Overview
- Number of Players
- 1 (Single Player)
- Genre
- Release Date
NES
- Mar 1989
- 15th Aug 1991
Wii (Wii Shop)
- 14th May 2007, 500 points
- 21st Sep 2007, 600 points
- 10th Apr 2007, 500 points
3DS (3DS eShop)
- 15th Nov 2012, £4.49
- 29th Aug 2012, ¥500
- 13th Dec 2012, $4.99
Wii U eShop
- 6th Feb 2014, $4.99
- 27th Mar 2014, £3.49
- 26th Mar 2014, ¥500
Nintendo Switch Online (Subscription)
- Available Now
- Also Available On
- Series
- Tags
- Controller Support
Reviews
Review Ninja Gaiden (Wii U eShop / NES)
Original Gaiden
With a hit-list of sequels and spin-offs spanning more than two decades and its latest iteration — Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge — even slicing out a spot in the Wii U's launch lineup, Ninja Gaiden's reputation precedes it. An East-meets-West action platformer with an Japanese aesthetic and an American action-hero heart, this is...
Review Ninja Gaiden (3DS eShop / NES)
Frustratingly fun
Gamers nowadays might be more familiar with the rebooted series, but now you've got yet another chance to experience the original NES Ninja Gaiden, the game that started it all. A classic 2D action platformer, you assume the role of Ryu Hayabusa as he seeks to kill Jaquio, who murdered his father. This original is frequently...
Review Ninja Gaiden (Wii Virtual Console / NES)
The nimble ninja
Ninja Gaiden ranks as one of the finest 'ninja' style games ever made, right up there with The Revenge of Shinobi. When it was first released it amazed gamers with the degree of control it allowed over the main character, Ryu. He felt so quick and mobile - just like a proper Ninja should - and within seconds of picking up the pad,...
Screenshots 6
Ninja Gaiden News
Poll Box Art Brawl - Ninja Gaiden Shadow
Or Shadow Warriors, if you like
Welcome to another episode of Box Art Brawl! This week, we're going to be checking out Ninja Gaiden Shadow (known as Shadow Warriors in Europe and Australia) from Tecmo for the Game Boy. Before we do so, however, let's see how we got on last time with Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness for the N64. This one wasn't even...
News Kraino ReAnimated Looks Like Shovel Knight Crossed With Castlevania
Live now on Kickstarter
Developer Angel Dorantes has launched a Kickstarter for side-scrolling adventure title Kraino ReAnimated, a game inspired by Castlevania, Mega Man X, and Ninja Gaiden that features handcrafted levels, slick combat, and fearsome bosses. Angel is an ex-dev at Wayforward and is the sole developer of Kraino ReAnimated, having...
News Hand-Drawn Game Guide Kickstarter Taken Down Following "Legal Trouble"
Update #2: "We did not receive a cease and desist"
Cor, look at 'em Update #2: Phillip Summers has taken to Twitter to clarify some reporting around the cancellation of the Hand-Drawn Game Guide Kickstarter campaign. He states that "the party involved has been polite and I'm hopeful something can get worked out. They have every right to act as they...
Poll Box Art Brawl #17 - Ninja Gaiden
Or Shadow Warriors to us and our PALs
Roll up, roll up for Box Art Brawl, the contest where regionally different covers of the same game battle each other to see which one stands up to the scrutiny and discerning eyes of the modern era. Last week 49% of you decreed that the Japanese cover of Banjo-Tooie was better than the rest, with the North...
Reminder Three New NES Games Hit Switch Today, Plus SP Versions Of Metroid And Dr. Mario
Fill your retro boots
In case you'd forgotten, today sees that time of the month when Nintendo boosts the Switch's NES game catalogue with a handful of new games. Three new titles have appeared today, and as has become tradition, we've also be treated to a couple of SP versions of old favourites, too. The three main additions this month are...
