An age old quest where the reason is lost to time is the setting for Ximad's 'Pandas vs Ninjas 2', a physics based freemium game now available in the Windows Store. You're on the side of the Pandas by the way, as you look to kill all the Ninjas and advance through the landscape.

Opening up for the first time, you'll be awarded some coins, and these are important. Rather than having a set amount of lives or panda cubs to throw, each time your panda throws out some ammunition it costs you money. You will pick up a reward as you pass each section, and there are coins to pick up along the way, but this is a game where you cannot keep playing with impunity. You are limited by the in-game currency... which you can top up through the Windows Store with real-world currency.

This freemium model might be enough for some to pass on the game, which is a shame because this is a nice twist on the 'Angry Birds' concept that does make some changes to try and create a unique experience. Playing it the first few times and it's easy to think of the limited number of pandas to throw as the 'free trial' limit, but the freemium model means that limit is always with you, even after you've paid the developers.

I still think it's a bit cheeky though to run a freemium income model alongside some in-game advertising, but that's Pandas for you, all cuddly on the outside but just as sneaky as the Ninajs on the inside. Panda vs Ninjas 2 can be found in the Windows Marketplace or our App Directory.