Legacy Of The Ninja

The ninja is seeing a resurgence. As popular video game tropes go, the concept has never really left, but it can’t be lost on anyone how much the ninja and its derivations seem to be moving back into the limelight. Series like Shinobi, Ghostrunner, Assassin’s Creed, Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro, and The Messenger are all among the success stories that have leveraged the enduring mythology in recent years. Yet in the grand scheme and history of influential and well-regarded game series, Ninja Gaiden cuts an impressive swath. From its earliest incarnation through a 3D reinvention, and on through today, it remains not only a memorable iteration of the ninja fantasy but a game that helped to shape the action and platforming genres as a whole.

Be Always Brave

Ninja Gaiden launched in 1988 as a set of twin games – the same name, but very different projects. Both aimed to capitalize on a roaring ’80s enthusiasm for the ninja mystique, which played out in film and other popular culture. Seemingly hedging its bets for where to find success during the waning days of the arcade boom and the rising popularity of home consoles, Tecmo opted for release in both settings.