Play Ninja Gaiden (PC10) Online

Ninja Gaiden came out on the NES in 1988, developed by Tecmo. It was one of those games that stood out immediately, not just for its fast action but for how it pushed the hardware with its cinematic cutscenes and tight controls. It felt like a step forward for what action games could be on the console.

You control Ryu Hayabusa, a modern ninja seeking revenge for his father's death. The goal is to fight through six challenging acts, each broken into several side scrolling stages. Your main tools are Ryu's Dragon Sword for close combat and a selection of ninja arts, like throwing stars or fire wheels, which you collect from defeated enemies. Movement is key; you run, jump between platforms, and cling to certain walls to avoid pitfalls and enemy attacks. The game is notoriously difficult, with respawning enemies and precise platforming demands, but overcoming each screen brings a real sense of accomplishment. It feels sharp and responsive, demanding your full attention from start to finish.