View source for Ninjala

{{Infobox video game
| title = Ninjala
| image = Ninjala cover art.jpg
| caption = 
| developer = [[GungHo Online Entertainment]]
| publisher = GungHo Online Entertainment
| director = Motoki Kaneda
| producer = 
| designer = Yoshiumi Hataya
| programmer = Kazuya Honda
| writer = {{ubl|Asuka Konno|Kyoko Kitahara}}
| composer = 
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 4]]
| platforms = [[Nintendo Switch]]
| released = June 24, 2020
| genre = [[Action video game|Action]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Ninjala''''' is a [[free-to-play]] [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[action video game|action]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[GungHo Online Entertainment]] with some involvement from [[Valhalla Game Studios|Soleil]]. Unveiled at [[E3 2018]], it was released on June 24, 2020 for the [[Nintendo Switch]].

The game received mixed reviews, with many praising the multiplayer, gameplay and art style, but criticizing the story mode. The game was widely compared to ''[[Splatoon]]'' due to its style and gameplay.

==Gameplay==
''Ninjala'' centers upon an eponymous tournament being held by the fictional World [[Ninja]] Association (WNA), which developed [[bubblegum]] that could be used to allow people with the DNA of a ninja to perform [[ninjutsu]].<ref name=":2" /> The game focuses primarily on [[Melee|melee combat]] using various types of weapons.<ref name=":3" /> The player can double-jump and run along walls to navigate the map.<ref name=":4" /> A match can be played between up to eight players in either teams or a solo "[[Battle royale game|Battle Royale]]".<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

Bubbles can be blown to trigger abilities, such as launching them at opponents as a ranged attack, or activating an air dash move. Their power can be increased by destroying [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drones]] that periodically spawn on the map, allowing the player to craft a larger melee weapon when fully-charged.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=The Ninjala beta turned this skeptical Splatoon fan into a ninja-gum hopeful|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-ninjala-beta-turned-this-skeptical-splatoon-fan-into-a-ninja-gum-hopeful/|last=Sheridan|first=Connor|date=2020-04-29|website=GamesRadar|language=en|access-date=2020-05-01|archive-date=2020-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502025323/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-ninjala-beta-turned-this-skeptical-splatoon-fan-into-a-ninja-gum-hopeful/|url-status=live}}</ref> The player can also disguise themselves as a prop on the field.<ref name=":4" /> Points are scored primarily by knocking out opponents, and an "Ippon" bonus can be scored as part of a KO if the player does so in combination with their abilities.<ref name=":4" /> Each match lasts four minutes and the player or team that scores the most points when the timer runs out wins.

== Characters ==
=== Main characters ===
There are eight main characters in ''Ninjala''. In the game, they all have common stats and abilities. Each of them has a unique backstory that was explored in the game's supplementary media, such as TV anime.

