American Ninja Warrior Challenge

Much like the athletic game show that inspired it, this arcade obstacle course game will entertain fans of the show, while fans of similar games will find it boring. Like theTV show,American Ninja WarriorChallengehas you running, jumping, and climbing your way through an obstacle course that looks like a more adult version of something you'd find in a fancy playground. Hitting the right button at the right time, you have to navigate your way through such challenges as the "Broken Bridge" (a series of thin platforms you have to jump on), the "Warped Wall" (which has you trying to run up a skateboard park-like curved wall), and the "Ultimate Cliffhanger" (in which you shimmy along suspended platforms while hanging from your hands). You even have to be mindful of your stamina, just like a real contestant.

But while this brings the fun and excitement of the TV game show to game consoles, people who aren't fans of the show -- or who expect this to be more like other obstacle course video games -- will find these challenges and the way you play them to be a bit plain and boring. Because you're hitting different buttons to perform the same action, this feels more likeGuitarHeroorRock Band--or, for older folks, the classicTrack &Fieldfrom 1983 -- than it does like more modern platformers that feature Mario, Donkey Kong, or Meat Boy. But whileAmerican Ninja Warrior Challengemay not be for serious gamers, it will be fun for serious fans of the show.