I recently downloaded all of the Ninja Tournament rankings and started playing through the first one. I'm beginning to realize that I'm not as good at that game as I once thought I was. I've already beaten the game but I wasn't too concerned with karma and essence but now I realize that it's important for the scoring system. I can't even really figure out how to get those higher while playing.

I've noticed that most situations have a timer and a few times I've been able to beat the situation within the time limit so I'm thinking that's where it's important. But I've also noticed that when I use the flail I and get my hit count above 100 then I get a good amount of essence. I have the armlet that absorbs more essence but I don't see much of a difference. Maybe I just need to keep playin and work on getting my combos down better since that seems to be the way to finish off all of the enemies faster.

Since I started the tournament I haven't uploaded my score so I don't really know where my ranking stands. I'm only about 1/2 way through the first tournament so I still have some way to go. I'm really curious about the other 2 and how they differ from the first. I hope it's just not the same game with more baddies. I realize they are not new games entirely but a few different things would be nice.