This year marks the 35th anniversary of Ninja Gaiden, one of the best and most enduring action franchises of all time. It all started as an arcade beat ‘em up in 1988, before getting fleshed out in a series of cinematic action games for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This was followed by a 3D reboot in the mid-2000s, once against raising the bar for character-driven action games and ninja titles in general. To help celebrate 35 years of Ryu Hayabusa and his many adventures, I wanted to see what Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine said about this series back in the day.
Now, in case you're wondering, EGM reviewed a total of ten Ninja Gaiden games. This includes most of the sequels, the reboots, the side-quests and even a classic game compilation. Unfortunately, they did not get a chance to review the original Ninja Gaiden on the Nintendo Entertainment System, Ninja Gaiden Shadow on the Game Boy or some of the later installments, such as 2012's Ninja Gaiden 3 and the terrible Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. What we're going to do today is countdown the best and worst Ninja Gaiden game using Electronic Gaming Monthly's own words and scores. There's no editorializing here, we're simply going to focus on what the critics said back when these games first came out. So, grab your stash of throwing stars and prepare to get annoyed at that bird that keeps knocking you off the damn cliff, because this is another silent but deadly episode of EGM Ranks Ninja Gaiden.
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient
Ship of Doom (Lynx)
#10
“How's this for a surprise? Ninja Gaiden III is a decent translation from the popular series. Play control is very good, with precise movements. The graphics are simply brilliant on the Lynx's great screen. There are lots of hidden surprises to find and the magic really helps out in tight situations. But, alas, the characters are microscopic, making the game almost a chore to play. A rare gem, but a bit tarnished.” (6.5 out of 10)
Ninja Gaiden (Game Gear)
#9
“This game has an awkward look and style that reminds me more of Strider than Ninja Gaiden. That point aside, Ninja Gaiden for the Game Gear is a nice addition to the portable's growing list of action carts, but it still comes up short on game play and, in some areas, graphics.” (6.75 out of 10)
Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (Super NES)
#8
“Okay, the classic NES game of Ninja Gaiden does bring back some fun memories, but I really wish they had reworked the game rather than a straight port. Unlike the Mega Man series, the games seem virtually unchanged in both graphics and sound. If you're into nostalgia, this will be a fun game, but otherwise, it is a little weak for today's times. Still, fans of the series can't deny the addictive nature and the pure value of the three games for the price of one.” (6.9 out of 10)
Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)
#7
“When Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden erupted onto the original Xbox four years ago, it completely galvanized the staid “character action” genre with its intensely demanding gameplay and staggeringly beautiful visuals. Now, a true sequel arrives in an attempt to unseat Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 as lord of the stylish swordplay pantheon. Unfortunately, don't expect the familiar-feeling Ninja Gaiden 2 to have as powerful an impact as its predecessor. If Devil May Cray 4 lets you switch between combat styles while you slice baddies in real time, why does Ninja Gaiden II still pause the onscreen action? While the gameplay still clearly ranks among the best in the business, other aspects are beginning to feel dated.” (B out of A+)
Ninja Gaiden (Lynx)
#6
“Nice job, dudes! The Ninja Gaiden coin-op never looked better! Maybe a little. Anyway, this is still a marvelous job done bringing home one of the most popular action games of all time. How they got it all into a little Atari Lynx card is beyond me!! Keep ‘em coming.” (8 out of 10)
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient
Ship of Doom (NES)
#5
‘Now this is a sequel! All of the classic power-ups and combat skills of the ninja master of the 8-bit market have still been retained. An all-new novelistic plot has been added, along with new cinema displays as well. Everything from the bosses to the background are truly stupendous.” (8 out of 10)
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon
Sword (Nintendo DS)
#4
“I agree that it's an impressive accomplishment that Dragon Sword makes the translation with most of its finely tuned ninja luster intact. It's easy to appreciate the speedy, satisfying touch-screen combat, even if it's disappointing to see so much recycling after the novelty wears off. But while the basic mechanics are aces, I found all other touch-screen functionality (like using magic and solving puzzles) to be stupidly simplistic. It's fun while it lasts, though – particularly the boss battles – and will hopefully pave the way for more original DS action.” (B+ out of A+)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma (PlayStation 3)
#3
“Even with those strange visual miscues, Sigma looks significantly better than both Xbox installments. But it's the brilliant gameplay that keeps Ryu at the top of the action crowd. The combat is extremely fast and fluid, and the formidable enemies force you to fight smarter. As far as the new stuff goes, though, I'm not impressed. The Rachel sections feel like an afterthought, and the pointless tilt controls (shaking the joypad to boost magic attacks) make me wonder why they bothered.” (8.7 out of 10)
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark
Sword of Chaos (NES)
#2
“Probably the best sequel ever made with near-perfect graphics, challenging gameplay and intermissions which entice you to always go round further. Other than the difficult game play in higher levels, Ninja Gaiden 2 is as good as an action game can get!” (8.75 out of 10)
Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)
#1
“One who is a warrior,” says the old proverb, “must keep constantly in mind, by day and by night, that he has to die.” Ninja Gaiden doesn't argue. Your enemies will not stand by as you leisurely choreograph combos – allow them the slightest opening and prepare to be skewered. Make no mistake – slipping your blade between one's ribs, sticking shuriken into the skull of another, dealing and dodging death several times a second – you will cross swords in the most electrifying combat this side of Soul Calibur, because your survival depends upon it. Quicksilver pacing, knuckle tension and spit-shined effects put Gaiden among the most remarkable action games ever made, but it's every bit as hardcore. Even for the warrior with unflinching focus and hair-trigger reflexes, the way is found in frequent deaths.” (9.5 out of 10)
