Joystiq [Xbox]

Ninja Gaiden (NES)

Release: 1989
Platform: NES

Ryu Hayabusa, of the Dragon Ninja Clan, receives a letter that his father, Ken Hayabusa, has set off to duel the ninja master Bloody Malth. Should Ken not return from battle he wishes his son to journey to America with the sacred Dragon Sword to find an archaeologist named Walter Smith. Hearing rumors of his death, Ryu obeys his father's dying wish and sets off for America. Smith tells Ryu of ancient statues that harness a demonic entity that are destined to be protected by the Hayabusa clan. Eventually Ryu comes face-to-face with Bloody Malth only to learn that his father is alive. In the end Ryu must face-off against the mastermind (Jaquio) wanting to gain control of the demonic power. Ryu battles Jaquio who releases the power before he dies. In order to save the world, Ryu must battle the ancient demon Jashin and end his long journey.

Exchanging a Double Dragon style for a Castlevania action title, Ninja Gaiden on NES was a success across the globe. While many critics have lashed out against the game for copying the Castlevania design, which copied Metroid, Ninja Gaiden is still hailed as a pioneer for storytelling due to the use of cut scenes to tell the epic tale.

Also released for: PC-Engine, SNES (NG Trilogy), Virtual Console, Mobile phones

03/06/08