Well, having passed on picking up Persona 3 when it dropped I've been half-heartedly trying to locate a copy around the OKC area shops. This search has proved to be more futile than Princess Peach getting a restraining order on Bowser *insert cheesy laugh track*
In my dejected state I decided to just swing by my local GameExchange in hopes of finding an old copy of Battle Angel on dvd or vhs. (If anybody actually has this, I have a slightly used left testicle I'd be willing to offer in trade)

As it turns out I came across a game that me and the wife got a LOT of fun out of;

*note I picked it up on the xbox, not just because that was the only copy they had but also because it's on the 360 backwards compatibility list and after the first few play sessions I can say it works fine.

Now if you haven't played this I strongly recommend you go out and pick it up if you can find it. It's a platformer that has great level design, character animation, and a variety of gameplay mixed in with the adventure.
It unfortunately was released at the same time as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time so you can see how a squatty ninja voiced by Billy West could be overshadowed by a dude in parachute pants with the ability to control time.

Our chibi-headed hero was brought to life by Argonaut Games, a developer which to a good majority of gamers either went unknown or at best was associated with a string of lackluster titles with the exception of StarFox and of course I-Ninja.
That's right, StarFox. Not only was Argonaut a huge contributer but they were the brains behind the development of the Super FX chip which was the powerhouse that allowed you do execute those beloved barrel rolls in 3D!!
The Super FX was also used in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island to great success despite the reluctance of some in regards to the art style.

Unfortunately I have to say that Argonaut Games has since shuffled off the mortal coil around 2004-2005. Even though a quick glance at their choice of projects (starfox and i-ninja aside) it's obvious to see why they weren't exactly a huge success garnering industry and critic acclaim. ...but.. I still blame the final nail in the coffin on Catwoman.

Well that's it for this delve into a bit of obscure gaming history, join us next time when we take a closer look at how much fun visual and auditory hallucinations can be!