Retrospective Ninja Gaiden

If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, chances are you spent many hours in front of the TV, controller in hand, playing through some classic games. And if you were looking for a real challenge, the Ninja Gaiden series was probably at the top of your list. Those games were tough as nails but so rewarding when you finally beat them. Strap on your nostalgia goggles, it's time to relive the glory and frustration of these 8-bit masterpieces. The fast-paced ninja action still holds up today, even if the graphics are a bit rough around the edges. Ready to give these retro gems another go? Then grab your Dragon Sword and get ready to hit the streets of Tokyo for some old-school side-scrolling fun.

The Origins of Ninja Gaiden

The Ninja Gaiden trilogy on NES is considered a classic of the 8-bit era for good reason. Originally released in Japan as Ninja Ryukenden ("Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword"), the series follows the story of Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja on a quest for vengeance and justice.

When Tecmo decided to bring the series to North America, they re-named it Ninja Gaiden to have more appeal. The fast-paced, challenging side-scrolling action and cinematic cutscenes were unlike anything we had seen before. The atmospheric music and sound effects added to the experience, immersing you in Ryu's world.

The games were known for their unforgiving difficulty, but with practice, you could master the combat. Ryu had a variety of acrobatic moves like wall jumps, ledge hangs, and mid-air slashes to take down enemies. The bosses were huge, with patterns you had to memorize. Beating them after hours of honing your skills was incredibly rewarding.

The series expanded with Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos and Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, following Ryu as he uncovered conspiracies and defeated demonic foes. New power-ups, levels, and villains were introduced in each game to keep things fresh.

Ninja Gaiden defined a genre and inspired future ninja-themed action games. If you grew up in the 8 and 16-bit era but missed out on this trilogy, it's worth going back to experience the roots of one of gaming's most iconic ninja heroes. The games hold up today and are available on modern platforms, ready to challenge a new generation of players.

Ninja Gaiden (1988): A Bold New Franchise Is Born

When Ninja Gaiden released for the NES in 1988, it introduced gamers to a fast-paced, challenging side-scrolling action experience like no other. You play as Ryu Hayabusa, a master ninja out to avenge his father's death.

• The controls are simple but tight, letting you wall jump, climb, and slash through enemies with ease. The level designs are intricate but intuitive, with hidden paths and secrets around every corner.
• The enemies come at you quick and hit hard, especially the bosses. But with some practice, you'll be slicing through their attacks and beating them down in no time. Each victory feels earned.
• The cutscenes tell an engaging revenge story through text and character portraits. While simple, they provide context for your missions and motivation to push on through the difficult levels.
• The soundtrack is catchy 8-bit metal that perfectly complements the action. The songs will get stuck in your head for days, urging you to go back for just one more try at that challenging section.
• Ninja Gaiden set a new standard for fast, unforgiving action games. If you can make it through to the end, you'll have a real sense of accomplishment. The sequels built upon this solid foundation, cementing the series as one of the greatest of the 8-bit era.

Over 25 years later, Ninja Gaiden still holds up as a masterclass in intense 2D action. Go give it a try - your ninja skills are needed! But be prepared for a real challenge. Victory will not come easily, but man will it feel good when you finally best this classic.

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1989) Ups the Ante

Ramped up Difficulty

Ninja Gaiden II took the challenging gameplay of the first game and cranked it up to 11. Enemies attack faster and in greater numbers, platforms are smaller, and pits are deeper. New foes like the fire-breathing dogs and acid-spitting worms require quick reflexes. The level designs feature more traps and environmental hazards around every corner. Simply put, this game will test your ninja skills like never before.

New Moves and Weapons

To help combat the increased difficulty, Ryu Hayabusa has some new moves in his arsenal. He can now scale walls and cling to ceilings, allowing for stealthier approaches. New weapons like the Fire Wheel and Windmill Shuriken give you more ways to defeat enemies from a distance. The combat feels faster and more fluid, with combo attacks that slice through multiple foes at once. Mastering the new techniques and tools is key to overcoming the unforgiving challenges.

