View source for Ninja Gaiden

{{short description|Video game series}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = Ninja Gaiden
| image = [[File:Ninja Gaiden Logo.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| caption = Logo used from 1988 to 1991
| genre = {{ubl|[[Action game|Action]]|[[Platformer]]|[[Hack and slash]]|[[Action-adventure]]}}
| developer = {{ubli|[[Tecmo]] (1988–2008)|[[BlueSky Software]] (1990)|[[Team Ninja]] (since 2004)|[[The Game Kitchen]] (2025)|[[PlatinumGames]] (2025)}}
| publisher = {{ubli|Tecmo|[[Koei Tecmo]]|Hi Tech Expressions|[[Atari Corporation]]|[[Square Enix Europe#Eidos Interactive|Eidos Interactive]]|[[Xbox Game Studios]]|[[Nintendo]]|[[Sega]]|[[Dotemu]]}}
| creator = [[Hideo Yoshizawa]] <br /> (NES series) <br /> [[Tomonobu Itagaki]] <br /> (prequel series)
| artist = [[Masato Kato]] <br /> (NES series)
| platforms = {{collapsible list
| [[Arcade video game|Arcade]]
| [[Amiga]]
| [[Amstrad CPC]]
| [[Atari Lynx]]
| [[MS-DOS]]
| [[Game Boy]]
| [[Game Gear]]
| [[Master System]]
| [[Mobile phone]]
| [[Nintendo DS]]
| [[NES]]
| [[Nintendo Switch]]
| [[PC Engine]]
| [[PlayStation 3]]
| [[PlayStation 4]]
| [[PlayStation 5]]
| [[PlayStation Vita]]
| [[Super NES]]
| [[Wii U]]
| [[Windows]]
| [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
| [[Xbox 360]]
| [[Xbox One]]
| [[Xbox Series X/S]]
| [[ZX Spectrum]]}}
| first release version = ''[[Ninja Gaiden (arcade game)|Ninja Gaiden]]''
| first release date = October 1988
| latest release version = ''[[Ninja Gaiden 4]]''
| latest release date = October 21, 2025
}}

{{nihongo|'''''Ninja Gaiden'''''|'''NINJA 外伝'''|}}<!-- (/gaideɴ/) incomplete IPA. Also consider using {{IPA-ja}} or {{IPAc-ja}}.--> is an [[action game]] [[media franchise|franchise]] created by [[Tecmo]] and featuring the [[ninja]] [[Ryu Hayabusa]] as its protagonist. The series was originally known as {{nihongo|'''''Ninja Ryukenden'''''|忍者龍剣伝|Ninja Ryūkenden|{{lit.}} "Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword"}} in Japan. The word "[[gaiden]]" in the North American ''Ninja Gaiden'' title means "side story" in Japanese. The original arcade version, first two [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] games and [[Game Boy]] game were released as '''''Shadow Warriors''''' in [[PAL region]]s. As of 2008, the series had shipped over 7.7 million units worldwide.{{#tag:ref|
* Series sales as of June 2007: 5.5 million<ref name="tecmofranchises">{{cite web | url=http://www.tecmo.co.jp/company/data/20070823cp_e.pdf#page=13 | title=TECMO Corporate Profile (as of June 2007) | page=12 | format=PDF | access-date=2008-01-07 | publisher=[[Tecmo]] | date=August 23, 2007}}</ref>
* Sales from June 2007 to December 2008: 2.205 million shipped<ref>{{cite web|title=Financial Statements Summary for Fiscal Year Ended December 2008|url=http://www.tecmo.co.jp/company/data/20090216gaikyo_e.pdf#page=5|publisher=[[Tecmo]]|access-date=22 April 2012|page=4|date=February 16, 2009}}</ref>
|name=NinjaGaiden|group=n}}

The series gained popularity on the NES for its tight action-platform gameplay, catchy music and, according to G4's ''[[X-Play]]'', for being the first console game to have the story presented in cinematic [[cutscene]]s. The 8-bit trilogy was [[enhanced remake|enhanced]] for the 16-bit [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] in 1995. [[Sega]] released two ''Ninja Gaiden'' games for the [[Game Gear]] and [[Master System]], the latter only for PAL regions. The original series' setting of said universe is a [[retro-futuristic]] version of the 1980s. A new game, titled ''[[Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)|Ninja Gaiden]]'', was released in 2004 as a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[action game]] on the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], developed by [[Team Ninja]], the makers of ''[[Dead or Alive (franchise)|Dead or Alive]]''. The ''Ninja Gaiden'' franchise is known for its high degree of difficulty, particularly the original NES version and the Xbox revival.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=February 24, 2007 |url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/495/495186p3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040229032448/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/495/495186p3.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-02-29 |title=Ninja Gaiden: IGN Review |website=IGN}}</ref>

