Ninja Gaiden Review

Ninja Gaiden, developed by Tecmo, is a legendary action platformer released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. Renowned for its challenging difficulty, innovative cinematic cutscenes, and fast-paced ninja action, Ninja Gaiden remains a classic of the 8-bit era. This Ninja Gaiden NES review explores what makes this game a defining title.

Gameplay: Master the Way of the Ninja

Ninja Gaiden is famous for its demanding but rewarding gameplay. Players control Ryu Hayabusa, a skilled ninja seeking revenge for his father’s death. The game is characterized by its:

• Fast-paced and precise platforming
• Challenging enemy encounters
• Variety of ninja weapons and abilities
• Intricate level design
• High level of difficulty

Ryu’s move set includes running, jumping, wall climbing, and attacking with his Dragon Sword. He can also acquire special weapons like the Windmill Star, Fire Wheel, and Thunderclap, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Mastering Ryu’s abilities and the game’s challenging level design is crucial for survival.

Storytelling Innovation: Cinematic Cutscenes

Ninja Gaiden was groundbreaking for its use of cinematic cutscenes to tell its story. These animated sequences, presented in a style reminiscent of anime, advanced the narrative between levels and added a new level of storytelling to video games.

The story, while simple, is engaging and adds context to Ryu’s quest. The cutscenes helped to elevate Ninja Gaiden beyond a simple action game, making it a more immersive and memorable experience.

8-bit Challenge: Difficulty and Design

Ninja Gaiden is notorious for its high level of difficulty. The game features relentless enemies, tricky platforming sections, and challenging boss battles. Enemies respawn quickly, and the game’s knockback mechanic can often lead to cheap deaths.

However, the game’s difficulty is also a key part of its appeal. Overcoming the game’s challenges is incredibly satisfying, and the sense of accomplishment after completing a difficult section or defeating a tough boss is immense. The game’s difficulty is considered a fair challenge, pushing players to improve their skills and master its mechanics.

Impact and Legacy: A Ninja Classic

Ninja Gaiden is a highly influential game that helped to define the action platformer genre. Its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and cinematic storytelling set a new standard for NES games and influenced countless titles that followed.

Ryu Hayabusa became an iconic video game character, and the Ninja Gaiden series continues to be known for its challenging and rewarding gameplay. The NES original remains a beloved classic and a testament to the quality of 8-bit game design.

Why is Ninja Gaiden so hard?

Ninja Gaiden is hard due to a combination of factors: relentless enemies, challenging platforming, quick enemy respawns, and a punishing knockback mechanic. These elements combine to create a demanding but ultimately rewarding gameplay experience.

Is Ninja Gaiden on NES Worth Playing Today?

Yes, Ninja Gaiden on the NES is still worth playing today, especially for fans of classic action platformers and those who enjoy a good challenge. Its tight controls, innovative cutscenes, and demanding gameplay make it a rewarding and unforgettable experience.