Top Ninja Games for Assassin’s Creed Fans: From Stealth to Action

by

Summary

  • Ninja Gaiden 2 Black remaster features and female counterparts offers rewarding gameplay and variety of weapons.
  • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice by FromSoftware requires patience and repetition to defeat brutal bosses.
  • Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus is a silly ninja game showcasing bite-sized missions and fan service.

Developers have been crafting ninja-themed games since the golden age of the NES. Titles such as Ninja Gaiden, Strider, Shadow of the Ninja, and many more have graced our screens. The ninja game genre has seen its ups and downs, but it’s currently experiencing a revival due to games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. In this latest installment of Assassin’s Creed, players can assume the role of Naoe on a traditional journey through Japan, seeking revenge.

Completing this game can take quite a while, anywhere from 40 to 80 hours. Even after finishing, some players might find themselves wanting more ninja action. This list highlights some fantastic ninja games, many of which feature female protagonists or guest characters as a nod to Naoe in ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’.

Finishing this game requires at least 40 hours, and it can take up to 80. After that, some players might still crave more ninja-themed games. Here are some of the best in the genre, with several offering female leads or guest characters as a tribute to Naoe from ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’.

8. Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Episode INTERmission

Yuffie’s Big Break

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but sing praises for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, a must-play action RPG that has captured the hearts of gamers everywhere. When this masterpiece was upgraded for the PS5, it brought with it a captivating standalone DLC titled “Episode INTERmission.” This intriguing expansion serves as both a prequel and an engaging side story, focusing on Yuffie, our party’s agile female ninja-in-training.

As a gamer, I’m pumped about Yuffie! She might not be as brutal as Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but her parkour skills are second to none. In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, she’s part of the crew, although she’s not the main character. It might seem unusual to talk about DLC, but Yuffie’s mini-adventure is a testament to what ninja girls can do!

7. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Raiden’s Redemption

In the sequel titled Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, the story unfolds after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Unlike Snake, who has retired, Raiden persists in battling corruption amidst global political turmoil. Rather than relying on stealth tactics, this cyborg ninja opts for a more aggressive approach, swiftly cutting through enemies as if he were choping vegetables for a salad.

The game boasts an incredible soundtrack that gets players ready for their action-packed slicing and dicing, particularly during boss fights, in a style reminiscent of the legendary Metal Gear. It’s wild and exaggerated, starkly contrasting with the subtlety of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but fans will undoubtedly appreciate it for its robust action sequences.

6. Muramasa: The Demon Blade

A Ninjtroidvania

Muramasa: The Demon Blade boasts two distinct storylines and can be seen as a blend of Metroidvania elements or more aptly referred to as Ninja-Metroidvanias due to the fact that both playable characters are ninjas. Kisuke, a male ninja seeking vengeance, and Momohime, a possessed princess on a quest for blood, serve as the game’s protagonists. The narrative unfolds in feudal Japan with an intriguing twist: demons coexist among humans.

One notable aspect of this game resembles other Vanillaware RPGs – the captivating art style. It’s vibrant, yet maintains a more somber atmosphere that echoes “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” This game also introduces another formidable female ninja character, though she is controlled by a demon.

5. Nightshade

A Female Sequel To Shinobi

The iconic Sega series called Shinobi occasionally resurfaces and disappears again. Currently, Sega is looking forward to reintroducing it in 2025 with the game titled “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance”. Back in 2002, there was a resurgence of Shinobi for PlayStation 2. This revival was popular enough to spawn a sequel featuring a female ninja protagonist named Hibana, in the game known as “Nightshade”.

As an avid gamer, I can’t help but rave about these two amazing titles that are level-based, leaning more towards action than stealth. One of the characters, Hibana, is particularly impressive with her sleek and swift moves as she cuts through enemies. Though they were initially released on the PS2, they have since become collector’s items. If you’re a gaming enthusiast like me, I strongly advise you to seek out these two games – they’re absolute must-haves for any collection!

4. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

The Beefiest Ninja Returns

Ninja Gaiden 2: Black Edition is a modern update that reintroduced the original ninja, Ryu, to center stage. The action requires precision as even the least skilled ninja can inflict severe damage if not promptly handled. It’s a game not for the timid but becomes increasingly gratifying the more time players dedicate to it.

Ryu wields an array of weapons, ranging from a katana to a scythe. The narrative unfolds across three episodes featuring three female characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. Although they aren’t the main protagonists of the game, their appearances provide engaging side stories.

3. Sekiro: Shadow’s Die Twice

For The Hardcore

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice surpasses the brutality found in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black as it stands among FromSoftware’s greatest Soulslike titles. Unlike their other games, this one places less emphasis on traditional RPG elements. Progressing through the game requires mastering the ninja discipline of patience instead.

To conquer a few of the game’s formidable bosses, practice and repetition are key. This tale takes place in feudal Japan, where a disgraced ninja named Wolf restores his body with a homemade prosthetic limb, enabling him to execute extraordinary actions such as generating fire using a flamethrower.

2. Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus

Fan Service To The Max

  • Developer: Tamsoft
  • Publisher: XSEED Games (NA)
  • Released: October 14, 2014 (NA, PS Vita Version)
  • Platform: PS Vita and PC

Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus” is among the most lighthearted ninja video games available for a single player. It shares gameplay mechanics similar to “Dynasty Warriors” and other Musou-style games, but with smaller, more manageable missions. The game allows players to command several female-led ninja schools, each having a few characters that can be played.

In their enhanced forms, they can execute specialized attacks like hacking, slashing, and unleashing powerful combos. The unusual aspect is that their clothing gets ripped apart. Despite not being as elegant as Naoe from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, they still demonstrate skill.

1. Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins

A PS1 Classic

The Tenchu series originated on the PlayStation 1, and “Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins” serves as a prequel.

Players have the freedom to decide their own path to reach the boss, based on their chosen equipment. This game is predominantly a stealth title, and executing the right strategies always pays off. While it might be a bit tricky to manage at times, Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins still stands as one of the best ninja games ever made.

Read More

2025-03-27 01:27