Ninja Gaiden
Reviewed by Peter Skerritt
It's hard to believe, but Ninja Gaiden will be celebrating its 10th anniversary
this year. That's right! In 1989, Tecmo released this hack-and-slash action
game with a twist: cinema cut scenes! There was quite the story to tell,
and that's what drove (and still drives today) many gamers to finish the
game. This game was so successful that it spawned two sequels in
subsequent years: Ninja Gaiden II: The Sword of Chaos, and Ninja Gaiden 3: The
Ancient Ship of Doom.
The storyline revolves around Ryu Hayabusa (no relation to Fighter Hayabusa
from Nintendo's Pro Wrestling). Ryu's father has gone missing and it's up to
the Ninja Dragon-apparent, Ryu, to find him. From run-ins with the CIA to
the legend of the Light and Dark Statues, Ryu gets more than he bargained
for in his quest to save his father... he must save the world from an evil
takeover by Guardia de Mieux... the Jaquio.
Graphics 92 out of 100
Graphically, Ninja Gaiden can be graded two ways; one, for its cinema
scenes, and two, for its in-game graphics. The cinema scenes are drawn
well, with some animations and good detail. The scenes really help to enhance
the story by illustrating what is happening with Ryu, and pictures can be
put with acquaintances.
The in-game graphics are also well above average, with detail everywhere
you look. From the pentagrams in the fortress to the skeletons in the
dungeon, the scenery is very believable. Ryu is animated well, flipping
when he jumps, and unsheathing his sword when he attacks.
Music and Sound 92 out of 100
Tecmo really did a good job with this game aurally. The music is mostly
unobtrusive during gameplay, and the music during the cut scenes sets the
tone very well. The music is still synonymous with the game today, and
deservedly so.
Sound effects are standard hack-and-slash fare, and really nothing out
of the ordinary, although hardly annoying.
Game Challenge 97 out of 100
This game presents a tough challenge to all comers... get through six acts in
one sitting. No passwords here! Expect to spend some time with the game
to advance. Extra lives are at a premium in this game, but there are unlimited
continues. That's a good thing, because this game can give novice gamers
fits at times if one's timing is off. Just when you think the coast is clear
to make a jump, out comes an enemy and you fall to your death. Once you
get the hang of the timing, though, getting to the last stage of the game
should take you about an hour or so. The challenge lies in defeating the
bosses. If you succumb to a boss, you must start all the way back at the
beginning of the stage, and jump, hack, and slash your way back.
Game Play-Fun 97 out of 100
This game, though frustrating at times, is fun to play. With a gripping
storyline and constant action, gamers will not tire of the game quickly.
There are questions to be answered, and the plot only thickens as you get
deeper into the game, until the Act V boss discloses a George Lucas-type
revelation to you.
The game controls are responsive, and move are easy to pull off. Although
there are some trying sections of this game, there is satisfaction in moving
from stage to stage, even after frustration sets in.
Frustration
Yes, there are frustrating parts of this game, no doubt about it. Persistence
is a definite key to beating this game, and it's important to not lose hope in
tough sections of the game. Timing is key to making jumps from platform to
platform, and is also important in the defeat of stage bosses. Gamers will
lose many lives and continue many times before sending the Jacquio to his doom.
Replayability 85 out of 100
Even after beating the Jacquio and seeing the ending, gamers still play the
game, including this reviewer. This game tests a gamer's skills to their
limits at times, but the outcome is satisfaction after beating the Jacquio.
However, it is not game that you'll play again and again every day. Ninja
Gaiden is a game that comes out every once in a while for memories' sake,
so that you can remind yourself that your skills are still there, or if you
want to test yourself.
Game Value 95 out of 100
With used copies of Ninja Gaiden selling for as little as $3, this game is
definitely worth the price you'll pay for it, and it was even when gamers
were shelling out mega-money to buy it brand new. The storyline is
captivating, the cinema scenes push you to delve farther and farther into
the game, and the gameplay is among gaming's elite. Every NES owner
should have a copy of Ninja Gaiden for their very own and live the experience.
Truly a must-buy for any NES fan.
Overall 95 out of 100
Ninja Gaiden was groundbreaking when it was first released in 1989. Cinema
cut scenes would grow in popularity, and it was Tecmo's stepping stone to
credibility in the NES marketplace. Tecmo's cinema scenes would wind up in
other great games, such as Tecmo Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl, which were
(and still are) hits.
But looks are not everything, and this game plays like a dream. Gameplay
ruled back in NES era, and this game has it in spades. Graphically, the
game holds its own, and aurally, the game gets the job done. I highly
recommend this game to ALL gamers, young and old. Come on... Ryu needs
your help... and your skills can always use some fine tuning. :)