According to ''[[Eurogamer]]'', the gameplay of the ''[[Strider (1989 arcade game)|Strider]]'' arcade franchise was a vital influence on the modern incarnation of the ''Ninja Gaiden'' franchise.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fahey |first=Rob |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/strider-1-2-review |title=Strider 1/2 |website=Eurogamer.net |date=2007-01-01 |access-date=2020-09-08}}</ref>

{{video game timeline
| subtitle = Mainline number entries in '''bold'''
| compressempty = yes
| 1988a = ''[[Ninja Gaiden (arcade game)|Ninja Gaiden]]'' (arcade game)
| 1988b = '''''[[Ninja Gaiden (NES video game)|Ninja Gaiden]]''''' (NES)
| 1990 = '''''[[Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos]]'''''
| 1991a = '''''[[Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom]]'''''
| 1991b = ''[[Ninja Gaiden (Game Gear)|Ninja Gaiden]]'' (Game Gear)
| 1991c = ''[[Ninja Gaiden Shadow]]''
| 1992 = ''[[Ninja Gaiden (1992 video game)|Ninja Gaiden]]'' (1992)
| 2004a = '''''[[Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)|Ninja Gaiden]]''''' (2004)
| 2004b = ''Ninja Gaiden X''
| 2005 = ''[[Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)#Ninja Gaiden Black|Ninja Gaiden Black]]''
| 2007 = ''[[Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)#Ninja Gaiden Sigma|Ninja Gaiden Sigma]]''
| 2008a = ''[[Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword]]''
| 2008b = '''''[[Ninja Gaiden II]]'''''
| 2009 = ''[[Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2]]''
| 2012a = ''[[Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)#Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus|Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus]]''
| 2012b = '''''[[Ninja Gaiden 3]]'''''
| 2012c = ''[[Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge]]''
| 2012d = ''100 Man'nin no Ninja Gaiden''
| 2013 = ''[[Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus]]''
| 2014 = ''[[Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z]]''
| 2025a = ''[[Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2#Ninja Gaiden II Black|Ninja Gaiden II Black]]''
| 2025b = ''[[Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound]]''
| 2025c = '''''[[Ninja Gaiden 4]]'''''
}}

==Arcade game==
{{main|Ninja Gaiden (arcade game)}}
The [[arcade game|arcade]] version of ''Ninja Gaiden'', released in 1988,<ref>{{cite web|title=Ninja Gaiden (Release Data)|url=https://www.gamefaqs.com/arcade/568362-ninja-gaiden/data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=30 December 2011}}</ref> is a ''[[Bad Dudes]]''-style [[beat 'em up]] in which the player controls a nameless blue ninja (red for the second player) as he travels to various regions of the United States, to defeat an evil cult led by a descendant of [[Nostradamus]], who is trying to fulfill his ancestor's prophecy of the rise of an evil king in 1999. The player has a variety of techniques, such as a flying neck throw and a backflip.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ninjagaiden.classicgaming.gamespy.com/images/ngar-01.gif |title=NGAR |format=GIF|publisher=gamespy.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314142457/http://ninjagaiden.classicgaming.gamespy.com/images/ngar-01.gif |archive-date=2007-03-14}}</ref> The player can obtain [[power-up]]s by throwing characters into background objects, such as street lights and dumpsters. The player fights primarily with their bare hands, although a sword can be used for a limited time as a power-up; they can use overhead environmental objects as a prop from which they can deliver more powerful kicking attacks. Although the game takes place in different environments, there are primarily only five kinds of enemies, all of which appear in every level (although some levels have extra enemy types). The game is remembered for its infamous [[continue (video games)|continue screen]], where the player character is chained to a table underneath a descending [[circular saw]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ninjagaiden.classicgaming.gamespy.com/images/ngarcont.gif |title=NGAR Continue screen |format=GIF |publisher=gamespy.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409013432/http://ninjagaiden.classicgaming.gamespy.com/images/ngarcont.gif |archive-date=2006-04-09}}</ref>

The original ''Ninja Gaiden'' arcade game was ported to the [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Amiga]], [[Atari ST]], and [[ZX Spectrum]]. The Amiga version retained almost all of the graphics and functionality of the original game, including the two-player [[Cooperative video game|cooperative gameplay]] and the introduction. All these versions, developed by [[Ocean Software]], were released in Europe as ''Shadow Warriors''. An [[MS-DOS]] port of the original ''[[Ninja Gaiden (arcade)|Ninja Gaiden]]'' was also developed by Hi Tech Expressions, this time for its release in North America as ''Ninja Gaiden'', as opposed to the other versions. However, it featured stripped down play mechanics and a low 16 colour palette. Lastly, it was ported to the [[Ninja Gaiden (Atari Lynx video game)|Atari Lynx]] handheld system. An emulated version of the arcade game exists in the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] version's update ''[[Ninja Gaiden Black]]'' as a bonus feature and was available through Nintendo's [[Wii]] [[Virtual Console]] download service.

