Ninja Gaiden is a platforming and action video game developed by Tecmo and released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is one of the console's most well-known and popular titles, and also one of its most challenging. In this review, we will discuss the game's key elements, its story, gameplay, graphics, sound, and lasting legacy.

The player controls Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja from the Dragon clan, who seeks revenge for the death of his father and the disappearance of a family relic known as the Demon Statue. The game follows Ryu through a series of levels, each with its own set of enemies, obstacles, and final bosses, as he confronts a cult called Jaquio who seeks to revive a demon named Jaquio.

Ninja Gaiden is a platforming and action game with a high level of difficulty. Ryu can jump, run, attack with his sword, throw shurikens, and use different special powers. The game also features a unique wall-climbing mechanic for the time, which allows Ryu to climb walls to reach new areas or avoid enemies. The game also has a bouncing mechanic that allows Ryu to jump on enemies after defeating them to gain an additional boost. As the game progresses, Ryu acquires new powers, such as the ability to climb glass walls or throw fire.

The controls are precise but difficult to master, and the game can be relentlessly difficult at some points. The enemies are varied and require different strategies to defeat. There are also sections of the game where the player must face enemies while running on a moving surface, which further increases the difficulty.

The graphics of Ninja Gaiden are impressive for the time, with a vibrant color palette and smooth animations. The levels are well-designed and detailed, and the animation of Ryu and the enemies is smooth and well-done. The final bosses are particularly impressive, with unique designs and interesting combat mechanics. Most of the graphics are in 2D, but there are some sections where Ryu runs towards the background of the screen, which adds depth to the game.

The music of Ninja Gaiden is iconic and memorable, with catchy and well-composed themes that fit the game's action perfectly. The sound effects are basic but effective, and the game features some digitized voices, such as Ryu's shout when jumping or dying.

Ninja Gaiden was a great success upon its initial release and is considered one of the best games for the NES. It was the first game to feature animated cutscenes between levels, which added an extra layer of depth to the story. The game also popularized the wall-climbing mechanic, which became a common feature in many later games in the franchise. Ninja Gaiden also inspired a series of sequels and spin-offs, including a series of 3D action games on the Xbox console.

Additionally, the game is considered a cult classic in the retro gaming community and has been included in several collections of classic games. Its influence has been felt in many other platforming and action games, and the wall-climbing mechanic has been used in games such as Prince of Persia and Assassin's Creed.

In conclusion, Ninja Gaiden is a classic and challenging game that has left a lasting legacy in video game history. Its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and memorable music have made it one of the most popular and respected games for the NES. While it may be difficult to master, it remains an exciting and entertaining game for those seeking a challenge.