Best Retro Ninja Games

Key Takeaways

Ninja games capture the essence of stealth and challenge, evoking retro & modern gameplay styles.
Popular titles like Ninja Gaiden influenced modern ninja games with tough gameplay and iconic visuals.
Games like Kunai and Cyber Shadow fuse classic and modern elements, delivering top-tier ninja experiences.

As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from the early days of 8-bit classics to today’s immersive AAA titles. When it comes to ninja-adjacent games, I must say that the current reigning champion is none other than The Messenger. This game is a love letter to an era of gaming that I hold dear and manages to strike the perfect balance between challenge and fun.

For many years, ninjas have captivated popular culture, particularly within video games. These elusive, stealthy warriors from feudal Japan are shrouded in enigma since they rarely documented their skills, thus much of their historical information has been lost over time. However, there is ample room for creative interpretation when depicting them in video games.

Many of the initial hit video games, be they console-based or arcade, often showcased ninjas (such as Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi, which are among the most well-known examples). Consequently, these games have become quite associated with nostalgic gaming. In current times, numerous games draw inspiration from them, so here’s a rundown of modern ninja games that embody a retro feel, either in their gameplay mechanics or visual design.

7 Ninja Senki DX

Arcade Thrills And Plenty Of Charm

Released: February 23, 2016
Developer: Tribute Games, Johnathan Lavigne
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Mac OS

Instead of the gloomy games featured here, we have Ninja Senki DX that draws inspiration from the vintage era of Nintendo Famicom. It presents a charming, streamlined visual style when portraying intense ninja battles. As the player, you’ll command Hayate, the shuriken expert, battling to avenge his clan’s princess while confronting a formidable demon in ancient Japan.

The gameplay leans towards a mix of Ninja Gaiden, Mega Man, and Super Mario, offering a blend of fast-paced platforming action and challenging difficulty levels. While it may not be completely unique, it certainly possesses an endearing quality and vibrant graphics.

6 Oniken

Heads Will Burst, Robots Will Explode

Released: June 21, 2012
Developers: JoyMasher, Thais Weiller, Stage Clear Studios
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS

In my gaming world, the epic manga and anime “Fist of the North Star” left a massive impact on how this game looks. It’s all about a post-apocalyptic future that’s eerily familiar to many old-school action games. The remnants of humanity are under the iron fist of a merciless machine empire called the Oniken, and it’s up to us players to make a stand!

As the futuristic ninja character Jaku, players engage in battles against numerous cybernetic adversaries and formidable bosses. Oniken draws inspiration from lesser-known yet cherished NES games such as Shadow of the Ninja and Kabuki Quantum Fighter, while incorporating a touch of fast-paced run-and-gun gameplay similar to Contra.

5 Shadow Blade: Reload

A Mobile Classic Gets Spruced Up

Released: July 21, 2014
Developers: Dead Mage, Crescent Moon Games
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Shadow Blade: Reload brings the rapid-action run-and-slashing mechanics reminiscent of traditional ninja games into the present day. Originally designed for mobile platforms, it cleverly incorporated swiping gestures to replicate onscreen ninja moves. However, as it transitioned to consoles, its control system underwent a revision.

The main focus is on swift progression, where players are motivated to continually advance while jumping across stages and brutally dismantling adversaries. Accuracy and timing are crucial factors, as the game acknowledges and rewards players based on how rapidly they can finish multiple short-sized stages. Its modern aesthetics contribute to its contemporary charm, setting it apart from games like Oniken.

4 Kunai

A Love Letter To Classic Games And Handheld Consoles

Translating to a more conversational tone:

Kunai radiates character, making it stand out and suggesting it was a cherished project for the development team. Its parkour mechanics and Metroidvania aspects make it feel current, while its grappling hook, similar to that in Bionic Commando, adds an appealing touch.

3 Katana ZERO

Ninja-Adjacent Stealth Finesse

Although the game doesn’t feature actual ninjas from feudal Japan, it retains the essential mechanics such as stealth, quick reflexes, assassinations, and swift movements. This hard-boiled, atmospheric neo-noir game with a strong synthwave vibe is all about skillful maneuvering to achieve success. Its mature narrative and pulse-pounding gameplay make it suitable only for seasoned gamers.

In “Katana Zero,” you’ll need strategic thinking and caution due to its time-manipulation mechanic and one-hit-kill system. You’ll have to plan your moves carefully when traversing levels and defeating enemies. Despite being relatively short, taking only a few hours to finish, its striking, impactful scenes make it a noteworthy contender on this list.

2 Cyber Shadow

One Ninja Versus A Lot Of Cyborgs

The game titled Cyber Shadow openly acknowledges its inspirations through its design. Notably, it bears a strong resemblance to the iconic NES title, Ninja Gaiden, as evidenced by its rapid-fire combat, challenging platforming sequences, and a difficulty level that pushes players’ skills to the limit. Unlike its predecessor, however, Cyber Shadow refrains from employing cheap enemy respawns or intentionally frustrating gameplay mechanics.

This game skillfully blends traditional gaming mechanics with contemporary enhancements, merging ninja motifs with cyberpunk and sci-fi visual styles. Additionally, it offers intense boss battles, and it manages to keep things interesting while maintaining high-quality production values. Essentially, it’s a contemporary game wrapped in a vintage shell, yet it effectively adds new twists to the formula.

1 The Messenger

The Current Reigning Champion Of Retro Ninja Games

The Messenger serves as an outstanding example for games of its kind, being not merely a tribute to ninjas but also to a golden era of video gaming, such as 16-bit games produced by Sega. On the one side, it’s an exhilarating action platformer that strikes an ideal balance between difficulty and enjoyment. However, there’s much more beneath the surface.

In the middle of the game, a cleverly designed mechanic switches the player between retro-style 8-bit and 16-bit graphics. One moment you’re playing a game reminiscent of an NES console, the next it could be similar to a Sega Mega Drive title. With its blend of classic ninja gameplay, time-travel elements, and sharp, humorous dialogue boasting some of the funniest lines in modern gaming, The Messenger is an instant video game masterpiece.

Honorable Mention: Ninja Gaiden

This iconic game is hard to overlook, given its immense impact on video gaming and its availability among NES games accessible through Switch Online. Essentially, the player embodies a renowned ninja named Ryu Hayabusa, navigating levels by running, jumping, and defeating countless enemies with a katana or throwing projectiles as they strive for victory.

The game is incredibly challenging, able to push even the most devoted players to their limits. It’s also recognized for being one of the first to introduce cutscenes in gaming, through its Tecmo Theater interludes. However, it’s infamous for its difficult level design – if a player fails to beat the final boss, they are forced to replay three stages full of repetitive enemies, which some consider an underhanded trick!

2024-10-02 12:44