It has to be said that Mini Ninjas is a fair departure from the IO Interactive output we’re used to, with it not being the exquisitely violent Hitman. But maybe that’s the point: the cute, cartoony, almost Pixar-ish (though probably more Dreamworks-ish) world of Hiro and co is a simple statement that any company can make more pleasant, child-friendly games if they want to. Players take control of Hiro and five other miniature ninjutsu practitioners, switching between each as and when they feel the need to. Need to take out enemies from range? Shun is the archer. Massive samurai blocking your path? Futo’s your man. It’s little bits of strategy like this that lift Mini Ninjas out of the realms of the usual half-games aimed at kids – it treats its audience with respect rather than forcing barely playable tosh down their throats.

Magic plays a big part in the game, with Hiro being able to shoot fireballs, slow time and possess any creatures he sees in the world (and later some enemies) amongst other ethereal wonders. Elsewhere, collectables, hidden shrines and levelling up will appease the perfectionists while offering a nice distraction for those who aren’t just out for the Trophies, and the option to replay any level or boss is sure to appeal, as levels are fun and distinctive in the most part.

Though this is a departure for IO, Mini Ninjas does still have elements of Hitman, enabling players to take on levels in a stealthy fashion and offering numerous ways in which to defeat or sneak past enemies. It may also surprise you to hear that it doesn’t suffer for being a game for the younger player – it’s a bit easy, but knock the difficulty up and you have a title for the whole family, putting up a decent challenge for older gamers while not too much to put the young ’uns off.

It isn’t all good, though. The game world isn’t as open as it may look, with countless invisible walls blocking progress. It also suffers from irritating, perfunctory motion control in some parts; it isn’t exactly genre-defining/defying, plus there’s a complete lack of multiplayer – it really would have benefited from co-op play. But none of this leaves a hugely sour taste in the mouth, and Mini Ninjas is a fine effort that far exceeds what we expected from it.

REFUND NOT ACCEPTED