Play Legend of Kage, The Online

You flip between towering trees as a ninja, hurling shurikens at enemies dropping from above—controls feel wild at first, but once you get the rhythm, those mid-air slices feel perfect. The cherry blossom stages look gorgeous right before respawning archers wreck you again.

Developer: Taito Corporation

Genre: Action

Released: 1986

File size: 48 bytes

Game Overview

Legend of Kage, released by Taito in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, was one of those early action games that felt both simple and punishing. It arrived during a time when arcade-style difficulty was the norm, and it didn't shy away from that tradition. You play as a young ninja on a mission to rescue a kidnapped princess from an evil warlord, moving through a side-scrolling world of forests and castles.

You control the ninja Kage, running, jumping between tall trees, and fighting off waves of enemy ninjas and archers with a sword or shurikens. The main goal is to advance screen by screen, eventually confronting the warlord in his fortress. Key mechanics include high, floaty jumps that let you climb the environment and a combat system that relies on quick slashes and well-aimed projectiles. The game is fast and difficult, with enemies spawning frequently and dealing heavy damage. Playing it feels like a relentless, chaotic scramble where every small victory matters.