Memorable Music and Visuals

While the gameplay will keep you on your toes, the graphics and audio also received upgrades. The music is catchy and fast-paced, matching the tempo of the action. Bright colors and greater detail bring the environments to life. Small touches like birds flying in the background and the way Ryu's scarf flows as he moves make everything feel more immersive. The cinematic cutscenes, though brief, help flesh out the story between levels.

Ninja Gaiden II took a great game and improved on every aspect. The steep difficulty curve and new moves required mastery, but overcoming the challenges brought a real sense of accomplishment. For NES action platformers, it didn't get much better than this. Ninja Gaiden II set the bar high for any sequels to come.

Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom (1991) Goes Out With a Bang

Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom is the final NES installment of the trilogy and a fitting conclusion to Ryu Hayabusa's 8-bit adventures. Released in 1991, the graphics received a nice upgrade and the levels feature more variety. It ramps up the challenge in a way that will test even the most seasoned ninja gaiden players.

Non-Stop Ninja Action

From the opening scene, Ninja Gaiden III throws you right into the action. The pace is relentless as you battle through deserts, jungles, and ancient ruins. New enemies like the fire-breathing dogs and rotating spiked balls keep you on your toes. The bosses are massive in scale, like the three-headed serpent and giant stone golem. Be prepared for many "throw the controller" moments!

Upgraded Abilities

Ryu has learned some new moves to help him on his quest. He can now scale certain walls and even cling upside down, adding a new dimension for evading enemies and discovering hidden items. His arsenal now includes windmill throwing stars and fire wheels in addition to his trusty blade. The ninpo fire wheel attack, where Ryu somersaults through the air surrounded by fire, is extremely satisfying when unleashed on unsuspecting foes.

The Perfect Balance of Difficulty

Ninja Gaiden III gets the balance just right between challenging and frustrating. It will take practice and pattern recognition to make progress, but with determination, any player can complete it. There are unlimited continues, and while the final stage is extremely difficult, the game gives you opportunities to farm for extra lives and power-ups beforehand. The feeling of accomplishment after finishing makes all the effort worthwhile.

Ninja Gaiden III was a fitting final chapter for the original NES trilogy. It refined the graphics, level design, and gameplay of the previous titles to create an experience that both honors the series' roots while pushing the limits of what was possible on the NES. Any fan of the franchise owes it to themselves to take the voyage on this Ancient Ship of Doom. The ninja legacy lives on!

The Legendary Trilogy as a Whole

The Ninja Gaiden trilogy on NES is legendary for good reason. These three games pushed the limits of what was thought possible on the 8-bit Nintendo console. Each entry improved upon the last, culminating in Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom being considered one of the best action platformers of the era.

Non-Stop Ninja Action

From the moment you start each game, the pace is relentless. Enemies attack from every direction, and you have to react quickly to avoid being sliced to ribbons. Comboing kills, wall jumping between platforms, and using ninpo magic attacks become second nature. The trilogy is a masterclass in designing fluid combat and movement in 2D.

Cinematic Storytelling

In between levels, short cinematic cutscenes advance an overarching story in the Ninja Gaiden world. These were quite novel for action games at the time and help give context for each mission. You follow Ryu Hayabusa as he seeks to stop the evil plots of villains like the Jaquio, Ashtar, and Clancy. The stories are simple but serviceable, and the cutscenes are very well-done for 8-bit.

Killer Soundtracks

The pumping synth-rock soundtracks are equally legendary. Composers like Keiji Yamagishi created heart-pounding scores that intensify the action. Many of the tracks, like "The Masked Devil" from Ninja Gaiden 2, have become iconic. The music is a big part of what makes these games so memorable.

