Some have been waiting for it since its first beta last April, here it is at last! Ninjala, the new free-to-play multiplayer game from Nintendo Switch reveals to players its definitive version. After two beta test sessions moderately appreciated by players, the Japanese studios of GungHo Online Entertainment had a lot to do to convince. The promise was still enticing: a free 4v4 team game for all Nintendo Online owners, it does not run the streets. After a first gaming session, controllers in hand, what about it? Have we found Fortnite's new competitor on Switch? Leaked alert: not really. But some original ideas make the experience quite interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0B3ws5Qr4
A scenario entangled in chewing gum
On paper, the story in which Ninjala is part is a minimum elaborate. In the year 20XX, the descendants of the legendary ninjas created the World Ninja Association in order to preserve their legacy. After discovering ninja-gum, a "chewing gum capable of awakening the strength of shinobi", they decided to have all the children descended from ninjas compete in a competition called Ninjala. If you're wondering: no, Kamulox no longer exists. But, as with ninjas, the developers seem to want to "preserve the legacy". This parenthesis closed, you understand that the important thing is not really the story, it is above all to put on the trunk. For the record, it seems that the title contains a real story mode. Only, it's 10 euros per chapter, so we'll do without it for now.
Haven't we already seen each other somewhere?
As soon as you arrive on Ninjala, several things jump out. First of all, during the creation of our character, Fortnite comes to mind. Or Code Lyoko, as you wish. The dozen or so playable characters all have large round eyes and hair colors more garish than each other. The goal is simple: please the youngest, Ninjala's main target. 
It is once in the game that a second title of the Switch necessarily comes to mind: Splatoon. Between the bright colors, the childish characters, the street-art spirit of the cards and the chewing gum to replace the paint, everything is there. Of course, don't expect to see a single gun in the game: as in Splatoon, you'll fight with weapons as lethal as foam fries from the nearest municipal pool. All this allows the title to obtain a Pegi 7 regulation, essential for its democratization on the Nintendo eShop.
An organized brothel
After a quick tutorial on how to move and attack, it's time to start a first part. In your arsenal, everything is well organized : you have a main weapon (light, heavy or ranged), two skills with cooldown, an ultimate attack and two passive skills. A fairly classic operation for a game based on unique heroes like Overwatch, to name a few. 
It's time to get started. Your game starts and… You don't understand your pain. Your Joy-Cons vibrate like never before, attacks follow one another against you without the possibility of retaliating and strange directional crosses are constantly displayed on the screen during your duels. You've just discovered the complexity of Ninjala (and the frustration that goes with it): you'll have to learn to fight on your own. Indeed, the tutorial is stingy in explanations about its combat system. Literally based on a game of rock-paper-scissors, you have the choice to attack your opponent from the front, sideways, or from behind. He too must make this choice, and it is the one who takes the advantage who will flank one rouste to the other. Some will talk about luck, others about mind-game… Love it or hate it, it's original enough to be highlighted. So it will take time to master Ninjala's surprisingly deep gameplay, not to mention managing your character's talents. It's a lot of fun to look for your weapon of choice and show off your skills to three friends in multiplayer. The fights are as fluid as they are messy, and each player will have a very different feeling when discovering the game. This is the major asset of Ninjala : even if it seems to be only a pale copy of Fortnite and Splatoon, it still manages to surprise with its few original ideas. It remains to be seen if this will be enough to retain players in the long term, once the element of surprise dissipates.
