Play Ninja Hattori Kun (J) Online

I first played Ninja Hattori Kun on the NES back in the late 80s. It was developed by Hudson Soft and released in 1986, a time when side-scrolling platformers were everywhere. The game is based on a popular anime, but it stands on its own as a straightforward action title. You control Hattori, a young ninja, through a series of missions that take you across different environments. The visuals are simple but colorful, typical of many NES games from that period.

You move Hattori through side-scrolling stages, jumping between platforms and avoiding enemies like snakes and rival ninjas. Your main objective is to reach the end of each level while collecting scrolls and defeating bosses. Hattori can throw shurikens, which is your primary way of attacking foes from a distance. The game also includes some light exploration, with hidden items tucked away in certain screens. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty can be unforgiving, especially in later stages. Playing it feels like a quick, energetic dash through a classic cartoon adventure.