* '''Van''' {{voiced by|[[Yumiko Kobayashi]]|Becky Robinson}}: A young boy with a talent for basketball, Van has been wishing for his father's return from his overseas trips. However, he ended up caught between the battle between his father, who he discovered to be a ninja, and Hebimaru who managed to defeat him by trapping him inside a burning shed with Van in it. As the result, Van's father was put into an indefinite coma, but not before he make his son chew a Ninja Gum that awakened his ninjutsu genes and save them both from the burning shed. He was asked by his mother to train for Ninjala under the tutelage of Genryusai, while at the same time working as a night-time vigilante tasked with stopping the plans of the Space Ninjas, gum-like aliens seeking to conquer planets by absorbing the [[DNA]] of ninjas to grow stronger.
* '''Berecca''' {{voiced by|[[Akari Kitō]]|Kailey Snider}}: One of the lead scientists in charge of perfecting Ninja Gums, which is said to have the power to awaken the dormant shinobi genes in humans, Berecca was a no-nonsense woman, who is just continuing the research her father, Sean left behind. Having witnessed the accidental creation of the perfected Ninja Gums, she tried one herself and is shocked to learned of her shinobi heritage, just before Ron, acting as one of the scientists in charge of the project, betrays them then escaped, she and Burton learned of the Gum's side effect: chewing on a Ninja Gum can turn adults into children. Thus, Berecca, alongside Burton, decides to join Ninjala in hopes of finding a cure to the Gum's side effects and revert to normal.
* '''Burton''' {{voiced by|[[Takahiro Sakurai]]|[[Max Mittelman]]}}: One of the lead scientists in charge of perfecting Ninja Gums, Burton was an Albert Einstein enthusiast, often using his philosophies and scientific mindset in creating inventions that can change the world for the better, not to mention having ninjutsu heritage in his blood, thus explaining his involvement in perfecting Ninja Gums. After accidentally creating a perfected batch of Ninja Gum, he was attacked by Ron, who was sent to eliminate him and Berecca, and handing over his findings to Allen. Burton tried to defeat Ron, but failed and got blasted with Berecca, before he and Berecca discovered that the Gum de-aged them into children, prompting the two to join Ninjala in order to reverse the side-effects and further refine the Ninja Gum.
* '''Ron''' {{voiced by|[[Hiroki Yasumoto]]|Regi Davis}}: An enigmatic ninja with an agenda, Ron is just one of the names he took in order to accomplish his tasks. When his plans to steal data of Ninja Gum succeed, he was chased by Allen's minions, forcing him to take up one of the Ninja Gum pieces left behind in Burton's wrecked laboratory to go undercover by partaking in Ninjala as a young ninja in hopes of finding the two scientists and complete his mission. 
* '''Lucy''' {{voiced by|[[Aoi Yūki]]|[[Reba Buhr]]}}: A slightly-deranged girl who wears an eyepatch to hide her mysterious powers. Once a sweet kid, Lucy was just a normal kid until a traumatic event awakened her dormant shinobi gene within her, causing anything she sets her eyes on to turn into nightmarish tentacles. This alone has cause Lucy to distance herself from everyone and have to wear an eyepatch over her left eye to prevent this power from leaking out. It wasn't until an invitation from the WNA and some encouragement from her mother does she embrace this power and adopts a "crazy girl" persona as she trains herself for Ninjala.
* '''Kappei''' {{voiced by|[[Ayumu Murase]]|[[Kath Soucie]]}}: A young shinobi from Ega, a small ninja-inspired town in [[Japan|Oedo, Japan]], Kappei has since been training to be a full-fledged ninja like in the stage plays he saw. Having accidentally discovered Gumchi, a playful gum-like alien, he and Gumchi has formed a brotherly bond, prompting his grandfather, Gen'unsai, to send Kappei to Komerica to train under Genryusai's tutelage, as well as protecting Gumchi from anyone trying to abuse its powers.
* '''Jane''' {{voiced by|[[Junko Minagawa]]|[[Ashly Burch]]}}: A hacker working for the World Ninja Organization's Intelligence Department, Jane was a serious woman who would hack onto anything within ease, often having a preference for munching on candies while working. She was tried to hack data of Ninja Gum, but it failed, so she was going by her own. But then, Allen's minions appeared to attack Jane. Just than, Ron appeared and then defeated them. However, the building where they hid had a time bomb, so Ron made Jane chew a piece of Ninja Gum. Now stuck as a small child, she decided to infiltrate Ninjala, alongside Ron, in order to find the reason behind the project's true purpose and to figure out how to revert to normal.
* '''Emma''' {{voiced by|[[Megumi Han]]|[[Kimberly Brooks]]}}: A lively street-performer who masquerades as a vigilante at night. Emma used to be shunned because of her newly-awakened ninjutsu genetics, until she learned how to properly use it for the sake of good, such as taking out conniving criminals in the dead of night. Seeing potential in Emma, she was scouted by the World Ninja Organization to participate in Ninjala to help Emma hone her skills, as both a ninja and a performer.