A Perfect Trilogy

While the NES Ninja Gaiden games are notoriously difficult, their tight controls, rewarding gameplay, and general sense of "cool" have allowed them to stand the test of time. Each title built upon the last, with The Ancient Ship of Doom being a perfect culmination of everything great about the series. They pushed the NES to its limits and defined a generation of action gaming. The Ninja Gaiden trilogy deserves its place in history as one of the all-time greats.

The Iconic Soundtrack: Pumping You Up While Tearing You Down

The iconic soundtrack of the Ninja Gaiden trilogy is as memorable as the games themselves. Composed by Kecak, the pumping electronic beats and synth-heavy tracks are perfect for getting your adrenaline pumping during intense boss fights and platforming sequences. At the same time, the music is incredibly catchy and emotive, enhancing the melancholy and drama of the story.

Pumping You Up

Tracks like "The Ninja Dragon" and "The Masked Devil" are high energy, fast-paced songs that intensify the action during combat. The driving basslines and percussive beats make your heart race as you face off against bosses like Ashtar and the Masked Devil. These upbeat, heart-pounding songs are ideal for focusing your senses and reaction times during the most challenging battles.

Tearing You Down

Conversely, songs like "Tragic Destiny" and "Mournful Ninja" are more somber, emotive tracks that highlight the tragedy and drama of Ryu's quest. Heavy use of synths creates a sense of melancholy and reflection during cutscenes and moments of loss in the story. These slower, more emotive songs are a stark contrast to the high energy battle themes, demonstrating the soundtrack's range and ability to convey a variety of tones.

An Iconic Blend

The Ninja Gaiden soundtrack is truly iconic because of how it blends high energy action themes with dramatic, emotive tracks. This blend of genres and tones matches the overall experience of playing the Ninja Gaiden games, with a mix of intense combat and platforming combined with a compelling story of loss, revenge and sacrifice. The soundtrack's timeless style and blend of synthwave and electronic genres is a perfect match for the futuristic yet retro setting of the games. For these reasons, the music of Ninja Gaiden lives on as a hallmark of action platformer soundtracks.

The Nintendo Hard Difficulty: A True Test of Skills and Patience

The Ninja Gaiden trilogy on NES is notoriously difficult, known for punishing players with a steep learning curve and unforgiving gameplay. These games exemplify the "Nintendo Hard" style that was common in 8-bit action platformers. Beating them requires patience, precision, and pattern recognition.

Lives Are Limited

Unlike many modern games that offer unlimited lives and continues, the Ninja Gaiden games only provide a few lives before sending you back to the beginning of an act. This means you have to master the levels and boss fights to avoid wasting lives. Running out of lives means restarting and losing all progress, so each life is precious.

Enemy Placement Is Strategic

Enemies in Ninja Gaiden are placed to surprise you and disrupt your rhythm. They often appear right as you're about to jump onto a platform or climb a ladder. This forces you to think on your feet and react quickly to avoid taking damage or falling to your death. You have to memorize where enemies spawn to get through areas smoothly.

Tight Controls and Timing

Controlling Ryu Hayabusa requires precision. His jumps have a lot of momentum, so you have to commit to leaps of faith and stick the landing. Wall jumping between narrow walls, dodging projectiles, and pulling off spin kicks all demand perfect timing. The controls are very responsive, but also unforgiving. One wrong move usually means taking damage or dying.

Pattern Recognition Is Key

Like many 8-bit action games, success in Ninja Gaiden comes down to recognizing and memorizing patterns. Enemy attacks, level layouts, boss fight sequences—they all follow patterns that you must observe, learn, and master. With enough practice, you'll be able to breeze through areas that once seemed impossible. But it takes dedication to reach that point.

The brutal difficulty of the Ninja Gaiden trilogy may seem unfair, but for players seeking a genuine challenge, it represents the pinnacle of "Nintendo Hard" design. With patience and practice, you can overcome anything Ryu can throw at you. The satisfaction from conquering these 8-bit ninja gauntlets is unmatched. But be prepared for a true test of skills and patience.