News This Awesome Hand-Drawn Ninja Gaiden Guide Brings Back Lovely Pre-Internet Memories
And you can have it for free
Before strategy guides and that pesky, know-it-all internet came along, completing tricky games was a serious challenge. There was a time when players couldn't simply Google "how do I unlock Simon Belmont's luscious locks in Smash Bros.", and instead had to figure everything out by playing over and over again. Often,...
News Nintendo Adds Three More Games To The Switch Online NES Library On 12th December
More games will be added in 2019
By the end of this year, there'll be 29 playable NES games on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Next week, on 12th December, the final three games for 2018 will be added to this digital library. Below is a brief description of each one from the official PR: Adventures of Lolo – After the love of his life, Lala,...
News Get Discounts On Metroid, Mario 64 And Pokémon In The Latest European My Nintendo Rewards
Metroid 3DS theme available too
Another new batch of games has been added to the European version of the My Nintendo site, giving players the chance to spend their hard-earned coins on some lovely games. As usual, this time around sees various titles across both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS on offer, with Samus' latest adventure, a classic Mario title,...
Video The Creators Of Ninja Gaiden Play And Share Thoughts On The Messenger
Notice me senpai
Tomorrow sees the release of The Messenger - a side-scrolling action platformer heavily inspired by a whole wave of classic games. As it turns out, the whole thing is a blast to play (check out our review if you missed it), but what do the developers of the game's inspirations think? Well, answering that question is Hideo...
News New North American My Nintendo Rewards For May Are All About Zelda
No, not Breath of the Wild
It’s pretty easy to bag on My Nintendo for being a poor replacement for the old Club Nintendo loyalty program, but to Nintendo’s credit, there has been some improvement on the kinds of goods being offered in recent times. Although the company still has yet to put any sort of Switch rewards up, the current slate of new...
About The Game
Players take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a rising warrior in his family's clan whose main role in the world is to protect the Dark Dragon Blade from getting into the hands of evil. Ryu Hayabusa travels to America to seek vengeance for his father’s death.
Players fight their way through six challenging side-scrolling levels while defeating gangs of street thugs, battling evil ninjas and fighting barbarian bosses by using the deadly Dragon Sword, ninja skills and Ninpo – ninja magic. Players can run, crouch, jump and climb as they make their way through each stage and collect items to gain points, strength, and weapons.
Comments 54
This game rocked back in the day and it will rock now. I never beat the final boss, I could not figure his pattern out, no matter how may times I played him. Does anyone know how?
From GameFAQs: Act 6, The Demon- Slice his head eleven times until it rolls away. Dodge the things he shoots and slice his heart. Slice it then jump back to avoid his tail.
For 500 Wii points this game is a must have. I own the original and it still plays on my NES so i wont purchase it through VC, but that doesnt mean you shouldn't! Hint: When you get the giant boomerang ninja star thingy, don't let it return to you by jumping over or ducking under. The thing just keeps flying around you until it touches you again.
I am so happy to see this game on the list, i spent so much time playing this game when I was little till i lost the damn cartridge!!!!
Hope I wont be waiting much longer to see this great game on the VC
I have this for NES but I'll get it again for Wii. Pretty good fun.
I love the fact that Ryu Hayabusa returned for Dead or Alive. Its great seeing retro game characters updated and modernised.
YES! One of the best games with one of the greatest musical scores for a video game ever. This one and the second one are tops!
My buddies and I played this game for hours today. There's nothing more hilarious than seeing your friend get hit by a hawk and fall into a chasm. This game requires lightning fast reflexes and is as frustrating as it is addictive. Download it!
One of the best games that I have downloaded. Although I am stuck on level 6-2.
I like this game. I really do.
But I rather download Ice hockey than this.
(What moron would worship a demon?!
But that's not the reason I'm not downloading this.)
was this game out on the master system because I really recognise it- ove peace out
This game (in name) was on SMS, yes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_Gaiden_(Master_System)
Not the same game though. Will be buying this at some point today. When I'm not playing Super Paper Mario that is.
