Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

 DS
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Mar 25, 2008
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

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  • 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 withUncover 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]… Expand
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Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Official Movie 1

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
  1. Gaming Age
    100
    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.
  2. Zentendo
    90
    If you love action games, you can't do much better than Ninja Gaiden on Nintendo’s portable system.
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    86
    As an example of how to forge a modern action game for DS, Dragon Sword has no equal. [Apr 2008, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Nintendo Gamer
    82
    Proves, once again, that the stylus is god's gift to control schemes. Ludicrously well done. [June 2008, p.59]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GamesRadar+
    80
    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.
  6. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    80
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. G4 TV
    60
    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.

See all 52 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Bustergundam4
    Jan 11, 2012
    10
    This game blew me out of the water and I wish Temco would made a a sequel to this wonderful title.The graphics were just insane and I forgot IThis game blew me out of the water and I wish Temco would made a a sequel to this wonderful title.The graphics were just insane and I forgot I was playing on my Nintendo DS throughout the game.The original Japanese signs for the elements were very good.

    Temco keep up the great work!

    10/10    … Expand
  2. miroku123
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    o jogo otimo faz jus a franquia ninja gaiden

    Ninja Gaiden series director Tomonobu Itagaki has stated that he decided to make the game for    o jogo otimo faz jus a franquia ninja gaiden

    Ninja Gaiden series director Tomonobu Itagaki has stated that he decided to make the game for the Nintendo DS because of the originality that the platform allows, which he feels is the most important aspect of a handheld platform, and also to create a challenge for himself.[5] Itagaki also claimed that his children wanted one of his titles on the platform.[6]    … Expand
  4. Matt
    Mar 29, 2008
    9
    Actual score: 9.5. This is one of the most polished and graphically stunning games to grace the DS. The touch-based gameplay feels much likeActual score: 9.5. This is one of the most polished and graphically stunning games to grace the DS. The touch-based gameplay feels much like its xbox counterpart, which is impressive to say the least. Most importantly the game is fun without the frustration that I've come to associate with Ninja Gaiden and any other game Tomonobu Itagaki directs. I consider this game to be something like the God of War of the DS: fast-paced (but well-paced.), amazing to look at, and worth replaying the instant you finish.… Expand
  5. GiancarloGatti
    Oct 7, 2008
    8
    i would give this a 8.5 but definitely not a 9.

    Good things about the game: cool ninpo attacks innovative combat system that is really    i would give this a 8.5 but definitely not a 9.

    Good things about the game:

    cool ninpo attacks
    innovative combat system that is really really easy to learn
    get to switch handhelds weapon which keeps things fresh
    boss battles are intense

    Bad things about this game:

    Graphics remind me of a harry potter game on a gameboy
    No ability to buy different swords
    some bad camera angles when fighting bosses
    once you learn attacks nothing else you can learn should put some really good attacks like disappearing and appearing again walking on walls and then slamming them down and backstab icon should appear when you go behind an enemy press it and they'll od a rouge like backstab awesomeness haha    … Expand
  6. JoeStass
    Sep 17, 2008
    7
    Easily one of the best looking games on the DS, NG:DS does not disappoint in terms of graphic presentation. The control system is nearlyEasily one of the best looking games on the DS, NG:DS does not disappoint in terms of graphic presentation. The control system is nearly flawless and the attacks you'll be completing on screen feel very satisfying when mixed with the sound of the slash. This game easily would have been a must buy and a 10 on the DS... if there was just more to it. Paying $35 for a game you beat in 6 hours is not my idea of fun, no matter how great it looks. Also, while the combat does feel very satisfying the whole game through, it also feels very lacking in depth. In fact, if the game were any longer, you'd probably just grow tired of it. This is definitely one of those games where you'll just want to go in with a few friends and take turns playing it. If you get 3 friends to join you, you can all still beat it in one day!… Expand
  7. UwePoll
    Mar 31, 2008
    6
    Initially, It feels like Ninja Gaiden. And It looks like Ninja Gaiden. But once you really get your teeth into it, it doesn't leave quiteInitially, It feels like Ninja Gaiden. And It looks like Ninja Gaiden. But once you really get your teeth into it, it doesn't leave quite the same taste in your mouth as the real deal. This time around, the adventure is structured in a much less cohesive fashion, the enemies provide almost no resistance individually, and the puzzles are so obvious it's almost insulting. But worst of all, the combat system completely lacks the subtle nuances and depth of the original, making the whole affair a long-winded, repetitive hack and slash like so many others. While this is a decent game on its own merits, I'd advise sticking to the various versions of the original, and completely avoid Dragon Sword, until Ninja Gaiden 2 is released.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best DS Game of 2008
36
#36 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
13
#13 Most Shared DS Game of 2008