Memorable Bosses and Enemies

The Ninja Gaiden trilogy is filled with many memorable bosses and enemies that will frustrate and challenge you. Some you'll never forget, for better or worse!

Demon Dragon Ninja (Ninja Gaiden)

This boss is one of the most iconic from the first game. A giant purple demon ninja who can teleport and hurl shurikens the size of Ryu. His pattern is tricky to learn but beating him feels like a true accomplishment.

The Masked Devil (Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos)

This boss resides in the Temple of Lacrimae and wears a creepy smiling mask. He wields a massive scythe and chain that he swings around, hitting you from almost any direction. The confined space of the temple and his long reach make this a difficult battle.

Ashtar (Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom)

The final boss of the trilogy, Ashtar, is a four-armed demon who can shoot fireballs and pound the ground to cause tremors. His second form grows even larger, sprouting wings and a giant pincer claw. The frantic pace of this fight will have your thumbs working overtime to dodge his attacks and survive until the end.

Other annoying enemies include:

• The pink fiends in NG1 that cling to walls and ceilings, then drop down on you.
• The eagles in NG2 that carry off Irene and swoop in to attack.
• The skeletal pirates in NG3 that throw hooks and swords at you from a distance.

From start to finish, the Ninja Gaiden trilogy is populated with adversaries that will test your skills and push you to your limits. But overcoming them is what makes finishing these classic games so satisfying. The rewarding feeling of defeating that one boss or enemy that seemed impossible is a big part of what makes these games so memorable decades later.

Ninja Gaiden FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

So you just picked up Ninja Gaiden and have some questions before diving in, huh? No worries, we've got you covered. Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions about this classic NES trilogy.

How difficult are these games?

The Ninja Gaiden games are notoriously challenging. Enemies and obstacles come at you fast and furious, lives are limited, and continues start you back at the beginning of acts. These games require quick reflexes, memorization of enemy patterns, and a lot of practice. Be prepared for a steep learning curve and some frustration. But stick with it, because victory will be sweet.

What's the story?

You play as Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja on a quest for revenge against an evil cult that killed his father. The story involves ancient demonic statues, mystical ninja clans, and supernatural foes. It's over the top 80's ninja action!

What power-ups and weapons can I get?

• Ninja stars: Your basic projectile weapon, unlimited supply.
• Fire wheel: Spinning fire attack that damages all enemies on screen.
• Windmill throwing star: Giant shuriken that cuts through enemies.
• Fire dragon: Summons a dragon that engulfs the whole screen in flames.

What are some tips for getting started?

Here are a few tips to help you on your ninja journey:

1. Master the wall jump. It's essential for avoiding hazards and reaching secret areas.
2. Use ninja stars on distant enemies, then engage up close with your katana.
3. Collect power-ups and extra lives whenever possible. Stock up!
4. Learn enemy attack patterns. Patience and memorization will pay off.
5. Start with the first game, which is slightly easier, to build up your skills.

Is the trilogy worth playing today?

Absolutely. The Ninja Gaiden games are considered classics for good reason. They feature fast-paced action, a high degree of difficulty, fluid controls, and cinematic cutscenes. If you enjoy challenging retro action platformers, the Ninja Gaiden Trilogy is still rewarding today. Ninja magic never goes out of style!

You've relived some tough but rewarding moments with Ryu Hayabusa. The Ninja Gaiden trilogy pushed the NES to its limits and gave you a real challenge during an era when most games were pretty easy. Though the punishment was steep, the payoff of victory was sweet. These games have aged well and still provide a rush of accomplishment today. While the later 3D Ninja Gaiden titles improved the graphics and added new mechanics, there's something pure about the original 2D side-scrolling adventures. If you're feeling nostalgic for the 8-bit era or just want to test your ninja skills, dust off your NES and take Ryu for another spin through the Shadow Clan's gauntlet. The classics never die.