=== Side characters ===
* '''Gumchi''' {{voiced by|[[Honoka Inoue]]|Stephanie Southerland}}: The mascot of Ninjala, arriving to WNA academy with Kappei.
* '''Goro''': Burton's cat.
* '''Kurokos''': Robots who works for Ninjas.
* '''Genryusai''' {{voiced by|[[Chō]]|Erik Braa}}: Mentor of Burton and his friends.
* '''Gen'unsai''' {{voiced by|Chō|Erik Braa}}: Kappei's grandfather and Genryusai's twin brother.
* '''Allen''' (voiced by: [[Kosei Hirota]]): The main antagonist of Ninjala who is the director of WNA, always trying to assassinate Burton, Berreca, Ron, and Jane.
* '''Luke''' (voiced by: [[Ikuya Sawaki]]): A mysterious old man who is the chief of WNA. In fact, he was Master Shadow, the leader of the Shadow Ninjas who was infiltrated in the WNA Headquarters.
* '''Bruce''' (voiced by: [[Kenji Nomura]]): A teacher of WNA academy. He likes pun but dislikes pumpkin due to a childhood trauma.
* '''Amy''' (voiced by: [[Yūko Kaida]]): A teacher of WNA academy. Her family has grown pumpkins.
* '''Daisy''' (voiced by: [[Mayumi Yamaguchi]]): A teacher of WNA academy. She has lots of knowledge of ninja.
* '''Leonard''' (voiced by: [[Masafumi Kimura]]): Sean's companion. He is being chased by Shadow Ninjas.
* '''Sean''' (voiced by: [[Masami Kikuchi]]): Berreca's father. After being attacked by Shadow Ninjas, his status is currently unknown.
* '''Dan''' (voiced by: [[Rikako Aikawa]]): The hot-blooded, strict and bossy leader of the Bottle Collectors.
* '''Tyler''' (voiced by: [[Makoto Furukawa]]): One of the members of Bottle Collectors. He has been Dan's partner since Ninja Camp.
* '''Keith''' (voiced by: [[Kōhei Amasaki]]): One of the members of Bottle Collectors. He likes beautiful things.
* '''Naomi''' (voiced by: [[Yō Taichi]]): One of the members of Bottle Collectors. She is from Oedo.
* '''May''' (voiced by: [[Aki Kanada]]): One of the members of Bottle Collectors. She is the Ninjala Champion.
* '''Ezet''' (voiced by: [[Junya Enoki]]): A mysterious boy who is new student of WNA academy. He has strong physical abilities, but he can't use Ninja Gum.

