- Platform: NES (VC)
- Genre: Adventure
- Players: 1
- The word from N-Philes
- Cost: 500 points
- Average Rating:
Games
Ninja Gaiden
Reader Rating:
Perhaps the best ninja videogame ever created, Ninja Gaiden on NES is near flawless, especially for its time. In every facet, the game is katana sharp: tight play-control, uplifting, whimsical score, intimidating graphics, tremendous challenge, engaging storyline, and, what has probably made Ninja Gaiden most remembered, groundbreaking cinema cut-scenes. Aside from lacking a password/save option and a few annoying gameplay frustrations that make the game very difficult, this ninja does everything, including your laundry.
As Ryu Hayabusa, you set forth on your side-scrolling quest to avenge your father's death, capture the Demon Statues of Light and Shadow, and defeat Jaquio. There are enough plot twists to rival full motion pictures, and every turn of event is beautifully captured in the numerous cinematic scenes found between the action-packed slicing and dicing. Cut-scenes of this caliber, complete with subtitles, dramatic music, and creative editing, were never done before in a videogame, and the result captivated gamers more than ever. Even today, these sequences are still impressive.
A couple gripes come, however, as you wall jump, throw ninja stars, and climb your way through the six "Acts," spanning dark caves, bird-infested jungles, snowy mountains, trashy cities, and more: you'll wish you could save the progress you've made (or at least get a password), and you'll wish the game wasn't so dang hard. Enemies reappear if you leave the screen, leaving you to kill them over and over again. When you die, you have to start from the very beginning of the level, even after end bosses kill you – and they will ... many times. There are points in the game where you question how anyone can make that ridiculous jump onto a tiny platform at the same time slicing that ugly machete guy who coincidentally is moving right where you need to land, and dodge that stupid, annoying bird that never leaves. You will get frustrated.
But there's so much more good than bad to Ninja Gaiden. To those who've never played or heard of the game, I insist you purchase it. You'll be challenged, but you'll have a lot of fun at the same time. The cut-scenes are a sight to see as well. And you'll never have to do your laundry again.