Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

 DS
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Mar 25, 2008
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
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  1. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    A fun, inventive slide 'n' slash action game that doesn't get everything right, but stays true to the way of the ninja with satisfying combat and beautiful visuals.
  2. Eurogamer
    70
    Inevitably, the lack of meat on the bones is Dragon Sword's major failing, coupled with the fact that the combat descends into repetitive scribbling after a short while, lacking the kind of long-term depth that makes the game's parent offerings so revered.
  3. Edge Magazine
    70
    Team Ninja's finest, most intelligent game since Ninja Gaiden Black, it leaves high hopes for the imminent 360 sequel. [June 2008, p.92]
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  5. VideoGamer
    70
    Although Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword isn't the spectacular action game we hoped it would be, it's still a highly polished, hugely enjoyable game.
  6. GameShark
    67
    It’s a shame that Dragon Sword is such an uneven game.
  7. Destructoid
    65
    To be fair, Dragon Sword is a blast to play and there’s nothing that really comes close to the same experience on the DS. But when it takes roughly five or six hours to complete a game -- and most of those six hours are spent reliving some of the best moments from the first hour and a half -- something feels a bit off.
  8. G4 TV
    60
    It will also leave a vague air of dissatisfaction with Ninja Gaiden vets. It’s short, parts of it are sweet, but it never really gets firing on all cylinders, even though the hint of a promise for that level of intensity is present the whole time.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best DS Game of 2008
25
#25 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
13
#13 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 46
  3. Negative: 3 out of 46
  1. miroku123
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    o jogo otimo faz jus a franquia ninja gaiden

    Ninja Gaiden series director Tomonobu Itagaki has stated that he decided to make the game for    o jogo otimo faz jus a franquia ninja gaiden

    Ninja Gaiden series director Tomonobu Itagaki has stated that he decided to make the game for the Nintendo DS because of the originality that the platform allows, which he feels is the most important aspect of a handheld platform, and also to create a challenge for himself.[5] Itagaki also claimed that his children wanted one of his titles on the platform.[6]    … Full Review »
  2. Bustergundam4
    Jan 11, 2012
    10
    This game blew me out of the water and I wish Temco would made a a sequel to this wonderful title.The graphics were just insane and I forgot IThis game blew me out of the water and I wish Temco would made a a sequel to this wonderful title.The graphics were just insane and I forgot I was playing on my Nintendo DS throughout the game.The original Japanese signs for the elements were very good.

    Temco keep up the great work!

    10/10    … Full Review »
  3. JoeStass
    Sep 17, 2008
    7
    Easily one of the best looking games on the DS, NG:DS does not disappoint in terms of graphic presentation. The control system is nearlyEasily one of the best looking games on the DS, NG:DS does not disappoint in terms of graphic presentation. The control system is nearly flawless and the attacks you'll be completing on screen feel very satisfying when mixed with the sound of the slash. This game easily would have been a must buy and a 10 on the DS... if there was just more to it. Paying $35 for a game you beat in 6 hours is not my idea of fun, no matter how great it looks. Also, while the combat does feel very satisfying the whole game through, it also feels very lacking in depth. In fact, if the game were any longer, you'd probably just grow tired of it. This is definitely one of those games where you'll just want to go in with a few friends and take turns playing it. If you get 3 friends to join you, you can all still beat it in one day!… Full Review »
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