Play Ninja Gaiden (PC10) Online

Game Overview

Ninja Gaiden (PC10) is one of those NES action-platformers that feels punishing but fair—until the birds start dive-bombing you mid-jump. You play as Ryu, slashing through city rooftops and creepy castles, wall-clinging like a spider when you're not getting knocked into pits by enemies that spawn just off-screen.

The cutscenes were ahead of their time, with this grainy, dramatic story about revenge and ancient evil. I remember getting stuck for days on the final boss rush—no saves, no mercy. The music still creeps into my head sometimes, that tense, pulsing rhythm when you're down to your last sliver of health.

It's not just nostalgia, though. Ninja Gaiden (PC10) holds up because the movement is crisp, and every death feels like your mistake. Even when the difficulty spikes make you want to throw your controller.