Play Return of the Ninja Online

Natsume released Return of the Ninja for the Game Boy Color in 2001, a time when handheld games were often straightforward action titles with clear goals. It arrived quietly among platformers and puzzle games, offering a focused ninja adventure without much fanfare. The game doesn't try to overwhelm you with complexity; it knows what it is and sticks to its strengths.

You control a ninja navigating side scrolling stages filled with enemy guards, traps, and environmental hazards. Your main objective is to rescue a kidnapped princess by fighting through successive levels, using a sword for close combat and a bow for attacking from a distance. Movement is screen by screen, requiring you to clear enemies or avoid dangers before progressing. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty can feel sharp, especially with instant death pits and limited opportunities to recover. It feels tense and deliberate, demanding careful jumps and well timed attacks to succeed.