{{clear}}

==NES series==
The story of the 1988 release of ''Ninja Gaiden'' and its sequels take place in a [[retrofuturistic]] version of the 1980s.

===''Ninja Gaiden'' (NES)===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden (NES video game)}}
The first ''Ninja Gaiden'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] was released in Japan on December 9, 1988, in the United States in March 1989, and in Europe on August 15, 1991. Set in a [[retro-futuristic]] version of 1988, a ninja named [[Ryu Hayabusa]] finds a letter by his recently missing father, Ken, telling him to go to America and meet with an archaeologist Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith tells Ryu that two statues hidden by Ryu's father and the doctor have the power to end the world if united. Ryu ends up in South America and battles Jaquio, an evil cult leader bent on reviving the ancient demon called "Jashin" and responsible for the attack on Ken Hayabusa.

While the arcade game itself bears little or no connection to the later NES trilogy or Xbox revival, certain aspects of it were carried over to the first NES title. The first [[level (video games)|stage]] in the NES game is a loose adaptation of the first stage in the arcade game and the opening [[cutscene]] in the NES game vaguely resembles the intro in the arcade version. Both games feature [[Jason Voorhees]] lookalikes and the final [[boss (video games)|boss]] in the arcade game vaguely resembles Bloody Malth from the NES game. The game introduced many of the series' staples, including cinematic cutscenes, the boomerang-like Windmill [[Shuriken]], and the magical techniques called Ninja Arts. To use the ninja arts, players must collect power-ups. Each art uses up a certain number of power-ups.

A port was developed by [[Hudson Soft]] for the [[PC Engine]] featuring enhanced graphics, reworked music, and rebalanced difficulty. An LCD handheld version produced by [[Tiger Electronics]] was released in 1988, which also had a sequel.

===''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos''===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos}}
In the sequel, ''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', Ryu learns of a new villain named Ashtar, Emperor of Chaos and master to Jaquio. Ryu must rescue Irene Lew, a former [[CIA]] agent, from Ashtar and destroy the Dark Sword, a weapon of great power, forged from a bone of the demon, as the Dragon Sword is forged from a fang of a dragon. In the end, Ryu learns that Jaquio has been reborn to fulfill the destiny of Ashtar and the Dark Sword. This game was the first to feature Spirit Clones, invincible copies of Ryu which would mimic his movements and fight by his side. Also introduced was the ability to scale walls without the need to constantly jump upwards.

''[[Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos]]'' was ported by [[GameTek]] for IBM PC compatibles and the Amiga, both for their release in North America. They include save and load, where the player's exact position in the game can be saved at any given moment. The IBM PC version has 256 color VGA graphics.

===''Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom''===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom}}
The third game, titled ''Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom'' features rogue secret agents, genetic engineering and the eponymous warship. The gameplay is largely unchanged and more is revealed about Foster, the CIA agent who sent Ryu after Jaquio in the first game and his true intentions towards the ninja. It is the first game in the series to have limited continues. Additionally, most attacks deal 2 damage units to the player character (rather than 1 in the previous games), who still has only 16 health units. Additions include a sword extension power-up that increases the range of the player's attack until the end of the level or until death, new types of surfaces from which the player can hang, and automatically scrolling areas.

It was ported to the [[Atari Lynx]] handheld system. The port retains all the content of the NES game.

