Ninja Gaiden

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Mar 2, 2004
Ninja Gaiden Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 89 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 195 Ratings

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  • Summary: Ninja Gaiden first debuted in the 1988 and now the young ninja returns. As Ryu Hayabusa, you seek revenge after the Vigor Empire massacres your clan. Skilled in battle actions and ninja moves, you are well prepared to hunt down the Holy Emperor and reclaim the magic swordNinja Gaiden first debuted in the 1988 and now the young ninja returns. As Ryu Hayabusa, you seek revenge after the Vigor Empire massacres your clan. Skilled in battle actions and ninja moves, you are well prepared to hunt down the Holy Emperor and reclaim the magic sword "Ryuken." Ninja Gaiden features killer gameplay, stunning graphics, and new weapons such as the Dragon Sword, warhammer, shurikens, and nunchakus. Plus, there are massive levels filled with enemies and Xbox Live feature will enable future high score tournaments and downloadable content.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 89
  3. Negative: 1 out of 89
  1. Thunderbolt
    100
    From start to finish, the main element that propels Ninja Gaiden above all others in the action genre is the dazzling combat-based gameplay.
  2. Into Liquid Sky
    100
    The actual fighting in the game is flawless...One of my favorite games of all time and easily my favorite game on Xbox. [Grade = A+]
  3. XboxAddict
    96
    People are saying this is the best game of 2004 so far. I would go a bit further and say this is the best game of the last year because, if no other reason, the game play is simply amazing. The movement physics are ultra smooth and fast paced.
  4. Gamer's Hell
    93
    It has a surprisingly deep combat system, highly responsive controls, graphics to die for, and audio to both dot the i and cross the t.
  5. Eurogamer
    90
    No other game manages to deliver on the potential of controlling a ninja with this much flair and authority - it is, no bullshit, one of the finest action games ever made. Sever my spinal cord if I'm lying.
  6. PALGN
    90
    Though i wouldn't expect anything less from the makers of "Dead or Alive," Ryu's animations are brilliantly motion captured and suitably fluid.
  7. Gaming Age
    42
    Most of the visual beauty takes a back seat to a bad camera and fairly repetitive gameplay. To be blunt, the camera system in Ninja Gaiden sucks.

See all 89 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 112
  3. Negative: 13 out of 112
  1. CalagoH.
    Jul 19, 2005
    10
    This game is without a doubt the prettiest graphics on Xbox.although the camera sometimes sucks it can be forgiven because of the smoothThis game is without a doubt the prettiest graphics on Xbox.although the camera sometimes sucks it can be forgiven because of the smooth gameplay.{but be warned rent this game before you buy it because it is crazy hard}… Expand
  2. JOSEQ.
    Mar 18, 2004
    10
    Absolutely lives up to all my expectations, and much, much more. The action is perfect, the adventure in amazing, the value of the game is Absolutely lives up to all my expectations, and much, much more. The action is perfect, the adventure in amazing, the value of the game is that it really is a test of skill and requires you to improve your skills in order to survive as you advance from level to level. The camera is also a part of the skills that requires practice to get better at, but it eventually becomes second nature and the pure adrenaline-driven action becomes the main focus. Awesome.… Expand
  4. MikeM.
    Feb 25, 2004
    10
    You people are idiots for rating a game before it comes out. Who the hell do you think you are? --- " I give it a 10 cause the pictures in a You people are idiots for rating a game before it comes out. Who the hell do you think you are? --- " I give it a 10 cause the pictures in a gaming magazine I saw 6 months ago look cool." -- Morons.… Expand
  5. T.E.
    Jun 24, 2004
    10
    Amazing.
  6. sNaPsNaP
    Mar 3, 2004
    9
    Just misses a perfect score due to the camera problems. I've only run into a few problems where the camera has really hindered my Just misses a perfect score due to the camera problems. I've only run into a few problems where the camera has really hindered my experience while playing, but those few times are quite frustrating. No other game gives you the rush this game does. You might think the fighting will get repetitive, but there are so many new moves to unlock that it never does. Plus, the multitude of weapons keeps it fresh. NG is without a doubt meant for hardcore gamers. Someone looking to just pick this up and play will soon find that out in the 2nd level, the game demands that you know exactly what your doing at all times. The gamer that sticks it out and really learns the combat system will be rewarded with a game that will soon be considered a classic. … Expand
  7. MisterJ.
    Jun 1, 2005
    9
    Holy crap. This game is hard. But very fun. What amazes me the most about this game is how old school it is, yet it doesn't feel like Holy crap. This game is hard. But very fun. What amazes me the most about this game is how old school it is, yet it doesn't feel like any of the elements of the game aren't fresh. The fact is, Ninja Gaiden is an amazing game. In between slicing off the heads of little beasties with your Vigoorian Flail and stabbing the living crap out of soldiers with your Dragon Sword, you stop and say "Holy shit, this is cool." Ryu Hayabusa's (the main character) fighting moves are identical to those of a button-masher fighting game, but somehow Ninja Gaiden is far from a button masher. You learn good combos from simply experimenting and eventually you learn how to use each weapon best without trying at all. Timing and strategy is key to the fighting, not what uber-move you're unleashing on your opponents. When to jump away, when to block, etc. is all very important. And hard to do. This game will kick your ass. No joke. But you just can't put it down. Ah, hell. Why am I explaining this game? ITS GOT NINJAS, AWESOME CUTSCENES, AND IT DOESN'T SUCK. That should suffice. Go forth and play as Ryu Hayabusa, the ultimate badass!… Expand
  8. TuomasK.
    Feb 27, 2004
    0
    Bad control, bad game. The visuals lack the polish of MGS2 or Getaway, and those are PS2 games. A Disappointment of a year. Buy Tenchu:Return Bad control, bad game. The visuals lack the polish of MGS2 or Getaway, and those are PS2 games. A Disappointment of a year. Buy Tenchu:Return From Darkness if you want good ninja action to yuor Xbox. … Expand

See all 112 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Xbox Game of 2004
3
#3 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
6
#6 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004