=== Minor characters ===
* '''Warren''' {{voiced by|[[Aya Endo]]|[[Kari Wahlgren]]}}: An agent of WNA who scouted Emma.
* '''Tsukikage''' (voiced by: [[Daisuke Kishio]]): Allen's minion who is a master of disguise.
* '''Harold''' (voiced by: [[Satoshi Taki]]): The president of Komerika. He is secretly working with Allen.
* '''Space Ninjas''' (voiced by: [[Yusuke Numata]], [[Akeno Watanabe]], [[Megumi Han]], [[Hana Sato]], [[Masaaki Ihara]]): Mysterious creatures that are looking for Ninja Gum. 
* '''Shadow Ninjas''' (voiced by: [[Mizuki Nakamura]]): Ninjas who are against WNA.
* '''Hebimaru''' (voiced by: [[Setsuji Sato]]): One of the Shadow Ninjas. He has attacked Max, and is now seeking to attack Burton and his friends.
* '''Bob''' {{voiced by|[[Takahiro Mizushima]]|[[Todd Haberkorn]]}}: An unlucky character who doesn't appear in the TV anime.
* '''Max''' {{voiced by|[[Taiten Kusunoki]]|[[Andrew Morgado]]}}: Van's father. He has been attacked by Hebimaru, but has survived.
* '''Billy''' (voice actor unknown): Just an extra who has challenged Burton, but he was quickly defeated. 
* '''Sisler''' (voiced by: [[Takumu Miyazono]]): A muscular man who has been defeated by Keith. After that, he has been awakened to beautiful battle.
* '''Hongfa''' (voice actress unknown): A girl who has crush on Burton.
* '''Terry''' (voice actor unknown): An extra who was defeated by Hongfa.
* '''Leona''' (voiced by: [[Sayaka Senbongi]]): A ghost that wanders around WNA academy at night. She appeared only one time.
* '''Dia''' (voiced by: [[Mai Kanazawa]]): Teammate of Kappei and Tyler.
* '''Cluv''' (voiced by: [[Erisa Kuon]]): Teammate of Dan and Emma.
* '''Chloe''' {{voiced by|[[Emiri Kato]]|[[Julie Nathanson]]}}: Lucy's friend. Although she knows that Lucy has special powers, she is not afraid of it or her.
* '''Sarah''' (voiced by: [[Lisa Watanabe]]): Emma's fan. She has a friend whose name is Mary, but Mary is never seen in the series.
* '''Peggy''' (voiced by: [[Sanae Miyuki]]): The owner of Burton's apartment. She only appeared in the first few episodes.
* '''John''' (voice actor unknown): Van's friend. He only appeared in the first few episodes.
* '''Satsuki, Sally''' (voiced by: [[Nana Hamasaki]], [[Hana Sato]]): Lucy's friends. After knowing that Lucy has special powers, they are afraid of it. They appeared only one time.
* '''Tatsuya''' (voiced by: [[Yuhko Kaida]]): A boy who lives in Oedo. 
* '''Tim, Jason''' (voice actors unknown): Companions of Dan and Tyler in Ninja Camp. They appeared only one time.
* '''Jimmy''' (voiced by: [[Kiyono Yasuno]]): A boy who has trained kendo with Kappei. He appeared only one time.
* '''Devil ant''' (voiced by: [[VOLCANO OTA]]): A former pro wrestler who has kidnapped Burton and his friends. After he was defeated by Bruce, he was arrested. He appeared only one time.
* '''Doma''' (voiced by: [[Eijo Tsuda]]): An engineer who made mechanical suit Ninjacket to defeat Genryusai, who has defeated him many times since they were in training.

==Development==
GungHo CEO Kazuki Morishita explained that ''Ninjala'' was inspired by his childhood memories of ninja and sports [[Samurai cinema|chanbara]], having envisioned ''Ninjala'' as being a mixture of both. He stated that the main goal was to develop create a multiplayer action game that both children and adults could enjoy. Takeshi Arakawa, who co-produced ''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy]]'' while at [[Square Enix]], is part of the development staff of ''Ninjala''. For its unveiling, GungHo elected to primarily target Europe and North America to gauge their reactions before giving it more prominent promotion in Japan.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/8/164388.html|title=【E3 18】《泡泡糖忍戰》來者何忍？在 GungHo 攤位與製作人暢談秘辛|work=巴哈姆特電玩資訊站|access-date=2018-06-25|archive-date=2018-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625213247/https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/8/164388.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/06/21/ninjala-is-designed-by-the-co-producer-of-dissidia-final-fantasy/|title=Ninjala Is Designed By The Co-Producer Of Dissidia Final Fantasy|date=2018-06-21|work=Siliconera|access-date=2018-06-25|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624040209/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/06/21/ninjala-is-designed-by-the-co-producer-of-dissidia-final-fantasy/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ninjala'' was built using the [[Unreal Engine]] game engine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/events/unreal-engine-developers-come-out-on-top-at-e3-2018|title=Unreal Engine Developers Come Out on Top at E3 2018|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=2020-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109023824/https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/events/unreal-engine-developers-come-out-on-top-at-e3-2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Originally announced for release in 2019, GungHo announced on May 31, 2019 that ''Ninjala'' had been delayed to early 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/gungho_online_entertainment_delays_ninjala_until_spring_20202|title=GungHo Online Entertainment Delays Ninjala Until Spring 2020|date=2019-05-31|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-05-31|archive-date=2019-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531044435/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/gungho_online_entertainment_delays_ninjala_until_spring_20202|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2019, GungHo president Kazuki Morishita stated that ''Ninjala'' was still on track for a Spring 2020 release, and that it would contain content that would be "satisfying" for "seasoned players".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/12/gungho_president_says_ninjala_will_be_fun_for_players_of_all_ages|title=GungHo President Says Ninjala Will Be Fun For Players Of All Ages|date=2019-12-29|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-02|archive-date=2020-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130140054/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/12/gungho_president_says_ninjala_will_be_fun_for_players_of_all_ages|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ninjala'' was originally set to be released on May 27, 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/ninjala-launches-may-27-is-free-to-play|title=Ninjala launches May 27, is free-to-play|website=Gematsu|date=26 March 2020|accessdate=March 26, 2020|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124092939/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/ninjala-launches-may-27-is-free-to-play|url-status=live}}</ref> but it was delayed four weeks later to June 24 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

