Top 12 Old Retro Ninja Games Off All Times

1. Shinobi series

Excluding spin-off titles, the Shinobi game series has a total of 12 titles. Much like with Ninja Gaiden, it all started on arcade machines in 1987. However, Shinobi records its first appearance on consoles (Sega Master System) thanks to the faithful port of the arcade game.

This was followed by ports of originals to numerous other devices, and a whole wave of sequels that enriched the offer of games on almost all Sega consoles: Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, and Saturn.Each sequel brought quite big novelties that significantly affected the gameplay. As a good example of this, we can cite the canine partner in Shadow Dancer who uses a special command to instantly incapacitate the enemy.

Game Gear sequels borrowed elements from the Mega Man series and thus provided not only a free choice of level order but also additional characters who stood out with brand new weapons and Ninjutsu spells. Shinobi 3 brought significantly faster gameplay thanks to legendary ninja warrior Joe Musashi, who prepared new stunts for the final Mega Drive sequel.

The series introduced new protagonists through the next sequels on Saturn and Playstation 2, and the latest sequel fans of the series were allowed to play on the Nintendo 3DS. Although we can't call 3DS a retro device, the design of this latest sequel on Nintendo's handheld is based on concepts from perhaps the most popular Shinobi game - Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master.

Although Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi have always been there somewhere and even technically contain an identical number of sequels, the Shinobi series wins thanks to a slightly earlier appearance on the market and more innovation in each subsequent sequel.It is an indisputable fact that Shinobi 3D iterations are considered somewhat weaker than 3D iterations within the Ninja Gaiden series, but at least we can say that the Shinobi series has had a lot more interesting the last sequel for now.

2. Ninja Spirit

A slightly different ninja game appeared on the market in 1988 on arcade machines. This 2D shooter has experienced several ports on several popular platforms and is certainly the most memorable remaining 1990 version for the TurboGrafx-16 console.

Excellent gameplay, weapons, a slightly creepy atmosphere, simple but responsive controls are the characteristics that marked this title and immortalized it as one of the most desirable games on the TurboGrafx-16 platform. Ninja Spirit is available on modern platforms as part of Hamster’s Arcade Archives (ACA) edition.

3. Blue Shadow

The first Nintendo console offered a large number of old ninja games to choose from. The action-platformer Blue Shadow, also known as Shadow of the Ninja, is one of the most recognizable games of its kind, and today it can be played as part of a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.

With classic ninja action, beautiful eight-bit visuals, and a memorable musical background, Blue Shadow has remained in our memory as one of the most fun experiences with the NES console, which also provided the possibility of cooperative play for two, which is not often seen in old ninja games.

 

4. Ninja Cop

 

Ninja Cop (in the US market Ninja Five-O) came out in 2003 and is available exclusively on Game Boy Advance. Too bad, because this game, despite very good reviews, did quite poorly in the market, and is now considered one of the rarest games for this platform.

Ninja Cop in its superbly designed levels combines classic ninja action and acrobatics that our hero in blue performs using a special chain. It can be attached to almost anything and one platform in the game. The mechanics of chain oscillation are elaborated in detail and are characterized by very impressive physics. There are also many classic elements from this genre, such as the system of strengthening abilities, rescuing hostages, and powerful Ninjutsu magic.

5. Sengoku 3

Let’s dwell a bit on the arcades and remember what was still very popular with ninjas while the arcades burned and glowed. Of course, it’s a beat ’em up genre. Therefore, it is not surprising that SNK, as one of the giants of the arcade machine industry, decided to put ninjas in beat ‘em up. Sengoku 3 is a much more complex game compared to its two predecessors.

With a punching system that was far ahead of its time for a single beat ‘em up, Sengoku 3 gives the player the use of several special attacks, defensive options, and usable projectiles such as kunai arrows and ninja bombs.

In addition to the four basic characters, two secret characters are available, and the game is divided into six challenging levels. The Sengoku 3 got ports on the Playstation 2, Nintendo Wii and GOG, and is also available on all current consoles as another of Hamster's ACA Neo Geo releases. Fortunately, the button for inserting coins does not cost anything when it comes to reissuing games like this on modern platforms.