==Prequel series==
The story of the 2004 release of ''Ninja Gaiden'' and its sequels have been established as standalone [[prequel]]s<ref>{{cite news |last = Mielke |first = James |title = Previews: Ninja Gaiden 2 |quote = This is a new story starring Ryu Hayabusa. It takes place after Ninja Gaiden 1 for Xbox, and before the timeframe of the old Ninja Gaiden games on the NES |publisher = [[1Up]].com |date = 2007-11-16 |url = http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3164447 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110522141623/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3164447 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 2011-05-22 |access-date = 2008-07-04}} (Javascript required)</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Yin-Poole |first = Wesley |title = Ninja Gaiden 2 Preview |format=Interview |quote=Story chronologically as well, this takes place after the fist Ninja Gaiden for Xbox, then after this, the story for this game from a chronological stand point leads into the old Ninja Gaiden for the NES. I think we have a nice continuity there. |publisher = [[Video Gamer]] |date = 2008-05-22 |url = http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/ninja_gaiden_2/preview-948.html |access-date = 2008-07-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last = Luke |first = Anderson |title = Ninja Gaiden II: Q&A with Tomonobu Itagaki |quote=In story chronology as well, this takes place after the first Ninja Gaiden for Xbox and then after the story of this game it leads into the old NES ones, so I think we have a nice continuity there. |website = [[GameSpot]] |date = 2008-05-23 | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/ninjagaidenii/news.html?sid=6191514&part=rss&subj=6191514 |access-date = 2008-07-04}}</ref> to the NES series, and takes place in the same universe as Team Ninja's ''[[Dead or Alive (franchise)|Dead or Alive]]'' fighting games. The main story of the game involves Ryu Hayabusa setting out on a quest to retrieve the Dark Dragon Blade from the hands of evil after most of his clan was wiped out. Its sequels feature further connections with the ''Dead or Alive'' games, such as [[Ayane (Dead or Alive)|Ayane]], [[Momiji (Dead or Alive)|Momiji]] and Rachel appearing as supporting characters.

===''Ninja Gaiden''===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)}}
The series was revived after several years with the 2004 release of ''[[Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)|Ninja Gaiden]]'' for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. The title was developed over five years by [[Team Ninja]] under the direction of [[Tomonobu Itagaki]] and eventually released to high sales and universal acclaim, having a 94% score on [[Metacritic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ninja-gaiden-black/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|title=Ninja Gaiden Black|website=Metacritic|access-date=2018-07-23}}</ref> The magazine ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' awarded it Best Xbox game of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ziffdavis.com/press/releases/050208.0.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722100636/http://www.ziffdavis.com/press/releases/050208.0.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-07-22|title=Ziff Davis Media : Press Release|date=2011-07-22|access-date=2018-07-23}}</ref>

An updated version with new content, modes and features came out the following year under the name '''''Ninja Gaiden Black'''''. Later, another updated version directed by Yosuke Hayashi was made for the [[PlayStation 3]] as '''''Ninja Gaiden Sigma''''', released on July 3, 2007. This version has its graphics reworked to [[High-definition video|high definition]] standards, and [[Rachel (Ninja Gaiden)|Rachel]] as a playable character. In 2012, a further updated version of ''Sigma'' was a launch title for the [[PlayStation Vita]], titled '''''Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus'''''. It added a few new costumes for the playable characters, touch controls and making ninpo attacks stronger, and a new trophy list for the game.

===''Ninja Gaiden II''===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden II|Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2}}
''Ninja Gaiden II '' was published in 2008 by [[Microsoft Game Studios]] for the [[Xbox 360]]. It is set one year after the events in the 2004 game. The new features in the game were four difficulty levels, a regenerating health bar, and upgraded graphics and enemy AI.<ref>{{cite web | author = Leone, Matt | title = Previews: Ninja Gaiden 2 | website = [[1UP.com]] | date = 2005-09-11 | url = http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162734 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071031073255/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162734 | url-status = dead | archive-date = October 31, 2007 | access-date = 2006-11-09}} (Javascript required)</ref>

An enhanced version of ''Ninja Gaiden II'' was released for the PlayStation 3, titled '''''Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2'''''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-review/1900-6230770/|title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Review|last=VanOrd|first=Kevin|date=2009-09-30|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-23}}</ref> Another updated version, titled '''''Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus''''', was released in 2013 for the PlayStation Vita. An [[Unreal Engine 5]] remaster that combines features from the original game and ''Sigma 2'', titled '''''Ninja Gaiden II Black''''', was simultaneously announced and released on January 23, 2025, for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |date=2025-01-23 |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Released, Ninja Gaiden 4 Announced |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/ninja-gaiden-2-black-released-ninja-gaiden-4-announced/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref>

===''Ninja Gaiden 3''===
{{main|Ninja Gaiden 3|Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge}}
Although series director Tomonobu Itagaki left shortly after the release of ''Ninja Gaiden II'', Tecmo Koei still owned the franchise and planned to instigate developments of another title, with a newly restructured Team Ninja. This title was revealed as ''Ninja Gaiden III'' at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2010. Information about the game in the coming months revealed that the new director, Yosuke Hayashi, would be taking the series to new directions, including the addition of "resistance" in cutting through enemies. Later, at the [[E3 2011]], the game was unveiled as ''Ninja Gaiden 3''. Changes to gameplay included removing dismemberment, replacing the roll with a new "slide" maneuver, and a "kunai climb" technique that would allow Ryu to scale certain walls. Tecmo Koei released the game on March 20, 2012, for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

An expanded version of the game titled '''''Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge''''' was released later on November 18 of the same year for the [[Wii U]]. In early 2013, ''Razor's Edge'' was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 as well.