==Promotion==
A teaser trailer for ''Ninjala'' was released on June 13, 2018, which is set to music by the [[kawaii metal]] band [[Babymetal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamekult.com/actualite/gungho-annonce-ninjala-sur-switch-son-jeu-d-action-colore-3050806463.html|title=#e3gk – GungHo annonce Ninjala sur Switch, son jeu d'action coloré|date=2018-06-14|work=Gamekult|access-date=2018-06-14|language=fr|archive-date=2018-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614094536/https://www.gamekult.com/actualite/gungho-annonce-ninjala-sur-switch-son-jeu-d-action-colore-3050806463.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Footage from the game was also briefly featured during Nintendo's [[E3 2018]] video presentation the same day.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/blow_bubble_gum_and_do_battle_with_the_cartoon_combat_of_ninjala|title=Blow Bubble Gum And Do Battle With The Cartoon Combat Of Ninjala|date=2018-06-12|work=Nintendo Life|access-date=2018-06-14|language=en-GB|archive-date=2018-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614073311/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/blow_bubble_gum_and_do_battle_with_the_cartoon_combat_of_ninjala|url-status=live}}</ref> A new trailer was released on December 6, 2018, showcasing the backstory of ''Ninjala'''s universe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/06/the-latest-ninjala-trailer-looks-at-the-ninjas-disappearance-and-subsequent-return/|title=The Latest Ninjala Trailer Looks At The Ninjas' Disappearance And Subsequent Return|date=2018-12-06|website=Siliconera|access-date=2018-12-08|archive-date=2018-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206230517/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/06/the-latest-ninjala-trailer-looks-at-the-ninjas-disappearance-and-subsequent-return/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/video_gungho_online_entertainment_releases_new_teaser_trailer_for_ninjala|title=Video: GungHo Online Entertainment Releases New Teaser Trailer For Ninjala|date=2018-12-07|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-12-08|archive-date=2018-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123708/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/video_gungho_online_entertainment_releases_new_teaser_trailer_for_ninjala|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the Nintendo Direct Mini on March 26, a new trailer was showcased, along with an announcement that ''Ninjala'' would be released on May 27, 2020 as a [[free-to-play]] title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-direct-showcases-a-bunch-of-new-switch-ga/1100-6475258/|title=Nintendo Direct Showcases A Bunch Of New Switch Games, Including Burnout Paradise Remastered|date=2020-03-26|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-26|archive-date=2020-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326151114/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-direct-showcases-a-bunch-of-new-switch-ga/1100-6475258/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/everything-in-todays-nintendo-direct-mini-broadcast|title=Everything in March 26's Nintendo Direct Mini Broadcast|date=2020-03-26|website=IGN|language=en|access-date=2020-03-26|archive-date=2020-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401204934/https://www.ign.com/articles/everything-in-todays-nintendo-direct-mini-broadcast|url-status=live}}</ref> A CGI animated "episode 0" by [[Marza Animation Planet|Marza]], introducing the characters and the lore of the game, was released on March 31, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/interested_in_the_splatoon-like_ninjala_check_out_this_10-minute_animated_film|title=Interested In The Splatoon-Like Ninjala? Check Out This 10-Minute Animated Film|date=2020-03-30|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-03-30|archive-date=2020-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401012636/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/interested_in_the_splatoon-like_ninjala_check_out_this_10-minute_animated_film|url-status=live}}</ref> A series of time-limited multiplayer beta sessions were held on April 28 and 29,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ninjala Open Beta Pre-Loading Available Now On Nintendo Switch|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ninjala-open-beta-pre-loading-available-now-on-nin/1100-6476324/|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-22|archive-date=2020-04-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428034823/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ninjala-open-beta-pre-loading-available-now-on-nin/1100-6476324/|url-status=live}}</ref> which were affected by various server issues.''<ref name=":4"/>''

