# Ninja Gaiden (NES) Introduction ## Overview *Ninja Gaiden*, released in December 1988 in Japan as *Ninja Ryukenden* and March 1989 in North America for the NES by Tecmo, is a 2D action-platformer starring ninja Ryu Hayabusa. After his father Ken’s apparent death, Ryu travels to America, uncovers a letter warning of two statues that could destroy the world, and battles the demonic Jaquio. Known for its cinematic cutscenes—a console first—tight controls, and brutal difficulty (*IGN*), it set a benchmark for action games. *Ninja Gaiden* sold over one million units and was lauded for its music and challenge (*GameSpot*), though some found it unforgiving. ## Why Play Ninja Gaiden? *Ninja Gaiden* on NES offers relentless action across six acts with 20 levels. Players control Ryu Hayabusa, slashing with the Dragon Sword (B), throwing shuriken (Up+B), and using Ninja Arts (A+B with power-ups) like the Windmill Shuriken, against enemies like ninjas and birds. Wall-climbing and precise jumps navigate urban slums and temples. The game spans 2-4 hours, with stages lasting 3-5 minutes. Its pixel art and iconic soundtrack appeal to *Spider-Man: Battle for New York* and *Castlevania* fans, distinct from *Dragon Warrior Monsters*’ RPG or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG. ## Key Features - Slash through six acts in a 2-4 hour adventure - 2D platformer with precise combat and wall-climbing - Battle Jaquio’s cult and demonic bosses - Use Ninja Arts like Fire Wheel and Jump Slash - Cinematic cutscenes and 8-bit soundtrack - Authentic NES challenge on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: NES vs. Other Versions - **NES (1988/1989)**: 2D platformer, cinematic cutscenes, high difficulty. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden Arcade (1988)**: NES is story-driven, platformer; arcade is a beat ‘em up with unnamed ninjas. - **Compared to Spider-Man: Battle for New York (2006, GBA)**: *Ninja Gaiden* is 8-bit, non-superhero; *Spider-Man* is 16-bit, 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**: SNES (*Ninja Gaiden Trilogy*, 1995), Wii Virtual Console, Switch Online. ## Play Ninja Gaiden Online Play *Ninja Gaiden* (1988, NES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with NES emulators. Also available on retro gaming platforms with 4.5/5 ratings from 50 votes. Physical copies cost $10-$40 (cart) or $50-$120 (CIB). Use Nestopia or RetroArch. Strategy: Save Ninja Arts for bosses; time wall jumps to avoid birds. Cheat: At pause screen, hold A, B, Select, Up, Down for extra lives. Note: Some emulators may glitch during cutscene transitions. Join Classic Joy Games and master Ryu’s quest now!