===''Ninja Gaiden 4''===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden 4}}
In February 2020, ''[[Nioh 2]]'' director Fumihiko Yasuda stated that several members of Team Ninja were interested in making a new game, and that he "[hoped] to deliver some good news one day".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/team-ninja-knows-fans-want-a-new-ninja-gaiden?amp=1 |title=Team Ninja Knows Fans Want a New Ninja Gaiden|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Matt Kim|date=February 5, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2022}}</ref> He also expressed interest in making a female spin-off featuring  [[Kasumi (Dead or Alive)|Kasumi]], [[Ayane (Dead or Alive)|Ayane]], [[Momiji (Ninja Gaiden)|Momiji]] and [[Rachel (Ninja Gaiden)|Rachel]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/ninja-gaiden-master-collection-team-ninja-interview-female-spin-off/|title=Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection Producer Would 'Like to Make' Female-Led Spin-Off|publisher=Game Rant|author=Jason Rochlin|date=April 2, 2021|access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> In 2024, ''[[Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty]]'' director Masakazu Hirayama stated in an interview that there were currently "no plans at the moment" to revisit ''Ninja Gaiden.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-05 |title=Team NINJA Interview: Wo Long Producer/Director Masakazu Hirayama on a Potential Sequel, the Possibility of Returning to Ninja Gaiden, Wo Long Complete Edition, the PC Port, Player Feedback, and More – TouchArcade |url=https://toucharcade.com/2024/02/05/team-ninja-interview-wo-long-fallen-dynasty-complete-edition-masakazu-hirayama-dead-or-alive-ninja-gaiden-revival-physical-edition-dlc/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>

However, a new entry in the modern series with Hirayama as the co-director was announced during [[Microsoft Gaming]]'s [[Xbox Developer Direct]] video presentation in January 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2025-01-23 |title=Ninja Gaiden 4 Announced at Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct 2025 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ninja-gaiden-4-announced-at-microsofts-xbox-developer-direct-2025 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> The game is a joint production between Team Ninja and [[PlatinumGames]], and is set to be published by [[Xbox Game Studios]] in fall 2025 for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philips |first=Tom |date=2025-01-23 |title=Ninja Gaiden 4 announced, from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/ninja-gaiden-4-announced-from-team-ninja-and-platinumgames |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=2025-01-23 |title=The "Year of the Ninja" Commences: NINJA GAIDEN 4 Is Coming, and NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black Is Out Today |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/01/23/ninja-gaiden-4-developer-direct-2025/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Other games==
[[Sega]], under license from [[Tecmo]], developed three games but ultimately released only two: one for the [[Master System]] and another for the [[Game Gear]], both bearing the ''Ninja Gaiden'' title, marking the first time a game in the series was released with the ''Ninja Gaiden'' name in Japan and Europe.

===''Ninja Gaiden'' (Game Gear)===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden (Game Gear)}}
Released in Japan, North America and Europe in 1991 for the [[Game Gear]], this game was not very close to any of the other ''Ninja Gaiden'' games. It featured a smaller screen size, bigger character sprites, slower game speed, and unlike the NES and Master System games which were more oriented to platforming action, this was more a linear side-scrolling game.

===''Ninja Gaiden Shadow''===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden Shadow}}
Tecmo released a [[Game Boy]] version called ''Ninja Gaiden Shadow''. It was a licensed edit of a proposed ''[[Shadow of the Ninja]]'' ([[Natsume Co., Ltd|Natsume]]) Game Boy port, and serves as a prequel to the original game and set in a retro-futuristic version of 1985.

===''Ninja Gaiden'' (1992)===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden (1992 video game)}}
Released in Europe, Australia and Brazil in 1992 for the [[Master System]], this game has similar gameplay mechanics to the NES games, though Ryu [[Wall jump|bounces off walls]] instead of clinging to them, like the later 3D games. The game features a new storyline, characters and scenarios, not connected to any of the other ''Ninja Gaiden'' games.

