Play Ninja Gaiden (Japan) (Proto) [b] Online

This is the Ninja Gaiden prototype for the Sega Genesis, a version that never saw a full release. It was developed by SIMS, a company that worked on several other Sega titles, and it feels very much like a product of its time, an attempt to bring a popular arcade and NES franchise to the 16-bit console with a different approach.

You control Ryu Hayabusa, navigating side-scrolling stages filled with respawning enemies. Your main goal is to fight through these linear levels, using your sword for close combat and a limited supply of shurikens for ranged attacks. The game is known for its fast, sometimes slippery movement and its high difficulty, demanding quick reflexes to manage the constant enemy waves. Playing it feels like wrestling with an unfinished but fiercely energetic test of skill.