Ninja Gaiden

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Mar 2, 2004
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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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 it not suitable for beginners.
  2. 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, 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"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.… Expand
  3. coquedepor
    Dec 16, 2019
    8
    + playability
    + extreme difficulty
    + creative final bosses
    + art and design
    - Storyline
    - Sometimes ridiculously hard
  4. icextend
    Mar 17, 2019
    2
    Otherwise solid game is actually **** because of the ****ty camera, You will find yourself constantly fighting cameras lunatic behaviour and attempt to make it look the way your enemies are, instead of concentrating on enemies. Totally ruins the experience.
  5. drlowdon
    Mar 8, 2018
    8
    Ninja Gaiden as an action adventure game with the primary focus on fast-paced, and rather violent, combat.

    To be honest I can't really recall anything about the game's plot but its largely irrelevant anyway as it takes a distant second place to the superb gameplay. These days it of course looks a little dated compared to modern titles but, even more than a decade after its release, it    Ninja Gaiden as an action adventure game with the primary focus on fast-paced, and rather violent, combat.

    To be honest I can't really recall anything about the game's plot but its largely irrelevant anyway as it takes a distant second place to the superb gameplay. These days it of course looks a little dated compared to modern titles but, even more than a decade after its release, it offers some of the most satisfying combat in the genre. The legendary level of difficulty might well put some people off but once you get the hang of things you'll find a genuinely great game.    … Expand
  6. AlucardWarrior
    Nov 6, 2017
    8
    esta increíble este juego, para pasar el rato, las bases las tiene pero creo que esta mal ejecutado la cámara, y los controles, la historia es muy básica y el argumento de la historia no es interesante.
  7. 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 well... This one was still pretty sweet.
  8. SYC
    Apr 3, 2007
    6
    Very slick and polished DMC rip off but the often poor camera and ridiculously frustrating difficulty level filled with spikes where there just shouldn't be any leave me recommending you pick up DMC3 on PS2 instead, as it's a far superior title.
  9. NickH.
    May 22, 2006
    9
    Yes, okay the camera isn't brilliant. But anyone with a brain can easily enough manouver Ryu. Literally takes minutes (an hour maybe) to adjust to the camera. Still, this is no reason to shun the beauty of the graphics. Hard gameplay for the hardcore gamer which is good to see nowdays. It feels like a real accomplishment when completed! The variety of weapons also add for fun killing Yes, okay the camera isn't brilliant. But anyone with a brain can easily enough manouver Ryu. Literally takes minutes (an hour maybe) to adjust to the camera. Still, this is no reason to shun the beauty of the graphics. Hard gameplay for the hardcore gamer which is good to see nowdays. It feels like a real accomplishment when completed! The variety of weapons also add for fun killing spree's. (especially the True dragon sword)This is what games should be like!… Expand
  10. SteveP.
    Apr 5, 2006
    9
    I am usually very confident in the games I buy, but this one not so much. I heard really mixed reviews about this games, good things like
  11. DanielA.
    Mar 27, 2006
    3
    The graphics are cool, fighting is cool, gameplay is cool, camera angle is bad!
  12. JesseM.
    Oct 17, 2005
    1
    This game has the worst Camera angles in the world. They are by far the worst i've seen in a game. This made me stop playing the game. Other than that, the game was nothing new.
  13. RobR.
    Oct 14, 2005
    2
    Dear Tecmo, I was just writing to let you know that in order to win a fight, you have to be able to actually see your opponent.
  14. 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 smooth gameplay.{but be warned rent this game before you buy it because it is crazy hard}
  15. EricG.
    Jun 30, 2005
    9
    A very good game. Very fluid graphics, but man, I have'nt seen a game this hard since Zelda 64. Not that that's a bad thing....
  16. 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 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 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
  17. Tonybob
    May 29, 2005
    10
    i hate xbox with a passion i dont see many good games for it my friend let me borrow his xbox and this game and i was acctually tempted to go buy one and i probably would have if i didnt beat in the time i had it i didnt find it difficult at all and the camera angles werent that bad i dont see why everyone always comments on the difficulty and camera angles best game for the xbox.
  18. MichaelV.
    May 22, 2005
    10
    Dude this IS the best game ever without a doubt. If you rate this lower than a 9 you do not deserve to touch such a masterpiece. Even to the people that gave it 9's i doubt your mental capacity! This is the reason you own an Xbox and I don't care how expensive this game is go out and buy it now! People who complain its too hard are just wusses!
  19. MarkoF.
    May 3, 2005
    10
    One of the best Xboxgames overall. The game is not that hard, you just have to be somewhat patient. Brilliant gameplay and the graphics are incredible. I've beaten the game on Very Hard (ok, THAT was hard...), Normal shouldn't be a problem... Buy it!
  20. RichardS.
    Apr 13, 2005
    3
    Mmm I thought - the graphics are pretty. And some of the gameplay is cool - jumping up narrow tunnels - very ninja! Shame about the camera, fighting and the difficulty though. The camera control really is woeful and unacceptable. Too many times the cutaway had me walking into a room and then the camera stops in front of me facing the door I entered so i cannot see what is going on as I am Mmm I thought - the graphics are pretty. And some of the gameplay is cool - jumping up narrow tunnels - very ninja! Shame about the camera, fighting and the difficulty though. The camera control really is woeful and unacceptable. Too many times the cutaway had me walking into a room and then the camera stops in front of me facing the door I entered so i cannot see what is going on as I am attacked - genius! Too many times I would be in a tunnel or corridor and couldn't see myself - the camera was stuck around another corner. Terrible and immensely frustrating. It didn't help that the game starts too hard. The fights are uncontrolled button mashing and leaping and the bosses way too hard early on. Overalll: don't believe the hype.… Expand