===''Ninja Gaiden'' (Mega Drive, cancelled)===
A [[Mega Drive/Genesis]] version of ''Ninja Gaiden'' was in development by Sega sometime in 1992.<ref>{{cite magazine | author = Electronic Gaming Monthly | title = Ninja Gaiden IV preview | magazine = [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | page = 48 | date = August 1992}}</ref><ref name="GMaster1">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:GamesMaster_UK_001.pdf&page=14|title=Network Charts|magazine=[[GamesMaster (magazine)|GamesMaster]]|issue=1|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|date=January 1993|pages=14–15}}</ref> It was planned to be a [[belt scroll]]-style [[beat-'em-up]] similar to the arcade version of ''Ninja Gaiden'', instead of following the side-scrolling [[platform game]] format from the NES trilogy.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_1_Issue_01#page/n20/mode/1up|title=Sega Sector - Ninja Gaiden IV|magazine=[[GameFan]]|volume=1|issue=1|publisher=DieHard Gamers Club|date=October 1992|page=23}}</ref> The plot would have involved Ryu traveling to the United States in order to track down a pair of sibling ninjas named Jin and Rika who have gone rogue by stealing the Secret Scrolls of the Huma (an alternate romanization of the name "Fūma"). The Mega Drive version is not a port of the arcade game, but some of the stages (such as a casino) and enemy characters (like the hockey mask-wearing punks) are similar,<ref>{{cite magazine | author = Electronic Gaming Monthly | title = Ninja Gaiden | magazine = [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | page = 214 | date = November 1992}}</ref> though the play mechanics are very different.

The game was not released commercially despite being reviewed in magazines,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Menier|first=Marc|url=https://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Consoles%20Plus/consoleplus_numero017/Consoles%20%2B%20017%20-%20Page%20073%20%28f%C3%A9vrier%201993%29.jpg|title=Megadrive Review - Ninja Gaiden|magazine={{ill|Consoles +|lt=Consoles +|fr|Consoles +}}|issue=17|publisher={{ill|M.E.R.7|lt=M.E.R.7|fr|M.E.R.7}}|date=February 1993|page=73|lang=fr}}</ref> but a beta build was leaked through the internet as a [[ROM image]]. The beta features seven stages, including cut-scenes and bosses, but has several programming bugs such as odd moving controls, unfinished levels, and cut-scenes which are skipped before finishing. Although the opening and stage names are in Japanese, the rest of the cut-scenes were translated into English. The techniques available in the beta consist of a standard punch combo, a jump kick, a rolling move, a special somersault kick, and a throw.

===''Ninja Gaiden X''===
The game was released in Japan for mobile phones as a prequel to the first NES title in 2004.<ref>{{cite web | title = Ninja Gaiden X - Hardcore Gaming | publisher = Hardcore Gaming | url = http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/ninjagaiden/ninjagaiden11.htm | access-date = 2017-05-01}}</ref> The game is a short single act which retains the elements of the classic Nintendo trilogy.<ref>{{cite web |title=The History of Ninja Gaiden: The Resurrection |url=https://culturedvultures.com/the-history-of-ninja-gaiden-the-resurrection/ |website=Cultured Vultures |date=13 December 2019}}</ref>

===''Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword''===
{{Main|Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword}}
''[[Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword]]'' was released in March 2008, for the [[Nintendo DS]]. The game is played in a diagonal top-down view with 3D graphics, and the player needs to hold the Nintendo DS sideways. ''Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword'' is played using the stylus. The story is set six months after the events of 2004's ''Ninja Gaiden''. There is a new playable female ninja character, Momiji.<ref>{{cite web | author = IGN staff | title = Ninja Gaiden Coming to DS | website = [[IGN]] | date = 2007-03-28 | url = http://ds.ign.com/articles/776/776483p1.html | access-date = 2007-11-09}}</ref>

===''100 Man'nin no Ninja Gaiden'' (''100万人のNinja Gaiden'')===
The game was released in 2012 in Japan for Android and iOS mobile systems. A release in North America was announced in 2012 under the title ''Ninja Gaiden Clans'', but was eventually cancelled. Gameplay is similar to ''Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword'', but the game involves card collection trading.

===''Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z''===
{{main|Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z}}
Released in 2014 for [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]] and [[Microsoft Windows]], the game follows the exploits of the ninja Yaiba Kamikaze. The game received mixed reviews, with many magazines and websites criticizing the repetitive gameplay, difficulty and level design.

