The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary gaming console that brought joy to millions of people around the world. Released in 1985, it was initially designed to be a home computer as well, but eventually became one of the most iconic and beloved gaming consoles of all time. However, with the release of new consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990, many gamers were left wondering what happened to their beloved NES.

One game that filled this gap was Ninja Gaiden, a side-scrolling action platformer developed by Tecmo and released for both the NES and SNES. The game follows the story of Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja who must infiltrate the enemy's base to rescue his girlfriend, Ayame, from the evil clutches of the leader of the enemy, Taijika.

In this review, we will delve into the world of Ninja Gaiden, exploring its gameplay, graphics, sound, and overall value. We'll also examine the age rating available for this game, so that you can decide if it's suitable for your family members or younger gamers.

Storyline

The story of Ninja Gaiden takes place in a feudal Japan-inspired setting where Ryu Hayabusa must rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of Taijika. Along the way, he encounters various enemies and bosses who will challenge him to test his skills as a ninja.

Gameplay

Ninja Gaiden is an action platformer that requires players to navigate through levels using Ryu's agility, strength, and stealth skills. The game features fast-paced combat, challenging platforming sections, and a variety of power-ups and items to aid the player in their quest.

One of the standout features of Ninja Gaiden is its emphasis on exploration and stealth. Players must use their wits to sneak past enemies undetected, while also using Ryu's skills to take down groups of foes quickly and efficiently.

Graphics

The graphics of Ninja Gaiden are a nostalgic reminder of the SNES era, with beautiful hand-drawn backgrounds and character sprites that still hold up today. The game features a range of environments, from dense forests to ancient ruins, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Ninja Gaiden is equally impressive, featuring catchy and atmospheric music that complements the game's fast-paced action perfectly. From the eerie ambient tracks to the sweeping orchestral pieces, the soundtrack is sure to transport you back to the SNES era.

Playability

Ninja Gaiden is a challenging game that requires patience, skill, and strategy to complete. The controls are responsive and precise, making it easy to navigate Ryu through treacherous terrain. However, the game's difficulty level can be frustrating at times, requiring players to retry entire levels or even restart from a checkpoint.

Replay Value

Ninja Gaiden has high replay value due to its multiple endings and varied gameplay elements. Players can choose to focus on completing each level quickly, collecting power-ups and items, or attempting to find every hidden secret and area of the game.

In conclusion, Ninja Gaiden is a classic side-scrolling action platformer that still holds up today, thanks to its engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. While it may have some flaws, such as frustrating difficulty spikes and minor glitches, these are minor complaints compared to the overall experience.

Age Rating

The age rating for Ninja Gaiden varies depending on the region and platform. In Japan, where the game was originally released, it received a B-Rating from the CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization), indicating that it is suitable for players aged 9 and above.

In Europe and Australia, the game was rated PEGI 7+, meaning that it is suitable for players of all ages except those under the age of 3. In North America, the game received an ESRB M (Mature) rating, indicating that it contains violence, blood, and strong language, making it unsuitable for young children.

Conclusion

Ninja Gaiden is a timeless classic that has aged remarkably well since its release in 1990. With its engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack, it's no wonder why this game remains one of the most beloved ninja games of all time.

If you're looking for a nostalgic gaming experience or simply want to challenge yourself with a classic side-scroller, Ninja Gaiden is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some frustration along the way, as this game can be tough!

Rating

Overall rating: 9/10

Recommended age range: 8 and above (due to mild violence, blood, and strong language)

Playtime: 6-8 hours (depending on level of difficulty and completionism)