Yeah I am going to get both of them soon.
A very good game. But do not gwt this game if you get frustrated easily because it is very hard. Some of the simpiliest enemis can be overwhelming at times (them damn birds) but the difficulty is worth it!
For five bucks (for you damn americans this is a must have!
I'd pay ten EUROS for this game. Love it
I keep getting killed by the last boss (form 1--the easiest one). I am not getting there with enough magic...I hate starting level 6 over again. But, I am closer to finishing this game than I've ever been so I have to keep trying....
If Nintendo decided to put the american version on Virtual Console of Europe, why don't they put the Ninja Gaiden 2 at the same time? If they do not put the Ninja Gaiden 3 on Europe it'll be a serious crime! Still, this game rocks can't wait for third part.
I beat it I beat it I beat it!!!! <br> <br>Now on to Ninja Gaiden 2!!! <br> <br>
This is an excellent game on the NES. It has an excellent story, which is something that usually isn't stressed in NES games, and the bonus weapons are fun to use. It's really really REALLY difficult though. It caused me to throw my Wiimote around each time I lose and shout things I'm not allowed to say on this website, but it's a small price to pay. If you're going to play with the Wiimote and you're easily angered, get one of those free padded jackets Nintendo is offering to anyone without one on www.nintendo.com.
Great game...given time. After a few goes i was about ready to go back to the Wii menu and if I'd been playing this on an emulator I probably would but somehow when youve paid for a game it gives you more emphasis to try and perservere.
You really imporve with skill with this game and its so damn addictive. Nice to see cutscenes in such an early game, they provide a reason to come back. The graphics (and flicker on 1-1) are terrible though which knock it down a star.
Really nice to see Nintendo giving us the 60hz version of a game instead of the bordered slow junk the PAL NES channel usually gets. I certainly dont begrudge paying 100 extra wii points for the game this way
Oh dear GOD. I just beat this game. It took endless amounts of patience and calm to keep myself from destroying my wii mote. I almost even wrote a letter to Tecmo to tell them how sadistic their enemy placement is in this game. That being said, it was always the type of difficulty that I new I could beat with just a little more practice and just a little more skill. Not broken at all, just really, really hard. Will definitely take a breather before downloading the sequel.
Great game but the last level lowered the score to "just" a three. The graphics are great for its time and the cutscenes are stunning. And one thing i love is the lack of bad translation (aka Engrish) in the game.
And those freaking birds. Hate 'em. - _ -
They respawn all the time and sometimes i feel like i want to throw my controller to the ground but it still hypnotizes me to continue. A really weird way but i felt i just wanted to beat it.
And i did...about 100 continues later (no kidding).
Hopefully the second game is better 'cause this will get a 3 out of 5 from me. Good game but not great and the respawning enemies are the biggest fault.
@Sarato: Yeah, the script is really clean and probably well translated (heh), and those cutscenes really impresses for a NES game.
This game might be abit overrated. The music is absolutely NOT great. I mean, it works, but most of those chip tunes are highly forgettable. The control works pretty good, Ryu moves like Simon Belmont on caffeine pills. The mid-air slash might be a bit off, but it works. All in all, an upgraded Castlevania control that gets the job done.
The game can be pretty frustrating with enemy respawn issues, so get used to that Game Over screen. But it's a cool game, and I don't regret those 600 points. Yeah, I said 600. It really sucks being a gamer in Europe.
Fun game, but take one hint: When you die fighting a major boss in the later levels, you go back an entire level.
Incredibly hard!
I remember before this game there was a side scrolling fighter coin op called ninja gaiden that I loved, and that I was bitterly dissappointed when initially playing this game. However, I quickly came around and used to actually have competitions with a friend who could finish this losing the least lives and in the fastest time etc.
Brilliant game in its day, along with ninja gaiden 2. 5/5
I downloaded this one a while back, after returning from my vacation in Cancun. Boy, was that ever a bad idea! Coming back from a relaxing vacation only to play a game like this that riles me back up!
