On the bright side however, the cut-scenes and gameplay are nearly identical in visual quality, a testament to the solid 3D engine being utilized here. As expected with any new title on PlayStation 2, the visual presentation offered here is smooth and crisp. Textures are often overused, but what s present is very detailed. Much of the game initially takes place under the cover of darkness, with the far distances nearly pitch black possibly Konami s version of the infamous N64 fogging effect. While taking away detailed backgrounds, Konami gives gamers many characters on-screen at once from the hordes of different ninjas you ll encounter to the members of your own team.
Slowdown is only noticeable when things get really crowded, but even then it lasts very briefly.
A variety of special effects are used, most noticeably splattering blood, which spews out of any character when hit with a bullet or weapon. Smoke is also gratuitously utilized here, from skidding ninjas to special smoke bombs aimed at Jigoku and Oyuri. Sound effects are fairly realistic and varied if unmemorable. While 7 Blades visuals and gameplay are solid, the one obvious sore point is the camera system. Gamers can hold L2 or R2 to rotate the camera angle, which quickly becomes a neccessity given the poor standard position in almost any situation.