On August 24, 2020, a collaboration with video game franchise ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' was announced for season 2.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Woods |first1=Sam |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Heading To Ninjala in Season 2 |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-heading-to-ninjala-in-season-2/ |website=DualShockers |date=24 August 2020 |accessdate=24 August 2020 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930234008/https://www.dualshockers.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-heading-to-ninjala-in-season-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 9, 2020, a collaboration with smartphone game ''[[Puzzle & Dragons]]'' was announced.<ref>{{Cite web|last=pad949|date=2021-04-08|title=GungHo Collab Returns!|url=https://www.puzzleanddragons.us/single-post/gungho-collab-returns-1|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Puzzle & Dragons|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425214933/https://www.puzzleanddragons.us/single-post/gungho-collab-returns-1|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 19, 2021, there has been an announcement on the official PlayNinjala YouTube Channel that there will be a collaboration with the popular manga and anime series ''[[Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba]]''.

On March 10, 2022, a collaboration with the popular manga and anime series ''[[Jujutsu Kaisen]]'' began.

On March 15, 2023, a collaboration with the popular manga and anime series ''[[Attack on Titan]]'' began.

On July 5, 2023, a collaboration with the popular anime series ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' began.

== Media ==
===Anime===
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name            = Ninjala
| image           = 
| caption         = 
| ja_kanji        = 
| ja_romaji       = 
| genre           = <!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
| creator         = GungHo Online Entertainment
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = 
| director        = {{ubl|[[Mamoru Kanbe]] (1–63)|Nanako Shimazaki (64–)}}
| producer        = 
| writer          = {{ubl|Shinzō Fujita (1–26)|Takeshi Konuta (27–)}}
| music           = Takahiro Obata
| studio          = [[OLM, Inc.|OLM]] Team Inoue (1–112)<br />OLM Team Hikita (113–)
| licensee        = [[Sentai Filmworks]]
| network         = [[TX Network|TXN]] ([[TV Tokyo]])
| network_en      = 
| first           = January 8, 2022
| last            = 
| episodes        = 142<!-- This parameter should only be incremented when new episodes air or when a [[Wikipedia:Identifying reliable sources|reliable source]] can confirm a specific number of episodes. -->
| episode_list    = List of Ninjala episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