===''Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound''===
{{main|Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound}}
Announced during [[The Game Awards 2024]], ''Ragebound'' is a 2D side-scrolling game in the vein of the original NES trilogy. The game's story runs parallel to the events of the original ''Ninja Gaiden'' and stars new protagonists Kenji Mozu, who defends Hayabusa Village while Ryu is in America, and Kumori, a member of the Black Spider Clan.<ref>{{cite web | last=Yin-Poole | first=Wesley | title=Ninja Gaiden Returns as a Side-Scroller Called Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound | website=IGN | date=December 13, 2024 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ninja-gaiden-returns-as-a-side-scroller-called-ninja-gaiden-ragebound-the-game-awards-2024 | access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Romano | first=Sal | title=NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound 'Kumori' reveal trailer | website=Gematsu | date=April 16, 2025 | url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/04/ninja-gaiden-ragebound-kumori-reveal-trailer | access-date=April 16, 2025}}</ref> ''Ragebound'' is developed by the Spanish [[Indie game|indie]] studio The Game Kitchen and will be published by [[Dotemu]], in association with Koei Tecmo, in 2025 for consoles and PC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/12/ninja-gaiden-ragebound-announced-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc|title=Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC|date=December 12, 2024|first=Sal|last=Romano|publisher=Gematsu}}</ref>

==Compilations==
===''Ninja Gaiden Trilogy''===
[[File:Ninja Gaiden series.JPG|thumb|right|An illustration depicting Ryu Hayabusa at the center, with images of events from the NES trilogy shown in the background]]
{{nihongo|''Ninja Gaiden Trilogy''|忍者龍剣伝 巴|Ninja Ryūkenden Tomoe}} is a 1995 [[SNES]] collection containing the three Ninja Gaiden games for the NES. It is also included as a bonus unlockable in 2004's ''Ninja Gaiden'' for the Xbox. The three games are straight ports and were not optimized for the SNES,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Ninja Gaiden Trilogy|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=85|publisher=[[IDG]]|date=October 1995|page=68}}</ref><ref name="EGM73">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Ninja Gaiden Trilogy|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=73 |publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=August 1995|page=34}}</ref> but there are several differences from the NES versions. Passwords are included and the cinematic sequences were redrawn.<ref name="EGM73"/> The third game is based on the Japanese version, with infinite continues and lower damage from enemy attacks. The ports have no closing credits. [[Parallax scrolling]] was removed from the backgrounds of some levels (''Ninja Gaiden III'' stage 2-1 for example). Other graphical changes were made to comply with Nintendo's "Family Friendly" censorship policy at the time (i.e. a pool of blood changed from red to green, and the removal of pentagrams).{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} Some music tracks are omitted (two pieces of music from ''Ninja Gaiden III'' and the stage 1–1 music in the ''Ninja Gaiden II'' pursuit cutscenes). A degree of censorship was actually removed from certain parts of the script (for example, Jaquio's "Argh! He's awake" is replaced with "Damn, he's awake").

===''Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection''===
''Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection'' is a compilation of ''Ninja Gaiden Sigma'', ''Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2'', and ''Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge''. It was released on [[Microsoft Windows]] via [[Steam (service)|Steam]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Xbox One]] on June 10, 2021, marking the first time the ''Sigma'' games have been released on Nintendo and Xbox platforms.

==Related media==
===Anime===
An [[OVA]] titled ''Ninja Ryūkenden'' was released only in Japan in 1991.

===Print media===
The NES version of ''Ninja Gaiden'' received a novelization in the ''[[Worlds of Power]]'' series which had books based on other current [[Nintendo]] games. A prequel comic book based on ''[[Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z]]'', published by [[Dark Horse Comics]] and written by Tim Seeley and Josh Emmons, tells the story of how Yaiba's sword came to be known as Heartless.

===Crossovers===
''Ninja Gaiden'' characters and references to the series, including those who first appeared in ''Dead or Alive'' series can be found in various games by Koei Tecmo, Microsoft, and Sony.

