Ninja Gaiden

Ninja Gaiden is a side-scrolling action game developed and published by Tecmo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. The game is set in a fictional world inspired by Japanese mythology, where the player controls a young ninja named Ryu Hayabusa on a quest to avenge his father's death.

The gameplay is divided into several levels, each featuring a different environment and enemies. Ryu is armed with a katana sword and a variety of ninja weapons, such as throwing stars and fire wheels, that can be obtained along the way. The game also features platforming sections, where Ryu must jump and climb to reach higher areas.

One of the game's defining features is its cinematic cutscenes, which use advanced animation techniques for the time to tell a complex story. The game's difficulty was also noted, with challenging enemies and platforming sections that required precise timing and skill.

The game's graphics and sound effects were considered groundbreaking for the time, with detailed character designs and atmospheric music. The game also introduced a unique gameplay mechanic where Ryu can cling to walls and perform wall jumps, which became a staple of the series.

Ninja Gaiden was generally well-received upon its release, with critics praising its gameplay, graphics, and story. The game's popularity led to several sequels and spin-offs, including a trilogy for the NES and a reboot for modern consoles. It remains a classic example of the side-scrolling action genre and is often cited as one of the best games for the NES.