{{Main|List of Ninjala episodes}}

An anime television series adaptation by [[OLM, Inc.|OLM]] aired on [[TV Tokyo]]. The series is directed by [[Mamoru Kanbe]], with Shinzō Fujita handling series composition, Atsushi Suzuki designing the characters and Takahiro Obata composing the music. Up until episode 40, the opening theme song “Maybe Baby” was performed by [[Kyary Pamyu Pamyu]]. From episode 41 to episode 112, the opening theme song “Isshin Doutai” was also performed by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Since episode 113 the new opening theme song is "OEDOEDO" by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. While up until episode 19, Wolpis Carter performed the ending theme song "Ninjalaic Ninja". From episode 20 and up until episode 40, the ending theme song "SHINOBI TOP SECRET" was performed by Wienners. From episode 41 and up until episode 57, the anime presented another ending theme song, named “Friendship March” which is performed by Fantastic Paisen. From episode 58 to episode 65, the ending theme, titled “Ninja Remotion” was performed by Ange☆Reve. From episode 66 to episode 79, the anime revealed a 5th ending theme song, titled “Radice” which is performed by Wolpis Carter and Neru. From episode 80 to episode 100, another ending theme song was unveiled, titled, “Appare! Extreme Ninja” by SHARE LOCK HOMES. From episode 101 to episode 124, the ending theme, named "You and Doron in Broad Daylight" by Pop Shinanaide, was played. Starting with episode 125, the new ending theme is "TKG Syndrome" by Miyu Kaneko.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ninjala TV Anime Unveils Cast, Staff, Theme Song Artists|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-02/ninjala-tv-anime-unveils-cast-staff-theme-song-artists-january-8-debut/.180203|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=December 2, 2021|language=en|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202163401/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-02/ninjala-tv-anime-unveils-cast-staff-theme-song-artists-january-8-debut/.180203|url-status=live}}</ref> The anime began streaming with English subtitles on the game's official [[YouTube]] channel on January 13, 2022. Episodes are released every Thursday at 7:00&nbsp;p.m. ([[Pacific Time Zone|PT]]) and only available for one week.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ninjala TV Anime Streams with English Subtitles on YouTube|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-13/ninjala-tv-anime-streams-with-english-subtitles-on-youtube/.181462|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=January 13, 2022|access-date=January 15, 2022|archive-date=January 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115033333/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-13/ninjala-tv-anime-streams-with-english-subtitles-on-youtube/.181462|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Pre-release===
The overall visual style of ''Ninjala'' has been widely compared to [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[Splatoon]]'' franchise.<ref name="ign-e3tease"/><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Jordan Devore of ''[[Destructoid]]'' felt that ''Ninjala'' was hard to judge based on its early multiplayer demo at E3, noting the lack of playable weapons beyond baseball bats (though noticing that yo-yos had appeared as a disabled option in the menus), a need to improve the "flow and feel" of its gameplay, and the lack of "good" lock-on targeting functionality. However, he felt that "there's something to this gum-loving ninja concept for sure", and that ''Ninjala'' was "worth following". He argued that alongside ''Splatoon'', there was "plenty of room for more colorful, poppy, kid-friendly multiplayer games".<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.destructoid.com/ninjala-is-cute-in-concept-but-it-s-certainly-no-splatoon-507889.phtml|title=Ninjala is cute in concept but it's certainly no Splatoon|work=Destructoid|access-date=2018-06-14|archive-date=2021-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227065431/https://www.destructoid.com/ninjala-is-cute-in-concept-but-it-s-certainly-no-splatoon-507889.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' similarly noted that its concept felt like "''Splatoon'' meets ''[[Arms (video game)|Arms]]''", and that "if GungHo makes good on delivering creative weaponry and polishes up the combat, ''Ninjala'' might just have what it takes to beat Nintendo at its own game."<ref name="ign-e3tease">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/19/ninjala-splatoon-meets-arms-on-nintendo-switch|title=Ninjala - Splatoon Meets ARMS on Nintendo Switch|last=Miucin|first=Filip|date=2018-06-19|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025110234/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/19/ninjala-splatoon-meets-arms-on-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the 2020 open beta, Connor Sheridan of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' noted that the game's fundamentals had an initial learning curve (especially in comparison to ''Splatoon''), but that "figuring out how to string attacks together for maximum points and minimum chance of reprisal" had a strategic depth similar to [[fighting game]]s, and that he was "pleasantly surprised" by the number of character customization options.''<ref name=":4" />'' ''[[Siliconera]]'' described the game as "trying to appeal to the fans of its larger cousin [''Splatoon''] without replacing it", noting that the drone mechanic added a "[[Multiplayer online battle arena|MOBA]]-like" progression that could potentially influence strategy among coordinated teams, but that the tutorial video provided by the beta was "not particularly effective at explaining the uses and advantages of each kind of attack" as opposed to an in-game tutorial, and the server capacity issues from the beta showed that there was "still significant work to do to build a stable environment for launch next month".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Is This the Next Splatoon? The Ninjala Open Beta May Hold the Answer|url=https://www.siliconera.com/is-this-the-next-splatoon-the-ninjala-open-beta-may-hold-the-answer/|date=2020-04-29|website=Siliconera|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-01|archive-date=2020-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505201256/https://www.siliconera.com/is-this-the-next-splatoon-the-ninjala-open-beta-may-hold-the-answer/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Post-release===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 68/100<ref name="mc-ns">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ninjala/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Ninjala for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=September 19, 2021 |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325193909/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/ninjala |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Destruct = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andriessen |first1=CJ |title=Review: Ninjala |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-ninjala/ |website=[[Destructoid]] |date=19 September 2021 |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212419/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-ninjala/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot = 6/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Watts |first1=Steve |title=Ninjala Review - Gum Up The Works |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ninjala-review-gum-up-the-works/1900-6417492/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=19 September 2021 |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920211905/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ninjala-review-gum-up-the-works/1900-6417492/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NLife = {{Rating|7|10}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Ninjala Review (Switch eShop) {{!}} Aces high |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/ninjala |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=19 September 2021 |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=7 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707040858/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/ninjala |url-status=live }}</ref>
| USG = 3/5<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCarthy |first1=Caty |title=Ninjala Review: Chewing Bubblegum and Kicking Butt, for a Price |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/ninjala-review |website=[[USgamer]] |date=19 September 2021 |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925095815/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/ninjala-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

