"One of the best games for the Atari Lynx"

This is an excellent title for the Atari Lynx system. To know why, keep reading.

Graphics 9: The graphics are very good. The backgrounds are detailed and each of the 4 stages have completely new locales and backdrops. The first stage has obligatory city streets. The second stage has an interesting Las Vegas style casino atmosphere. Level three takes place on and around a railroad track with trees in the background. Level 4 takes place in a stylish palace. The game has independent scrolling which allows the main character to move around independently at his own pace as well. The enemies are varied, and include failed hockey players (who must all shop at the same clothing outlet), ninjas, log-wielders who won't warn you by saying "timber," and cool bosses. The bosses consist of a sumo wrestler, totem pole made up of 3 blade brothers, two wrestlers hiding in the background, and a large dude with two swords at the end. The animation is quite good also (such as when characters climb up and down ledges). The graphics in general look very arcade-like and 16-bit. The comic-book inspired cinemas after the stages are also well done.

Music 9: This game not only has lots of music tracks, but they are also good ones. Unlike games like Dirty Larry Renegade Cop (with a solitary music track), this game has a different tune for each stage as well as a tune for each boss!! That is what I call above and beyond the call of duty. The melodies are atmospheric, serious, brooding, and catchy. As an example, level 3 has music that is dark and brooding, but carries a subtle optimism that the tide might finally be turning in our protagonist's favor. As another example, the upbeat tune during the second stage boss pumps you up to knock some heads.

Gameplay 9: This game is NOT based on the Nintendo action/platform game of the same name. Like the Lynx version of Rygar, this one is based on the original arcade upright. It has more in common with double dragon and Final Fight. Fighting games like this can sometimes have a tendency to become repetitive. For example, many of us remember getting a bit tired of the endless throngs of enemies in games like Final Fight, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: the arcade game, or Legend. Interestingly enough, this game feels a bit more varied. This is probably due to the fact that the game is not only somewhat short, but also because the game is somewhat like a plat-former as you need to punch, kick, throw, AND jump at certain times. There is more variety than pounding the punch button repeatedly. For a beat-em-up, this game has varied gameplay, planning, and strategy.

Challenge (i.e. obsessive gamer rating for those who insist on clearing, unlocking, or beating everything) 7: The game requires strategy and luck to beat. When I say luck, I am referring to the randomized item system employed by the game. Smashing stuff yields random items (kinda like mega-man). A phone-booth might contain a jewel, extra energy, swords, or even a whole extra life. The more extra lives you can find, the less stressful your journey will be. But again, it is also important to strategize your attacks and defenses to minimize/avoid unnecessary deaths. Oh, and don't forget to use OPTION 1 to grab onto rails and light-poles to do the cool and helpful kick-attack. The game is not too easy or too hard (over-all). There are several continues available if you lose.

Sound-effects 7: The sound effects are less inspired than the music. The sound of enemies falling on the ground is a bit strident, and the noise that accompanies throwing an enemy is loud and has too much of a comical vibe. The sound of smashing phone booths, boxes, and tables is quite good though....and the buzzing saw scene of course! If you make it to the last boss, you will also be treated by a cool sound as he unsheathes his swords.

Cover-art 7: You will notice that this game has the same art as other (and different) versions of Ninja Gaiden. For example, Ninja Gaiden on NES and Ninja Gaiden Shadow on Gameboy all have the same cover-art! While redundant and over-used, the art is still well-drawn and fitting for a game like this.

Great game!

Overall score: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/10/11

Game Release: Ninja Gaiden (US, 1991)