After losing to the boss at the end of world 6 twice, and having to play through that enire agonizing world a third time, I got so pissed off that I deleted the game off my Wii out of spite, and didn't touch it again (the game, not my Wii) for about a month or so. I finally decided to give it another go. still trying to get past level 6-2 again...
Can anybody PLEASE give me some tips on how to beat that boss so I don't have to replay those god-awful levels yet again? I'd appreciate it.
@timp29
You are absolutely correct, the arcade version of this game was a brawler! For some reason I'm not aware of, the NES port was changed drastically, and subsequently became a big success! Sadly, the original version is hard to come by these days, though it is available as a bonus on Ninja Gaiden Black for the Xbox(the disc version, it doesn't work on the downloadable version).
this game is awesome!! way ahead of it's time in my opinion, when i started playing it, it felt fresh, not "retro"
super hard though!
5 stars
let me in on how "fun" and "innovative" this game is. the developers used so many cheap tricks such as having an enemy on a pylon, that you have to jump on, however, on pixel in the wrong spot and you get knocked off and lose a man. oh yeah, this is strewn throughout the game, and it is so much fun when you are near the boss and have to start over again, and again, and again, and again. i think some are remembering the good and not the bad. don't waste your money. utter crap.
"Can anybody PLEASE give me some tips on how to beat that boss so I don't have to replay those god-awful levels yet again? I'd appreciate it."
Yowza:
First boss: Stay high, and his bullets can't hit you. Let him walk under you, then jump as far towards the middle you can, past the statue, then slash the statue with your sword a couple times. Remember you're attacking the statue, not the man.
Second boss: Hardest part of the game by far. It's a bit hard to explain, but basically, stay by the left wall, then run right when he flies towards you so his bullets miss. Quickly turn around, run back left, dodge his bullets (can be tough, learn how he shoots according to your position), then jump on the left wall, jump off and slash him as he flies towards the right again (DON'T touch him with your body). Bring as many upwards fireballs you can for this battle, and use them to bring his life meter down as much as possible between each flight.
Third boss: Not much to say, really. Dodge his fireballs, slash his head until it falls off, slash his tail until it falls off, slash his heart until he dies. Pretty easy.
Hey thanks!
I was just gonna look up strategies on Gamefaqs since it took so long to get an answer! I swear to god, if I had to replay level 6-2 a 4th time, I would've probably killed somebody.
Thanks again!
This game has managed to piss me off harder than Ghost N Goblins ever has! Its freakin retarded! I'm at the last F**king LVL, everytime I get to the Last boss I DIE! Before you even start to get close to the last boss you get ambushed hard by enemies Left N Right, Up N Down, but thats not the worst part. The worst part is that, when the last boss kills me I HAVE TO START THE LVL FROM THE VERY D@MN BEGINNING!!!! >.<
Do you know how frustrating that is, it makes me wanna reach in to my tv and throw the NG channel out the window
I mean, i've even tried to look up invincibility cheats but there are none. WHAT THE BUCK WAS TECMO THINKING AT THE TIME!!!
(Oh haha, wouldn't it be funny to piss players off by making it so that if they got to the Last boss and died once they'd have to start from the beginning of the last lvl again! Even if they didn't get a game over! Haha haha!) No its not funny Tecmo, if freakin retard.
Does it look like i'm smilen Tecmo ('ω')..... NO! I'm crying on the inside (T_T)
These comments don't leave me with a desire to download this sucker anytime soon. I mean, I KNOW I woll simply because I have II and III and not owning the series would be lame, but it doesn't sound like a picnic. My wife actually prefers to be out of the apartment whenever I play such hard games. She knows I'm likely to throw something...
