Ninja Gaiden

Game review

In Ninja Gaiden, players take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a young ninja who travels to America to avenge his father's death and unravels a more sinister plot involving ancient artifacts and dark sorcery. The game is notable for its use of cinematic cutscenes – a rarity at the time – which advance the story between levels, adding depth and drama to the narrative.

The gameplay in Ninja Gaiden is fast-paced and requires precision and skill. Ryu can run, jump, climb walls, and slash enemies with his sword. Additionally, players can collect and use various ninja tools and magic spells, known as Ninpo, which provide different attack capabilities and can be crucial for navigating difficult sections or defeating tougher enemies.

Ninja Gaiden is renowned for its high difficulty level. The game features a variety of challenging enemies, intricate level designs with precise platforming sections, and demanding boss fights. Players need to master the controls and timing to progress, as the game offers limited continues and checkpoints. Graphically, Ninja Gaiden features detailed and well-animated sprites set against moody, atmospheric backdrops. Each level, from city streets to jungle environments, is designed with its unique aesthetic, contributing to the game's immersive experience. The use of parallax scrolling adds a sense of depth to the side-scrolling stages.

Today, Ninja Gaiden stands as a landmark title in the action-platformer genre. It is remembered for pushing the boundaries of storytelling in video games, as well as for its tight controls and demanding level of challenge.