GAME OF THE MONTH COLLECTION!
NINJA SPIRIT
(Irem, 1990)

Introduction and Story:

Playthrough, baby!

So what if your shadow could help protect you in a fight, eh? That's what happens in the NES game Ninja Gaiden II and it also happens in Ninja Spirit here as well (although Ninja Spirit was first and did it better) for the Turbografx-16 here. Irem was famous for their arcade hit and Stud of the Month winner R Type and they also created this great action platformer with one of the most badass character's in gaming history. The game's story here focuses on a young and highly skilled ninja named Moonlight and how he sees his father's death by a evil renegade ninja clan. Now as Moonlight you must go on a dangerous journey to defeat these evil mutants and demons.

The game play and bottomline:  
Although there is a story here, it doesn't really matter because this game just throws you right into the action and bearly ever stops. Moonlight will get attacked from every possible angle from rival ninjas, wolves, giant bosses, and many more oddjobs but you are no pushover. Moonlight can not only use a list of some cool weapons like the triple ninja stars, and dynamite sticks but you can also use up to two shadows of yourself to aid you in attack and defense here and really kick some a$$.

Sadly as good as the game is Ninja Spirit is also really short and most levels only take a mere minute or two to complete. That's not to say it is easy either because there are tons of enemies that can kill you with just one hit and in the game's Arcade mode it's even worst since everything kills you instantly. Also you will absolute hate stage 7-2 where you have to fall in a giant pit with a bunch of ninjas. Because of these minor problems the game isn't quite perfect. Sure, it's tough but it's also one very intense 4 megabit action game with a great combination of freaky looking weapons, great visuals, eerie music, and tons of enemies to totally pwn.
Here is my 7 minute video review of Ninja Spirit too!


Conclusion:  
*600 points to download on the Virtual Console

Ninja Spirit
overall rating: 78/100

Find Ninja Spirit on eBay here!

For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone

graphics: 8/10
sound: 7/10
gameplay: 8/10
replay: 6/10

StarSoldier1
(Ryan Genno) 2008


Other Games of the Month