* Ryu, [[Rachel (Ninja Gaiden)|Rachel]], [[Momiji (Ninja Gaiden)|Momiji]], Irene Lew, and Muramasa appeared in the ''[[Dead or Alive (franchise)|Dead or Alive]]'' games, with the three former are playable while the two latter are non-playable.
* Ryu, and Momiji, accompanied by ''Dead or Alive''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Ayane and Kasumi all make cameo appearances in ''[[Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce]]''.<ref name="destructoid.com">Jim Sterling, [http://www.destructoid.com/ninja-gaiden-invades-dynasty-warriors-149615.phtml Ninja Gaiden invades Dynasty Warriors] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103118/http://www.destructoid.com/ninja-gaiden-invades-dynasty-warriors-149615.phtml |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Destructoid, 09.23.2009.</ref>
* Ryu, Rachel, Momiji, accompanied by ''Dead or Alive''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Ayane and Kasumi are playable characters in ''[[Warriors Orochi 3]]''. They appear in another dimension where they assist the other warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/1593/1/warriors-orochi-3-ultimate-playstation-4.html|title=Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate (PlayStation 4) Review|last=Elias|first=Az|publisher=Cubed3|access-date=2014-10-20|archive-date=2014-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009025200/http://www.cubed3.com/review/1593/1/warriors-orochi-3-ultimate-playstation-4.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Ryu and ''Dead or Alive''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Ayane appear in the Japan-only ''Dynasty Warriors Vs.'' (previously known as ''Dynasty Warriors 3DS'').<ref name=3ds>Alex Culafi, [http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29425 Ryu Hayabusa and Ayane Appearing in Dynasty Warriors 3DS] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015070753/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29425 |date=October 15, 2013 }}, Nintendo World Report, March 1, 2012.</ref>
* Ryu, accompanied by ''Dead or Alive''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Ayane and Kasumi appear in ''[[Warriors All-Stars]]'', whereas Ayane represents a ''Ninja Gaiden'' character to accompany Ryu, while Kasumi remains a ''Dead or Alive'' represented character to accompany her home series' new characters Honoka and Marie.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/09/13-1/musoustars-crossover-game-mixes-in-the-atelier-series-and-more |title="Musou☆Stars" Crossover Game Mixes in the "Atelier" Series and More |publisher=Crunchyroll |date=2016-09-06 |access-date=2016-09-14 |archive-date=2016-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914163850/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/09/13-1/musoustars-crossover-game-mixes-in-the-atelier-series-and-more |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Ryu appears as a playable character in ''[[Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/warriors-orochi-4-ultimate-ryu-hayabusa-reveal-trailer/ |title=Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate Reveals Ryu Hayabusa Is Back with a New Trailer
 |first=Iyane|last=Agossah|publisher=DualShockers |date=2019-09-03 |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2021-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519023246/https://www.dualshockers.com/warriors-orochi-4-ultimate-ryu-hayabusa-reveal-trailer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* The presumable ancestors of Ryu Hayabusa respectively, Jin and Ren Hayabusa, including the ancient variant of ''Dead or Alive''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Nyotengu, appear in ''[[Nioh 2]]'' as secret bosses. Ryu Hayabusa later appears in a patch for the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/ninja-gaiden-ryu-hayabusa-joins-nioh-2/ |title=Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa Joins Nioh 2 Following Patch|first=Jared|last=Carvalho|publisher=GameRant |date=2021-02-19 |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2021-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310140641/https://gamerant.com/ninja-gaiden-ryu-hayabusa-joins-nioh-2/|url-status=live }}</ref>
* An armor similar to Ryu's outfit makes a cameo in ''[[Halo 3]]'' as an [[Unlockable (gaming)|unlockable]] armor set called Hayabusa. To obtain the chest, shoulder, and helmet pieces of the armor, the player must collect all hidden skulls in campaign mode. Additionally, the player is awarded an in-game (unusable) replica of Ryu's Dragon Sword if they get the [[gamerscore]] of 1000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/halo-hayabusa-armor-helmet-replica/ |title=Halo Fan Creates Impressive Hayabusa Armor Helmet Replica
 |first=Jared|last=Stewart|publisher=GameRant |date=2021-06-12 |access-date=2024-12-18 |archive-date=2021-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613150414/https://gamerant.com/halo-hayabusa-armor-helmet-replica/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* "Hayabusa Ninja" is an alternative costume for the character Max in ''[[Super Swing Golf: Season 2]]''.<ref>[https://www.gamefaqs.com/wii/941762-super-swing-golf-season-2/cheats Super Swing Golf Season 2 Cheats, Codes, and Secrets for Wii], GameFAQs.</ref>
* Ryu's ''Ninja Gaiden'' costume parts were available as exclusive [[downloadable content|DLC]] during the first anniversary promotion campaign for ''[[Dynasty Warriors Online]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201202/23010482.html|title=『真・三國無双 VS』 ゲストキャラクター＆マイ武将ほか最新情報をお届け！ - ファミ通.com|website=ファミ通.com|date=23 February 2012 |language=ja|access-date=2018-07-23}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Japan|Video games}}
* [[Team Ninja]]
* ''[[Shinobi (series)|Shinobi]]'' series
* [[List of ninja video games]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=n}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Ninja Gaiden}}
*[http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/ninja-gaiden-series ''Ninja Gaiden'' series] at [[MobyGames]]
* [http://plasticgear.net63.net/ ''Ninja Gaiden'' Tiger Electronics LCD handheld simulator at Plasticgear's Living Museum]

{{Ninja Gaiden series}}
{{DOA}}
{{Tomonobu Itagaki}}
{{Yosuke Hayashi}}

[[Category:Ninja Gaiden| ]]
[[Category:Hack and slash games by series]]
[[Category:Koei Tecmo franchises]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into novels]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1988]]