Ninja Gaiden

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

Universal acclaim - based on 89 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 89
  3. Negative: 1 out of 89
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  1. NTSC-uk
    70
    If not for the bland level construction and an oddly low-slung camera this would be truly outstanding.
  2. eToychest
    70
    Ninja Gaiden, despite one of the year's worst camera systems, still manages to be one of the year's best action games.

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

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 195 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 173 out of 195
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 195
  3. Negative: 16 out of 195
  1. iamevilhomer
    Mar 30, 2017
    9
    A kick ass way of bring back a classic. Well done. Totally worth checking out.

    Sadly it's sequels after this were not so special... Oh    A kick ass way of bring back a classic. Well done. Totally worth checking out.

    Sadly it's sequels after this were not so special... Oh well... This one was still pretty sweet.    … Full Review »
  2. Pacmania
    Jul 12, 2023
    9
    Glorious return of a mythical game. Great design, varied levels and a unique atmosphere. Superb graphics and a high difficulty that makes itGlorious return of a mythical game. Great design, varied levels and a unique atmosphere. Superb graphics and a high difficulty that makes it not suitable for beginners.… Full Review »
  3. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Sep 15, 2022
    9
    "Ninja Gaiden" for the original Xbox is a great action game in the tradition of "Devil May Cry". Developed by Team Ninja and released in 2004,"Ninja Gaiden" for the original Xbox is a great action game in the tradition of "Devil May Cry". Developed by Team Ninja and released in 2004, it's a punishingly difficult action-adventure. According to director Tomonobu Itagaki, this reboot is set in the "Dead or Alive" universe and serves as a prequel to the NES titles. Being a fan of "God of War" and "Onimusha", I ended up buying an Xbox console just to play this and I didn't regret it. This is a masterpiece that ranks up with the best action titles ever made. It certainly is the best one made for the original Xbox. Unfortunately, the sequels did not live up to its level of excellence. In addition, the rebooted franchise never became as popular as its competition. Regardless, this first installment of the "new" Ninja Gaiden is a must-play. It surpasses the first "God of War" and "Devil May Cry" games in terms of map design, weapon selection and combat. I would rate it with a 9.4 out of 10.… Full Review »
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