Players can collect special weapons, including caltrops, shuriken, different bombs and fishing rods, and a multi-functional ninja hat, as well as a variety of potions and food items.

The main protagonist, Hiro, can cast spells, including fireball and lighting attacks, camouflage, and time manipulation.

In ancient Japan, an era of peace and harmony has existed ever since the evil samurai warlord Ashida was defeated at the hand of a wise ninja master.

In the wake of Ashida's defeat, the ninja master hid the secrets of Kuji magic, which grants one power over nature, in various scrolls contained in shrines across the wilderness.

Hiro lives on the mountain in peace alongside his friends - clumsy but strong Futo, flute-playing Suzume, archer Shun, tiger-like Tora, and spear-wielding Kunoichi.

The ninja master eventually learns that Ashida has returned, and is using Kuji magic to convert forest animals into deadly samurai warriors.

The ninja master sends Kunoichi, Tora, Shun, and Suzume to investigate Ashida's army, but all are captured behind enemy lines.

Hiro and his allies continue to push through the wilderness, encountering many dangers, including new varieties of samurai with unique powers, as well as tortured spirits which try to steal their life force.

"[32] However, Joseph DeLia gave the Xbox 360 version 6 out of 10, saying, "While the vibrant visuals, easily manageable combat and light-hearted mood might enamor some, Mini Ninjas is just too repetitive, short and bereft of features to make it stand out.

"[33] Tora was featured among the top ten ninja characters for PlayStation consoles by Play UK in 2010,[34] while Hiro was chosen to illustrate a similar list by Cheat Code Central.

"[36] In March 2012, Square Enix, who preside over Eidos Interactive,[37] filed a trademark in Europe for Mini Ninjas: Hiro's Adventure and created a domain "minininjashirosadventure.com.

"[38] That trademark was announced to be Mini Ninjas Adventures, a spin-off Kinect game for the Xbox Live Arcade exclusively, developed by Sidekick studio and released on June 29, 2012.