Ninja Gaiden

"Old school ninja action."

Ninja Gaiden was first introduced on the Nintendo Entertainment System. It became a big hit and moved to other systems as well. This is about the GameGear version of Ninja Gaiden. You take control of the ninja Ryu Hayabusa, and while the game is has a story, you'll most likely be skipping past it to get back to the fighting. After all, who needs story with a game like Ninja Gaiden? But, if you do watch, you'll find out that the intermission scenes are well made.

Graphics: 8/10

The graphics are sort of blocky on the characters. But the backgrounds look nice. Although not quite Ninja Gaiden quality. There are different weapons that you can obtain throughout the game, such as shurikens, that you can use in addition with pick-ups that make them homing shots. They look pretty cool when they're flying at an enemy, but they're awfully big. It doesn't really make it look stupid or anything, but it makes you wonder why someone would think to make a projectile weapon a foot long.

Gameplay: 10/10

Simple, just as every Ninja Gaiden game, you can run, jump, slash with your sword, and cling to walls. You can climb the walls ninja style, and jump from wall to wall. You use your projectile weapons by pressing down on the D-pad and button 1 simultaneously. You will in time get used to either wasting your projectiles, or never trying to crouch and hit someone. It really makes no sense to crouch and hit someone, since he does the same thing anyway, but if you crouch and hit, lose the habit. The game is simple, but fun to play. The only bad part is, that if you die and you're fighting the boss of the level, you go all the way back to the start. That gets to be kind of a pain.

Sound: 7/10

The sound is good for the GameGear, but the music gets a little on the annoying side. It is repetitive and too fast for the gameplay. The sound effects aren't too bad, though.

Replayability: 10/10

The game is very short, with only four levels, but you'll often find yourself in the mood for Ninja Gaiden, and if this is the only one you have, or you're on the road, then this game will certainly satisfy your craving.

Overall: 9/10

This game is definitely worth buying if you see it, since by now it should be cheap enough even if you're just looking for something to take up a little time. But that's not all that this game is, though. It's a really good game, especially if you're the nostalgic type. This game is good for a handheld.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/30/03, Updated 05/30/03