''[[Nintendo Life]]'' gave the game 7 of 10. They praised the art style, the overall gameplay, weapons, customisation options and gyro controls, but were critical of the story mode, tutorial mode, some notable gameplay aspects (such as the parrying system) and single-use items.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ninjala Review (Switch eShop)|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/ninjala|date=2020-06-30|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|language=en-US|access-date=2020-06-30|archive-date=2020-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630234919/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/ninjala|url-status=live}}</ref>

Michael Therkelsen from ''[[Gayming Magazine]]'' stated "While battle game-play is relatively easy, the customization of your avatar and in-game stores are quite difficult to figure out", also criticizing the game for being "ultimately too repetitive".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ninjala failed to inspire me into becoming a ninja - Gayming Magazine |url=https://gaymingmag.com/2020/07/ninjala-failed-to-inspire-me-into-becoming-a-ninja/ |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=gaymingmag.com |date=12 July 2020 |archive-date=2023-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211181321/https://gaymingmag.com/2020/07/ninjala-failed-to-inspire-me-into-becoming-a-ninja/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ninjala reached 10 million downloads as of February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ninjala - Dev Diary #28 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw1qkciNPy0&feature=youtu.be |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=youtube.com |publisher=[[GungHo Online Entertainment]] |format=video |date=2023-02-16 |archive-date=2023-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527155620/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw1qkciNPy0&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://ninjalathegame.com}}

{{OLM}}

[[Category:2020 video games]]
[[Category:2022 anime television series debuts]]
[[Category:Action games]]
[[Category:Anime television series based on video games]]
[[Category:GungHo Online Entertainment franchises]]
[[Category:Free-to-play video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer video games]]
[[Category:Ninja in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch-only games]]
[[Category:OLM, Inc.]]
[[Category:Sentai Filmworks]]
[[Category:TV Tokyo original programming]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine 4 games]]
[[Category:Fighting games]]
[[Category:Video games about ninja]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Arata Iiyoshi]]