Retro Ninjas!

[shwisha]

I recently got into a ninja kick mostly thanks to the Shinobi series and then followed by The Legend of Kage and Demon Sword. The Shinobi games have tight controls and a very cool feel... you just feel like a bad ass ninja. While Kage and Demon Sword provide fast pace/fluid movement unlike anything I've experienced on an 8bit system.

Any other recommended 8/16bit platforms that would provide a similar rush/experience?

[Ack]

It's not 8/16 bit, but I highly recommend Shinobi Legions(aka Shinobi X) for the Sega Saturn. It's a 2D platformer with digitized sprites, sure, but the thing that makes this game such a gem are the live action cutscenes that look like they were ripped from a Godfrey Ho movie...or a dozen Godfrey Ho movies. You know, classics like Ninja Terminator, The Ninja Force, Cobra vs Ninja, or Project Ninja Daredevils.

The Ninja Warriors(aka The Ninja Warriors Again) on Super Nintendo also comes to mind. It's a sidescrolling beat 'em up with three playable robot ninjas as they tear their way through a military force to stop an evil tyrant: a small fast kunoichi robot, a big hulking ninja robot, and a ninja kamaitachi robot.

For the Genesis, look up another Shinobi game, Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi, which allows you to use your ninja dog to maul oncoming enemies. It sticks to the arcade game but adds in bonus levels for extra lives and the like.

Shien's Revenge on the Super Nintendo is a bit different, giving a first person perspective as you fight your way through hordes of other enemy ninjas armed with your trusty kunai. It's best to play this with the SNES mouse.

And then you've got the weird stuff and the other ninja games that are different genres or are more cartoony, like Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninjas, Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension, Inindo: Way of the Ninja, Super Ninja Boy, Legend of the Mystical Ninja, etc.

[J T]

Is Ninja Gaiden too obvious?

[shwisha]

Is Ninja Gaiden too obvious?

Yes but I'll let it slide

[shwisha]

It's not 8/16 bit, but I highly recommend Shinobi Legions(aka Shinobi X) for the Sega Saturn. It's a 2D platformer with digitized sprites, sure, but the thing that makes this game such a gem are the live action cutscenes that look like they were ripped from a Godfrey Ho movie...or a dozen Godfrey Ho movies...

Thanks Ack these sound great. The Ninja Warriors looks like a mix between Shinobi and Streets of Rage.

I have heard of Shinobi X but unfortunately my Saturn doesn't work.

Shien's Revenge seems unique. Can't wait.

Thanks again!

[Exhuminator]

Shadow Of The Ninja (NES)

and


Run Saber (SNES)

[J T]

Kid Niki (NES) was a good bit of ninja school fun.

Wrath of the Black Manta tried to be Shinobi with a Ninja Gaiden storyline and failed on both accounts, but it has its moments.

Not quite a ninja, but Kabuki Quantum Fighter is totally kickass.

And for a more recent game with some retro sensibilities, make sure you try Mark of the Ninja.

[prfsnl_gmr]

While it is kind of a strange one, this is one of the best C64 games (which had a decent NES port):

This is one of the very best NES games:

This is one of the best TG-16 games:

Finaly, for awesome retro-ninja action on new portable systems, be sure to check out:

[Ivo]

Ninja 5-0 / Ninja Cop on the GBA is very, very good.

[Hobie-wan]

Ninja 5-0 / Ninja Cop on the GBA is very, very good.

It is, but be prepared for sticker shock.