The MagazineCanada

Developed by Hellbent Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for the Nintendo DS, NINJAGO represents the latest chapter in the LEGO BATTLES lineup and carries forward the series’ signature playful brick aesthetic on a handheld platform. The game translates the familiar LEGO BATTLES formula into a portable strategy experience that feels approachable yet rewards thoughtful planning. Players wield the DS stylus to deploy and command a diverse roster of units across grid-based battlegrounds, directing movement, timing attacks, and activating a range of special abilities as battles unfold. This tactile input method keeps the action feeling immediate, letting players draw routes, position troops for maximum effect, and react to shifting enemy patterns with precision. Beyond basic skirmishes, the title invites players to assemble their own hero units, choosing from a roster of abilities, equipment, and traits to lead squads and influence the flow of combat. The presence of customizable heroes adds a layer of personalization that expands strategic options and increases the stakes of each engagement. Across six campaigns, the adventure takes players through a sequence of missions that progressively reveal the depth of the LEGO BATTLES system, with scenarios set in varied environments that test adaptability and resource management. Each campaign emphasizes a balance of offense and defense, demanding careful planning, careful timing, and the ability to pivot when opponents exploit weaknesses on the map. The game preserves the bright, approachable tone that LEGO fans recognize while layering in tactical nuance appropriate for a handheld audience. For players across Canada and the United States, the DS version delivers a refined experience with crisp touch controls, clear objectives, and a pace that supports both short sessions and longer, more deliberate play. The user interface remains clean and readable, enabling quick briefings and rapid deployment during missions, while the campaign variety rewards experimentation with different unit mixes and hero configurations. Although easy to grasp at first, NINJAGO on DS offers meaningful depth through diverse mission objectives, enemy formations, and the opportunity to experiment with hero builds and strategic experimentation, creating lasting appeal for casual play and dedicated practice alike. The integration of LEGO branding, approachable touch mechanics, and a solid strategic framework makes this entry a welcome addition to the LEGO BATTLES collection for fans of NINJAGO and portable strategy games. The overall reception highlighted the game’s balance of charm and depth, with many praising its pacing, visual presentation, and accessible yet rewarding gameplay, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating in multiple circles. This DS title stands as a compact, well-crafted example of how a beloved IP can translate into an engaging handheld strategy experience, offering hours of tactical play on the go and a sense of satisfaction that comes from outsmarting opponents with well-planned hero setups and carefully timed moves. Citation: Hellbent Games and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.