  21. MicahC.
    Apr 12, 2005
    10
    Massive, sickeningly fun game, if u hate it, it's because you suck at it.
  22. Skillerified
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    For me this is unquestionably the best XBOX game of 2004. Ninja kicks the crap out of Halo 2 (and follows that up by promptly decapitating Master Chief and the Aribitor in one furious slash). I consider myself only a casual gamer and, yes this game was difficult, but not unbeatable. To me it was refreshingly difficult. It reminded me of younger days (before the wife, house, job, "other For me this is unquestionably the best XBOX game of 2004. Ninja kicks the crap out of Halo 2 (and follows that up by promptly decapitating Master Chief and the Aribitor in one furious slash). I consider myself only a casual gamer and, yes this game was difficult, but not unbeatable. To me it was refreshingly difficult. It reminded me of younger days (before the wife, house, job, "other adult responsibilty") when hours were spent battling the same boss over and over again. There is great satisfaction in victory after such lenghty, fierce battles. I personally had no problems with the camera.… Expand
  23. JohnL.
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    Loved it ...from the moment i picked it up til the time i finished it ....The story was great and the ending was very satisfying..I dont see why some reviewers were complaining about the camera...I personally had no problem adapting to the camera and i truly believe any gamer will agree....This game was the deciding factor for me to go out and buy an Xbox ...Highly anticipating the sequel.
  24. DavidG.
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    This game is great except for the camera.
  25. GuppyMcDriver
    Oct 12, 2004
    10
    For people who are saying this game is too hard then I say that these people should not own a console. There is nothing worse that purchasing a game for £35 [$50] and then completing it in a day [most recent MOH Rising Sun]. This took roughly 50 hours for me to complete and it was 50 hours well spent - there was nothing so satisfying than hurting 20 virtually infallable creatures For people who are saying this game is too hard then I say that these people should not own a console. There is nothing worse that purchasing a game for £35 [$50] and then completing it in a day [most recent MOH Rising Sun]. This took roughly 50 hours for me to complete and it was 50 hours well spent - there was nothing so satisfying than hurting 20 virtually infallable creatures with a 150 hit combo from your Vigoorian Flail - mama. For people who complain about camera angles - come on - we do not live in a holographic society where where fluidity & perfection are commonplace. In comparison to some camera angles out there I thought this was perfectly acceptable. The graphics are fantastic but second only to the combat engine whick kicks proverbial ass. It is th eonly game [& I have played a number] that I have ever....EVER picked up & played again. Mind you I dont think I will be finishing it very quickly on 'very hard' This game is simply kick ass & I would not only recommend it to someone - I would buy a stranger it in the street. … Expand
  26. LoucasM.
    Sep 2, 2004
    10
    A clear ten for the best XBOX game out yet. Simply beautiful.
  27. ShayS.
    Aug 10, 2004
    10
    The people who criticize this game for its difficulty and camera system are ignorent and cant see past their noses! Tomonubu Itagaki is already installing a brand new camera system in which you will be able to adjust it more. As for the so-called repetitive gameplay and difficulty, these people weren't skilled enough to get past the first level (In which you get 1 weapon with limited The people who criticize this game for its difficulty and camera system are ignorent and cant see past their noses! Tomonubu Itagaki is already installing a brand new camera system in which you will be able to adjust it more. As for the so-called repetitive gameplay and difficulty, these people weren't skilled enough to get past the first level (In which you get 1 weapon with limited attacks, but thats normal for any first level of any game). Once you get at least 3 hours into the gameplay the attack list doubles and boredom (which there isn't) ceases. At around 20 hours you can have weapons with up to 30 combination attacks. Repetitive fighting my arse, the game gets 7 unique upgradeable melee weapons (one even upgrades 7 times), 7 projectile weapons, and 5 armlets that give special qualities. The game takes up to 50 hours, which is 5 time longer than the average action game, and is in a world bigger than GTA: Vice City. This game deserves an 11 out of 10 because of all the work that the people at Team Ninja have done for the past 6 years, and still are doing to improve on those little "flaws" so many prople are ranting on about. Ninja Gaiden owns.… Expand
  28. HarryS.
    Aug 10, 2004
    10
    This game is awesome... the graphics are awesome and the gameplay is really fun. whoever gives this game a bad score means that they probably suck at the game.... this is one of my favorite games for the xbox if not my favorite.
  29. Wilco
    Jul 30, 2004
    3
    Like Howard M. already said: "Probably the most over-rated game I've ever played." Its repetitive and the camera sucks never showing you what you need to see, making a hard game even harder. The combat system is what makes the game repetitive, its the most dull hack 'n slash system ever. You're better of playing the old NES games :P
  30. JoaquinDaS.
    Jul 27, 2004
    10
    This game is an instant classic.
prev
Page:

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    83
    9 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 33 gold [Vol 796; 19 Mar 2004]
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. DarkStation
    100
    There has been such precise and accurate detail placed on this game that it would be near impossible to point out any faults.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »