Ninja Gaiden (SMS, 1992)
Graphics-7.5 Sound-7.5 Control-8 Challenge-8/7* Story-6.5
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-8 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
*If overusing the flame shield
+
Varied and intense action
Good cutscenes overall
Good set of moves (cling to ceilings, wall jump which is easy to use) and special weapons
Fast paced
Some good bosses
Ryu climbs fast
Some control improvements over NG 1-3 NES (can steer your sword swing in the other direction after a bit of delay, better mid-air control, can move while crouching)
-
Poor in-game backgrounds and worse overall sprite work compared to the NES games (flatter, less detailed at times)
Overpowered flame shield
No jump height control and the falling speed is slightly slower compared to NG 1-2 NES (it’s like in NG 3)
No difficulty options
Some trial & error (falling ninjas, enemies on the edge of the platform you're jumping towards)
The birds
Pretty nonsensical and cliché story
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-8 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
*If overusing the flame shield
+
Varied and intense action
Good cutscenes overall
Good set of moves (cling to ceilings, wall jump which is easy to use) and special weapons
Fast paced
Some good bosses
Ryu climbs fast
Some control improvements over NG 1-3 NES (can steer your sword swing in the other direction after a bit of delay, better mid-air control, can move while crouching)
-
Poor in-game backgrounds and worse overall sprite work compared to the NES games (flatter, less detailed at times)
Overpowered flame shield
No jump height control and the falling speed is slightly slower compared to NG 1-2 NES (it’s like in NG 3)
No difficulty options
Some trial & error (falling ninjas, enemies on the edge of the platform you're jumping towards)
The birds
Pretty nonsensical and cliché story