10 Best Games Like Ninja Gaiden

Ninja Gaiden. The words themselves evoke an instant emotional response in gamers, though the type of response will likely vary depending on when they were born.

For the younger gamers out there, they’ll immediately imagine sexy curves, bloody violence, and over-the-top action. But for my fellow ancients, a few different things come to mind.

Memories of precise platforming, epic drama told via breaks in the action, and the horrors of getting caught midair by an enemy and falling to my death.

Given how iconic the series has become, we decided to make a list of the best games that evoke that special Ninja Gaiden style. Though for this particular list, we’ll focus on the original series, not the modern remake. So get ready for 2D mayhem, epic art, and frenetic combat!

10

Ninja Issen

Cyberpunk Ninja

While Ninja Gaiden was mostly set in a contemporary time period, there are plenty of ninja-focused games that take place in the far future. One of those was named Ninja Issen, which was originally released on PC and eventually made its way to Nintendo Switch.

Despite taking place in a cyberpunk future, Ninja Issen has a lot in common with Ninja Gaiden’s Ryu Hayabusa. You play as Kiba on a quest to redeem himself from false charges. More importantly, though, is how adept Kiba is with the wicked tools of his shadowy trade.

Besides slashing foes with a katana and hurling shuriken, Kiba can also teleport to where he throws his trusty blade. This allows for tricky and precise platforming, the likes of which would make Ryu proud.

The game also features intense and powerful boss battles, several of which have multiple brutal phases. The main thing that holds the game back is that it tends to be a little glitchy at times, and the plot falls a little flat. Other than that, it’s a worthy ninja adept.

9

HAAK

A True Ninjavania

One doesn’t necessarily think of the Metroidvania genre when thinking of Ninja Gaiden, but there’s no reason they can’t intermingle. After all, most Metroidvanias are platformers with extensive exploration.

In HAAK, you’re a stranger in a strange land, fighting against powerful robots in a devastated wasteland. And to cinch that ninja energy, the main character can grapple to distant points, dash, use charged attacks, and counter.

Honestly, HAAK is a pretty fantastic game overall. But ultimately, the best game on this list won’t just be a fun ninja adventure, but one that captures that special Ninja Gaiden energy most completely.

8

Shadow Blade: Reload

Kuro’s Quest

One thing that Shadow Blade: Reload captures well is the dark storytelling style of Ninja Gaiden. It’s about a broken covenant, vicious samurai, and one ninja, Kuro, who has to make things right.

This is a game where you can paint the town red vigorously, cutting a swathe through your foes as you avoid deadly traps. However, don’t think you can only stick to the shadows, since the game also features challenging boss battles against many mechanized threats.

Related

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Review

It may not be the “definitive” edition of Ninja Gaiden 2, but Ryu Hayabusa is back, and it’s about time.

Also fun is that Shadow Blade: Reload features hidden areas and enhanced challenge in different game modes like Hardcore. And if you play the game on Steam, you can even benefit from the Workshop, making your own levels and trying those created by others.

7

Strider (2014)

Assassin in a Dangerous Future

Another well-known ninja hero is none other than Strider Hiryu. And while this series also got its start back in the day, the 2014 remake of Strider by Double Helix was an especially enjoyable adventure.

The game featured rapid-fire combat, brutal enemies, and dangerous cybernetic threats. It also introduces the Cypher system, which lets you employ a variety of strategies against your foes.

The only thing that held Strider back from a better rank on this list is that the game overall is much easier than Ninja Gaiden. And to truly live up to that legacy, we need a game that is thematically accurate and brutal.

6

Super House of Dead Ninjas

Ninjas Gone Rogue

On the surface, Super House of Dead Ninjas doesn’t seem all that much like Ninja Gaiden. It’s fast-paced, features rogue-like mechanics, and has you racing against a literal timer.

Yet once you work past all that, you realize something about the game—it’s incredibly challenging, much like Ninja Gaiden is.

The game features a colorful coat of paint and many utterly brutal bosses for the Crimson Ninja to slash their way through. And for those who feel underpowered, there are tons of items that can help give you a fighting chance.

Even then, only the most stubborn will make their way to the end of the grueling tower!

5

Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn

Two Ninjas For the Price of One

Ninja Gaiden wasn’t the only ninja-themed adventure from the NES era to get reimagined. That also happened to the original Shadow of the Ninja, which got transformed into the lush and exciting Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn!

Not only is this adventure gorgeous, but it also features two different characters you can play, Hayate and Kaede. While they play differently, the true joy is to experience the arcade glory of the game in two-player cooperative mode.

If all that wasn’t enough, the game features rocking tunes by Iku Mizutani.

Perhaps the main thing holding this game back somewhat was how bright and energetic the game was, which is starkly contrasted by the dour tone of Ninja Gaiden.

4

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider

Resist Your Programming

While you can certainly make the argument that Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is more like the Shinobi games than Ninja Gaiden, I think the game’s plot caters to a similar tone.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider isn’t just a title; it frames an adventure dedicated to bloody vengeance in a twisted world.

Related

10 Best Ninja Anime, Ranked

From Sword of the Stranger to Naruto, here are some of the best anime that focuses on the Ninja world.

Like many games developed by JoyMasher, this caters to multiple classic adventures and sometimes includes elements that would fit right in with Contra.

Regardless, you can move around like greased lightning and fight against ruthless bosses. And ultimately, that’s also what you’ll experience in Ninja Gaiden games.

3

Katana ZERO

Time is the Deadliest Weapon

Katana ZERO is a real one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s noir, mysterious, and full of danger. It’s also a game where you learn to question everything you see and hear, and wonder what deeper truths lie beneath the surface.

Fret not if you came here for ninja mayhem, because there’s plenty of that in Katana ZERO.

The game features a unique time manipulation mechanic. Not only can you rewind the clock, but you can slow it down as well. Just don’t think it makes you invincible, since one solid hit will end your story.

What’s best about the game is that it allows a huge variety of ways to beat every level, which truly immerses you in this dark and bloody world.

2

The Messenger

Ninja of Past and Future

You’ve probably realized by now that I adore The Messenger.

Though it’s not perfect, it’s a rousing ninja adventure full of epic stakes, amazing music, and challenging gameplay.

Much like Ninja Gaiden, this is a game that has a pivotal story that guides the action, as well as featuring dangerous demonic threats.

The most unique thing about The Messenger is that it alternates not just between 8 and 16-bit sections, but also that it switches between classic platforming and more Metroidvania-style action.

A fantastic adventure, but the very best is just ahead!

1

Cyber Shadow

Sole Survivor

I’ve talked a lot about the importance of story in Ninja Gaiden, and that’s what helps set Cyber Shadow apart from the other contenders.

The story is deeply important to the adventure, and will keep you guessing as you play. As the sole survivor of his clan, only Shadow has a chance to succeed against Dr. Progen and his army of deadly synthetic soldiers.

Stylistically, this looks like a flashy NES game, and it features tight controls and deadly bosses.

There are plenty of robots, but also some surprisingly dangerous mutants that would be right at home in Resident Evil.

Put simply, Cyber Shadow is a labor of love by one dedicated developer that was brought to life thanks to Yacht Club Games. A perfect example of a transcendent ninja adventure.

Next

Ninja Gaiden The Definitive Soundtrack Vinyl and CD Pre-Orders Now Open

Brave Wave Productions has revealed that a remastered soundtrack compiling the music from the first three Ninja Gaiden titles is now available for pre-order in vinyl and CD versions. It is also available for download and streaming.