

Reluctantly, the ninja master then sends out his last ninjas, Hiro and Futo, after teaching Hiro how to learn Kuji spells from the hidden shrines across the country. The ninja master sends Kunoichi, Tora, Shun, and Suzume to investigate Ashida's army, but all are captured behind enemy lines. The ninja master eventually learns that Ashida has returned, and is using Kuji magic to convert forest animals into deadly samurai warriors. The long-lasting peace begins to slowly erode when mysterious events begin to occur across the countryside, including the disappearance of animals and sightings of armored samurai in 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 youngest of these ninjas, Hiro, possesses the power to control Kuji magic. Three centuries later, at Ninja Mountain, the ninja master has trained six orphans in the way of the ninja with the aid of the mountain's tengu inhabitants. 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. In ancient Japan, an era of peace of harmony has existed ever since the evil samurai warlord Ashida was defeated at the hand of a wise ninja master. There are also 100 Jizo statues hidden throughout the game, which can be collected for special achievements or trophies. Scattered throughout the world are ancient shrines, each containing a scroll that grants Hiro a new spell.

Other foods like sushi do the same thing. Fruits found on trees or bushes can be harvested by shaking the bushes or the trunk of trees, which will restore their health. They can exchange these coins for weapons and recipes from the Tengu, crow-like humanoids who also give quests and advice. Throughout their journey, players can collect coins and ingredients, such as mushrooms, flowers, and ginseng roots. Other enemies in the game include ghosts, which approach the player and attempt to drain their life force. All animals have a keen sense of smell for spotting ingredients and collectibles in places that are easily overlooked. For example, brown bears can attack with their claws, warthogs charge at enemies, and panda bears can slam into the ground. When defeated, the curse is broken and the enemies return to their previous animal form, and can assist the player.

The enemies in Mini Ninjas are animals enchanted by the main antagonist, turning them into samurai warriors. Spells are cast using Ki, which is dropped by enemies and can be replenished with potions. Hiro can also possess spirits, such as animals, for a short period of time. The main protagonist, Hiro, can cast spells, including fireball and lighting attacks, camouflage, and time manipulation. 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. It features six playable Mini Ninja characters, each with their own unique abilities, weapons and skills. Mini Ninjas is a linear third-person action-adventure game.
