# Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (SNES) Introduction ## Overview *Ninja Gaiden Trilogy*, released in August 1995 for the SNES by Tecmo, is a compilation of three NES classics: *Ninja Gaiden* (1988), *Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos* (1990), and *Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom* (1991). Players control Ryu Hayabusa across three epic quests to defeat Jaquio’s demonic cult, Ashtar’s Chaos World, and Clancy’s Bio-Noid army. Enhanced with 16-bit visuals, improved sound, and password saves, this trilogy refines the originals’ cinematic cutscenes and brutal difficulty. It was praised for its action (*GamePro*: 4/5) but noted for minor graphical glitches and unchanged challenge. ## Why Play Ninja Gaiden Trilogy? *Ninja Gaiden Trilogy* delivers relentless SNES action across three games. In *Ninja Gaiden*, Ryu avenges his father against Jaquio (2-4 hours, 20 levels). *Ninja Gaiden II* introduces Shadow Clones as Ryu battles Ashtar (2-4 hours, 17 levels). *Ninja Gaiden III* adds ceiling-climbing to stop Clancy (2-4 hours, 17 levels). Players slash with the Dragon Sword (B), throw shuriken (Up+B), and use Ninja Arts like Fire Wheel or Vacuum Sword (A+B with power-ups) against ninjas and demons. Its upgraded 16-bit visuals and iconic soundtrack appeal to *Ninja Gaiden III* and *Spider-Man: Battle for New York* fans, distinct from *Dragon Warrior Monsters*’ RPG or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG. ## Key Features - Three epic games in a 6-12 hour total adventure - 2D platformers with wall-climbing, Shadow Clones, and Ninja Arts - Battle Jaquio, Ashtar, Clancy, and their minions - Enhanced 16-bit SNES visuals and sound - Cinematic cutscenes and intense soundtrack - Authentic SNES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: SNES vs. Other Versions - **SNES (1995)**: 16-bit visuals, password system, three-game compilation. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden (1988, NES)**: *Trilogy* has upgraded graphics, sound; NES originals are 8-bit. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden (1988, Arcade)**: SNES is platformer, story-driven; Arcade is a beat ‘em up. - **Compared to Spider-Man: Battle for New York (2006, GBA)**: *Ninja Gaiden Trilogy* is ninja-themed, 16-bit; *Spider-Man* is superhero, dual-character. - **Compared to Dragon Warrior Monsters (1998, GBC)**: Action vs. monster-collecting RPG. - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan)**: Platformer vs. tactical RPG. - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: Action vs. racing. - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Ninja vs. soccer RPG. - **Re-releases**: None; SNES exclusive compilation. ## Play Ninja Gaiden Trilogy Online Play *Ninja Gaiden Trilogy* (1995, SNES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with SNES emulators. Also available on retro gaming platforms with 4.5/5 ratings from 35 votes. Physical copies cost $50-$150 (cart) or $200-$400 (CIB) due to rarity. Use Snes9x or RetroArch. Strategy: Use Fire Wheel for Jaquio (*I*), Shadow Clones for Ashtar (*II*), and ceiling-climbing for Clancy (*III*). Cheat: In *Ninja Gaiden III*, pause and press Up, Down, Left, Right, A, B, A, B for full power-ups. Note: Some emulators may glitch during *Ninja Gaiden II* cutscenes. Join Classic Joy Games and conquer Ryu’s saga now!