The free-to-play multiplayer action game Ninjala, which launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2020 and has since spawned a manga and a lengthy anime series, is set to receive a sequel. Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet is in development exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it represents a significant departure from its predecessor's PvP focus.
During a hands-on preview at Anime Expo, it was revealed that Ninjala 2 will shift to an open-world PvE (player versus environment) experience, playable in co-op with friends. While co-op gameplay was not experienced firsthand, the change in direction is immediately apparent. Director Motoki Kaneda explained that the decision stemmed from the success of the original game, which has garnered over 12 million downloads, and a desire to explore new challenges on the Switch 2.
"We are always looking for the next thing, and trying new challenges. The Switch 2, in our minds, was the perfect chance to take things to the next step," Kaneda stated. The shift towards PvE is also influenced by the established Ninjala universe, which extends beyond the game into manga and a diverse anime with numerous characters.
"The Ninjala universe is quite diverse. There’s a manga, there’s also an anime–it’s a very filled-out world. There’s a lot of characters, and a lot to explore there," Kaneda said. "We really wanted the users to get the best experience and have a chance to enjoy all of those aspects of the Ninjala world. But what we really wanted to do was make sure that people could spend their time enjoying things, at their own pace."
Kaneda also noted that the original Ninjala did feature a story mode, supported by several paid DLC Story Packs released over the years. The development team is positioning Ninjala 2 as a continuation of a specific story arc from the anime, though the extent to which the game will strictly adhere to or deviate from the anime's narrative remains uncertain. As of now, there are no plans for a release on platforms other than the Switch 2.
The preview offered a glimpse into the game's mechanics, including a boss fight and a photo mode. Controls are described as similar to the first Ninjala. In the combat demo, a character's equipment could freeze enemies, allowing for a powerful follow-up attack. The battle system was noted as relatively simple during the brief encounter. The photo mode allows players to select poses and direct characters within the frame. While these segments provided a taste of the gameplay, they were insufficient to fully gauge the impact of the new PvE direction.
Despite the current focus on PvE, the development team has not ruled out the possibility of reintroducing PvP elements to Ninjala 2 in the future. The original Ninjala will continue to be supported, and the team is reportedly evaluating how to manage the franchise's future, with fan feedback expected to play a role in these decisions. The sequel's significant pivot to a PvE-centric experience marks a notable evolution for the Ninjala franchise, generating curiosity about its ultimate reception.