Man, is this game really that hard and frustrating? Well, it was one of my favotites when I was a kid, I belive once you learn the patterns of the enemies the game gets easier. I used to play it with a friend, each time someone died the other grabbed the control, we spend, I don't know, a million hours playing this thing, together and individually, and I don't remember throwing any controls away and I'm sure I died and repeated levels a lot of times, anyway we always got killed by the last boss. When I DL this for the VC I invited my old friend to play, it was like old times, we spend hours playing again and this time we finally beat the game. Of course we can beat it individually, but to do it thogether was special. I just love this game I can play it over and over again.
No dutch comments at all with this game ? I can t believe it . Well this was one of my favourite action games on the nes, it was cool, it was fast and it had nice music (especially on the beginning) that gave a good impression.
The game isn' t the most difficult one on the nes but it isn' t easy either, some parts you will have to play twice ore more to go through but eventually you will within a normal time.
Get this game if you like games such as Castlevania or Double Dragon.
4 stars
Why would they give Europe the American version?
Ah well, I guess it means no slowdown, which is OK for another 100 points extra.
Why would they give Europe the American version?
Europe got Shadow Warriors, Ninja Gaiden 2 and Ninja Gaiden 3...
It just makes more sense to have Ninja Gaiden 1 later down the road as otherwise codestorm and the like will be barraged with "I just noticed Ninja Gaiden 2 on the Wii sohp where is Ninja Gaiden 1?". Its a shame there isn't an "aka title" on the Wii shop since I think some may have missed out on River City Ransom for not knowing it was called Street Gangs in Europe and to a lesser extent Starofx 64 and Lylat Wars.
Actually, Europe got Shadow Warriors 2 as well. It's the third game that went unreleased.
This game is hard. And if it weren't for the fantastic controls, fun gameplay, good music, good graphics (for the time), cool powerups, brilliant cutscenes, and the epic awesomeness that is you playing as a Ninja, this game would not be called Ninja Gaiden. Thankfully it is. Ninja Gaiden is great. It's difficulty is actually a good thing, because if it wasn't difficult, it wouldn't be as memorable, and you wouldn't be playing it as long. People play hard games because the challenge makes them feel good when they beat it, and that they wish to beat it because its so hard, making you play OVER and OVER again. The only thing I discourage when playing this game? Trying to get a high score. Just have fun, because if you try making an epic high score, you will probably break something...definetely worth 500 wii points and 5/5 stars.
4 stars, but there would be 1 more star if it werent so hard
I can't believe I never played this back in the day. I bought it after beating the recent NG titles. Classic to say the least, with the music and the cut scenes, this game just has an epic vibe. But I am so stuck on world 6.
On world 6, once you defeat a boss, no matter if you die and have to start world 6 again, at least you don't have to still fight the boss you defeated. For the first two bosses, all you have to do is take in as much fire magic as you can and that makes it about a million times easier.
As for the difficulty, YES IT IS HARD. Don't be fooled anyone. But you have infinite continues and the game never changes its patterns so it can easily be learned. I would still give this game 5/5. Since I downloaded it, I play this game and Tetris Party the most proving that gameplay trumps graphics any day (well at least for me). If you can handle dated graphics and want a real challenge, get this game, it is an all time NES classic.
@MickeyMac (29) WOW thanks for that info. Another reason to consider any system other than Wii. I'm sure after 5 minutes of the original Ninja Gaiden coin-op I would be over it, but for some reason I really want to play that game!
This is an important for Europe? x.x
This game is great, played it when i was a kid. it's kind of hard but if you study the levels a bit you'll be able to get very far.
by the way: this game was called shadow warriors in europe... or at least in holland.
Every bit as hard as I remember, and then some. Frustratingly difficult, sometimes unfair, but decent graphics and a masterful soundtrack. As others have said, the cinema scenes are also a treat. 7 out of 10
Just got this had forgot how epic but hard it was and still is...
Recently bought a NES and added this GEM, complete, to my collection. Awesome game!
Cool music
Finally beat it!
Unreleased in Europe on the original console. We've got it on Wii's Virtual Console and we'll have got the 3DS Virtual Console version this week!!
If you are interested to see pencil drawing of Ryu please visit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOShmcEFni4
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