6. Cyber Shadow

Cyber Shadow successfully combines the basic principles of classic 2D action platformers with the principles of a slightly newer school. The world performed in the style of Metroidvania, a fantastic musical background, and a great system of upgrading the main character is just some of the factors that have ensured this game a high rating.

The fact that this ninja jewel decided to support and release the legendary Yacht Club Games (known for the Shovel Knight) speaks volumes about the quality of Cyber Shadow. We look forward to any news of a possible sequel.

7. Tenchu series

When we talk about sneaking and attacking from the shadows, we can't go through this top list without mentioning the Tenchu series. It has a total of nine games, and all parts cumulatively exceed the number of 10 million total copies sold. The series has been in 3D since the first part, which appeared in 1998 on the first Playstation console. Unfortunately, the series has been completely silent for the past twelve years, and the last sequel - Tenchu: Shadow Assassins, we had the opportunity to play on Wii and PSP consoles.

What can in any case serve as consolation is the realization that the creator of the series, Takuma Endo, recently stated that he has ambitions to return to the Tenchu series in the form of a kind of reboot on the Playstation 5 console.

8. Ninja Gaiden series

9. Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors

What’s better than ninjas in beat ’em up? Of course, ninja cyborgs in beat’s em up! Ninja Saviors: The Return of The Warriors is a remake of the Super Nintendo game Ninja Warriors, which in turn was a kind of remake of the eponymous arcade game known for displaying its visuals on two interconnected monitors.

The final version available for the PS4 and Switch platforms is the culmination of the Ninja Warriors experience as it brings support for cooperative gaming and an additional two characters that expand the roster of cyber ninja fighters to a total of six characters, each with special abilities and special attacks.

10. Mark of the Ninja

 

Some of you may be wondering if it is fair to put Mark of the Ninja in the category of retro games, but keep in mind that this ten-year-old title is only one year away. Mark of the Ninja originally appeared as an Xbox 360 exclusive, so that they would soon have the opportunity to play it on a PC, and in 2018 they would welcome a remaster that came out on all current platforms.

In Mark of the Ninja, the player is in the role of a nameless ninja trying to save his clan, with an emphasis on sneaking around and sneaking up on enemies. Darkness and the environment are the ninja's best friends and allow him quick executions from the shadows, and when it thickens - this Klei Entertainment protagonist can rely on a slightly more messy approach and thus engage in direct combat with enemies.

 

11. Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja

In 1988, Data East released the popular arcade game Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja. The game was an instant hit, and its popularity has only grown in the years since.

The premise of the game is simple: two ninja warriors, Blade and Striker, must rescue the President of the United States from the clutches of the evil Dragon Ninja. The game is a side-scrolling beat-em-up, and players must fight their way through hordes of enemies to reach the Dragon Ninja's lair.

The game was notable for its time for its use of digitized sprites, which gave the characters a realistic look. The game was also one of the first to allow players to input their names into the high score table.

Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja was ported to several home consoles and is still a popular game today. It is considered a classic of the genre, and its simple but addictive gameplay has stood the test of time.

 

12. Shadow Warriors

 

A pretty well-rendered beat 'em up game called Shadow Warriors. Who as a child wouldn't want to try out The Flying Neck Throw or The Phoenix Backflip among the fantastic special moves?

Therefore, this old ninja game is undoubtedly the best of its time in terms of aesthetics. Scenes of about ten ninjas beating each other up while other ninjas on motorbikes rush past are vivid and magnificent, and it's impossible not to be mesmerized by them.

While persistence is essential to any successful game, the inhumanly difficult levels make it such that you'll need to play for hours to even finish the first level. This game is a little too demanding.

There are a ton of great old ninja games to choose from, but these 12 are our favorites. From classics like Shinobi to more modern titles like Mark of the Ninja, there's something for everyone on this list. So get ready to do some serious ninja-ing and have a blast doing it.