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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 52 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 15 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Team Ninja
Genre(s): Action
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: March 25, 2008
Summary
Uncover all the mysteries of Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword as you fight enemy ninjas and battle various fiends while taking on the role of Master Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, in an all new storyline for the Nintendo DS. Innovative DS Stylus Functionality: Smoothly maneuver and fight through levels with the intuitive operaton of the DS stylus. Hold the DS with one hand like a book to assist in the operation of the stylus which allows players to view a wider range of scenes. Cast Ninpo (Ninja Magic) by Letter Input Using the DS Stylus, draw various letters to quickly execute numerous types of Ninnpo. Experience Team NINJA's first original action game for the Nintendo DS. [Tecmo]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Gaming Age
Everything is fluid, and the framerate is incredibly solid considering the amount of enemies that can appear on screen at once, and also considering the massive size of each boss you'll encounter.
Read Full Review >Game Chronicles
I truly loved this game. Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is without a doubt, the best game I have played, probably since Mario Kart, and it is easily the best game I have ever had the privilege to review.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
It's so beautiful--so far superior visually to anything on the DS--that it's the kind of game that makes it worth buying the system for. [Apr 2008, p.68]
AtomicGamer
Dragon Sword has really raised the bar not only for DS action titles, but portable games, period.
Read Full Review >1UP
The swordplay feels so fast, fun, and addictive that you'll unfortunately feel tempted to breeze through Ryu's adventure in record time: Don't be surprised if you've lacerated your way to the game's conclusion in five or six hours.
Read Full Review >Gamervision
Technically, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is an extremely impressive achievement, making the absolute most of the hardware on which it plays. No other DS game looks or plays like Dragon Sword.
Read Full Review >Zentendo
If you love action games, you can't do much better than Ninja Gaiden on Nintendo’s portable system.
Read Full Review >AceGamez
Fans of Ninja Gaiden or just of great action games in general will find a lot to like here.
Read Full Review >N-Europe
To all intents and purposes this is a Ninja Gaiden game through and through but with a new innovative twist to the control method which serves only to quicken the pace and make it in some ways even more enjoyable than previous outings.
Read Full Review >GameTrailers
Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword proves to have a sharp edge with good tech and smooth pacing. It also manages to turn the stylus into an effective ninja weapon, making it play like no other game on Nintendo’s little dual screen.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
As an example of how to forge a modern action game for DS, Dragon Sword has no equal. [Apr 2008, p.80]
IGN
Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword kicks a whole lot of butt on the Nintendo DS. Visually, the game's a stunner, and the action is intense and almost non-stop.
Read Full Review >GameFocus
The entire single player mission will take only seven hours. If there is an outstanding flaw in this title it would be it’s replay value.
Read Full Review >PALGN
Minor blemishes of challenge and length on an otherwise sharply crafted blade, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is nevertheless a solidly designed DS title.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
If you can get past the first five hours of mindless fun, Dragon Sword is an unparalleled experience on DS.
Read Full Review >Hardcore Gamer Magazine
It's an interesting evolution of the brawler, a neat implementation of DS controls, and a worthy successor to its notorious forefather. [Spring 2008, p.53]
Nintendo Power
At approximately five hours, Dragon Sword is a bit on the short side, but I have a tough time complaining when those five hours are so tight and extremely polished. [Apr 2008, p.84]
GameSpot
This handheld offshoot of the revered action series provides plenty of fun and satisfying stylus slashing.
Read Full Review >Kombo
While there isn't a whole lot to compare it to, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is still easily the best action experience on the DS.
Read Full Review >DailyGame
When it's all said and done, this game is fun. This is truly a worthy addition to the Ninja Gaiden franchise.
Read Full Review >Cheat Code Central
Possibly the best action game ever made for Nintendo DS. Tecmo did an outstanding job with it and most gamers should be more than happy if they decide to pick up the title.
Read Full Review >Gamer 2.0
While there are quite a few parts in the game that bring down the game in value, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword should remain as the prime example of what a third party can do with the Nintendo DS.
Read Full Review >NGamer UK
Proves, once again, that the stylus is god's gift to control schemes. Ludicrously well done. [June 2008, p.59]
Gamers.at
Despite the lack of Blood the “Ninja-Gaiden-Feeling” could still be carried over to the first mobile installment of the series which makes Dragon Sword as good an investment for fans, as for all other owners of a Nintendo DS with a liking for action games.
Read Full Review >Official Nintendo Magazine UK
A flawed but very impressive romp that really puts the DS through its paces. [July 2008, p.78]
Games Master UK
Rivals "Zelda" as a technical achievement, but the hardcore credentials have taken a knock. [June 2008, p.73]
n-Revolution Magazine UK
One of the flashiest DS games yet. [Issue#22, p.84]
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
Dragon Sword is possibly the most visceral game in the Nintendo portable console. The story mode feels a bit short, but the combat system is very addictive and perfectly fitted to the DS potential. [June 2008]
games(TM)
The immaculate structure and pacing of the game further exemplifies the developer’s intelligence, distilling the essence of the console experience perfectly. [July 2008, p.118]
DarkZero
For the most part the game is full to the brim with new ideas, clever strategic boss encounters and as a result is a breath of fresh air for the genre on the DS.
Read Full Review >Pelit (Finland)
One of the best action games made for Nintendo DS. [Sept 2008]
LEVEL (Czech Republic)
Except unusual controls this is an ordinary (but definitely not bad) hack’n’slash game. It’s more accessible and easier than episodes for "bigger" consoles, so you can finish it in at most seven hours. [Aug 2008]
Nintendo Life
There is a lot of replay value to be found here and the gameplay is both fun and varied. If frantic stylus action is your thing, then don’t miss this game.
Read Full Review >NintendoWorldReport
Despite its repetitive combat and occasionally cheap save point placement, there’s very little wrong with Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. It’s stylus control done right, and it’s a beautiful game to boot.
Read Full Review >Thunderbolt
A good game, and executed well in terms of in graphics technology, system implementation, and gameplay. If only the main quest was a bit longer and the difficulty balanced throughout, this game would be a classic.
Read Full Review >GameDaily
The game comes to its conclusion sooner than expected, with only a few unlockables to take advantage of. Nevertheless, here's a handheld game that cuts deep.
Read Full Review >GamePro
As a standalone DS game, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is an amazing adventure almost at the level of "Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass". [Apr 2008, p.79]
GameTap
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is incredibly accessible with nearly flawless controls and difficulty, or lack thereof in the normal difficulty setting.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
As good as Dragon Sword is, the game is over way too soon. Seven or eight hours may seem like a decent length for a portable game, but once you're finished, there's very little incentive to return.
Read Full Review >Games Radar (in-house)
It's a short ride, but like any quality roller coaster, it'll rattle your senses and challenge your reflexes. On DS, Dragon Sword has no equal, no fitting comparison, and for that we applaud Team Ninja.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
I like the combat and the mechanics, and even though the battles get repetitive, it’s frantic and fun enough to occasionally make you forget that fact.
Read Full Review >Pocket Gamer UK
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.
Read Full Review >Eurogamer
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.
Read Full Review >VideoGamer
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.
Read Full Review >Edge Magazine
Team Ninja's finest, most intelligent game since Ninja Gaiden Black, it leaves high hopes for the imminent 360 sequel. [June 2008, p.92]
Destructoid
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.
Read Full Review >G4 TV
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.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.7 (out of 10) based on 15 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
