Ranking the Best Ninja Gaiden Games: A Ninja’s Ultimate Challenge

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Over three thrilling decades, I’ve been a part of the exhilarating Ninja Gaiden series, where I embody the Ultimate Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa. Across multiple dimensions, I’ve sliced and diced through countless foes, from 2D landscapes to the more contemporary 3D realms. My journey has taken me from the SNES to modern gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.

Among all the different console versions of the Ninja Gaiden series, which one stands out as the ultimate best? With its thrilling side-scrollers, challenging platforming featuring blades and shurikens, and intense combat, this franchise boasts some truly excellent games. However, certain titles might be considered superior to others by some enthusiasts.

9. Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom

Very Difficult, But Not Too Far Removed From The Quality Of Its Two Predecessors

The Ship of Destiny is a fantastic third installment in the Ninja Gaiden series, featuring side-scrolling 2D gameplay. Compared to its predecessors, this game offers a slightly more lenient difficulty level, but don’t be fooled – it remains quite challenging.

In terms of storyline, “Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom” unfolds during the gap between “Ninja Gaiden 1” and “Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos”. After Irene’s demise, Ryu embarks on a quest to clear his name. He delves into Irene’s research at her lab, unearthing a deadly bio-weapon that he must prevent from reaching its intended outcome.

8. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge

A Competent Improvement On An Underwhelming Game

Leaving out spin-offs and portable games, Ninja Gaiden 3 is often seen as the least impressive installment in the series, given its following two highly acclaimed games (and their multiple versions). Despite Team Ninja being behind it, there was no hint that the 2012 version would experience such a dramatic drop in quality. While not outstanding, the Razor’s Edge edition addressed several problems with the original game, including increasing the challenge level substantially and introducing various weapons. Anyone aiming to experience everything this franchise has to offer should opt for Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge rather than the standard version.

Since Ryu shares strong bonds with Ayane and other ninjas from the Dead or Alive series, it was inevitable that they’d appear in a Ninja Gaiden game. In Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, gamers can engage in cooperative play and employ Ayane during missions. As players advance, she has unique moves and cutscenes, adding an engaging layer to the game. Moreover, Ryu’s extensive arsenal of weapons ensures an enjoyable experience that still maintains the challenging reputation Ninja Gaiden is famous for.

7. Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos

In the continuation of the initial “Ninja Gaiden” for NES, titled “Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos“, the exhilarating platforming action from the previous installment is further intensified. Here, the protagonist Ryu Hayabusa finds himself in another tale that challenges his ninjutsu skills to their very limits.

In terms of movement and fighting techniques, Ninja Gaiden 2 allows Ryu to climb walls using Up or Down on the control pad, and to create Phantom Doubles that replicate his last action. These abilities are crucial for Ryu to handle the perils he’s about to encounter. Although it doesn’t drastically alter the formula from its previous version, the sequel effectively refines the core concept, offering another robust action-platform experience that embodies the early Nintendo level of challenge.

6. Ninja Gaiden 2 (And Sigma)

Team Ninja’s Confident Sequel Is Nearly As Good As Its Highly-Regarded Predecessor

Title number two from Team Ninja, Ninja Gaiden 2, amps up the action by introducing an array of extreme adversaries and circumstances for players to conquer. These opponents range from soldiers armed with rocket launchers to vicious beasts that inflict heavy damage with their swift attacks.

Beyond formidable adversaries, Ninja Gaiden 2 and Sigma 2 offer players a range of attack options by equipping them with various weapons to annihilate monsters and soldiers. This diversity in combat makes for more exciting gameplay and provides chances to perform awesome combo moves. Although it’s not as acclaimed as Ninja Gaiden Black, the sequel is still considered one of the top hack-and-slash games from the 2000s.

5. Ninja Gaiden (2004)

The Start Of A New Era That Was Eventually Overshadowed By Two Revamped Versions

2004 marked the groundbreaking transition of the franchise from 2D to 3D with the release of “Ninja Gaiden”. This game, played on the Xbox platform at the time, showcased Ryu Hayabusa’s thrilling ninjutsu skills using a powerful engine. The graphics, impressive for their era, accurately portrayed the formidable might of Ryu as the Ultimate Ninja.

Not only did Ninja Gaiden boast impressive graphics, but it also carried over the challenging gameplay from its earlier versions to today’s gamers. The controls were meticulously crafted for their time, and the intricate combat system required players to become proficient if they aimed to complete the game.

4. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

An Unexpected Surprise That Looks Great And Plays Beautifully

Essentially, there isn’t much difference in terms of quality among Ninja Gaiden 2, Sigma 2, and 2 Black. However, the 2025 version is likely to be the preferred choice for most people, mainly because it’s accessible through Game Pass and includes the Master Collection’s Sigma 2. The main advantage of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black lies in its use of Unreal Engine 5, which significantly enhances visuals compared to the original and even Sigma 2, despite their age. While the original version and especially Sigma 2 still look good, they can’t match the modern technology of the remake.

Moreover, “2 Black” essentially stands as a comprehensive edition of the 2008 classic, featuring four playable characters, similar to “Sigma 2”. It also introduces an easy mode for beginners’ convenience. Following its release, an update included New Game+ and Photo Mode options. Crucially, the gameplay remains as refined and intense as before.

3. Ninja Gaiden Sigma

Ramps Up The Action And Adds A Touch Of Color, Resulting In A Worthy PS3 Alternative

Ninja Gaiden Sigma is an enhanced version of the 2004 original 3D title, with significant differences from both that release and Ninja Gaiden Black. The developers had greater opportunities to refine the game’s graphics and gameplay elements due to the PlayStation’s engine, resulting in more intricate environments, extra save spots, and additional shops for the player’s convenience.

Regarding battles, Ninja Gaiden Sigma enabled players to utilize Ryu’s bow and arrow mid-flight and engage in combat on water surfaces as well. The game offered a diverse selection of weapons, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, players could amplify Ryu’s Ninpo abilities by manipulating the Sixaxis controller.

2. Ninja Gaiden (NES)

The One That Started It All

Regarding the original games within the Ninja Gaiden series, it’s widely acknowledged that the NES version stands out as the most challenging 2D side-scrolling game. To conquer this title, players must navigate through six Acts made up of twenty levels, each packed with enemies and obstacles capable of knocking Ryu off course, potentially leading to a fatal fall.

Ryu needs to time his leaps perfectly and strike enemies at the ideal instant to dodge getting hit, maintain sufficient health for confronting the bosses that possess powerful assaults of their kind.

1. Ninja Gaiden Black

Immaculate Combat, Hard But Fair Difficulty, And The Pinnacle Of Ninja Gaiden

In my enthusiasm, I’d like to share that Ninja Gaiden Black is a revamped version of the 2004 classic Ninja Gaiden, a game I hold dear. This updated edition incorporated the Hurricane Packs, which brought fresh in-game cinematics alongside a Mission Mode and additional scenarios. To make it even more enticing for players, two new weapons were added – the Lunar Staff and smoke bombs. And let’s not forget the unlockable costumes that add a touch of personal flair to our ninja!

In the given game, the adversaries have become significantly more aggressive and challenging for the player. The developers at Team Ninja intended them to be tough to defeat, with attacks that can bypass or penetrate Ryu’s defensive position. This change encourages players to adopt a more proactive playstyle, requiring them to think strategically when engaging enemies and bosses.

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2025-02-14 16:25