face, ending the feud once and for all.

The screen faded to black, and the ending sequence began.

*Hayate Kurokage avenged his fallen clan, but at what cost? Though victorious, peace eluded him. He wandered away from civilization, seeking solitude until he could find true inner peace...*

THE END.

Zaboru leaned back in his chair, nodding in approval. "Not bad, not bad. Akechi, Kazu, I'll have my team conduct further testing. By tomorrow, we'll determine whether this game is ready for ZEPS."

Akechi nodded, satisfied, while Kazu looked curious. "Zaboru-san, what's your honest opinion on Master Ninja?"

Zaboru smirked. "Not bad, but that's about it."

Akechi frowned. His pride took a hit, but he was more curious than angry. "What do you mean? Explain yourself."

Akechi's Rashomon aura flared, filling the room with a menacing presence. Zaboru broke into a cold sweat. "Whoa, whoa, relax, Akechi-san! Let me explain!" He coughed, composing himself as Akechi calmed down.

"Alright, here's the good: the music is fantastic. The gameplay is fun, and the Ninjutsu system is creative. The boss fights are well-designed and engaging."

Akechi nodded, but he could sense a 'but' coming.

"Now, for the bad: first, while the game introduces stealth mechanics, they aren't really necessary. The enemies stay in place for too long, making them easy to avoid or kill. Second, Hayate as a protagonist lacks depth. Honestly, I found the bosses to be more developed characters than him. And third, enemy variety is lacking. While there are different enemies, many of them are just reskins with similar attack patterns. These are areas you can improve in your next game. Remember my advice well."

Akechi absorbed Zaboru's critique, nodding in understanding. Though it stung, he knew it was solid feedback.

"Alright, Zaboru, Kazu and I need to leave. I'll continue working on new projects. Let me know once Master Ninja is officially reviewed."

Zaboru nodded. "Of course, Akechi-san."

And with that, Zaboru's Master Ninja playthrough came to an end.

Zaboru's rating: 7/10

To be continued…

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