- Publisher: Tecmo
- Release Date: Mar 25, 2008
Buy Now
| Buy on |
|
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
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.
-
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.
-
Play MagazineIt'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]
-
Dragon Sword has really raised the bar not only for DS action titles, but portable games, period.
-
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.
-
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.
-
If you love action games, you can't do much better than Ninja Gaiden on Nintendo’s portable system.
-
AceGamezFans of Ninja Gaiden or just of great action games in general will find a lot to like here.
-
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.
-
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.
-
DS owners should not miss the opportunity to play this great game.
-
Exceptionally entertaining.
-
Electronic Gaming MonthlyAs an example of how to forge a modern action game for DS, Dragon Sword has no equal. [Apr 2008, p.80]
-
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.
-
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is simply a fun game to play.
-
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.
-
Nintendo PowerAt 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]
-
Hardcore GamerIt'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]
-
This handheld offshoot of the revered action series provides plenty of fun and satisfying stylus slashing.
-
A must-own masterpiece; Tecmo's best since Ninja Gaiden hit the Xbox.
-
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.
-
When it's all said and done, this game is fun. This is truly a worthy addition to the Ninja Gaiden franchise.
-
If you can get past the first five hours of mindless fun, Dragon Sword is an unparalleled experience on DS.
-
Minor blemishes of challenge and length on an otherwise sharply crafted blade, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is nevertheless a solidly designed DS title.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Nintendo GamerProves, once again, that the stylus is god's gift to control schemes. Ludicrously well done. [June 2008, p.59]
-
Official Nintendo Magazine UKA flawed but very impressive romp that really puts the DS through its paces. [July 2008, p.78]
-
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.
-
Games Master UKRivals "Zelda" as a technical achievement, but the hardcore credentials have taken a knock. [June 2008, p.73]
-
GameProAs 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]
-
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.
-
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.
-
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is incredibly accessible with nearly flawless controls and difficulty, or lack thereof in the normal difficulty setting.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
n-Revolution Magazine UKOne 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]
-
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.
-
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]
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Edge MagazineTeam Ninja's finest, most intelligent game since Ninja Gaiden Black, it leaves high hopes for the imminent 360 sequel. [June 2008, p.92]
-
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.
-
It’s a shame that Dragon Sword is such an uneven game.
-
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.
-
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.
Awards & Rankings
|
9
|
|
|
28
|
#28 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
|
|
13
|
#13 Most Shared DS Game of 2008
|
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 33 out of 45
-
Mixed: 9 out of 45
-
Negative: 3 out of 45
-
Mar 11, 2013
-
Jan 11, 2012
-
JoeStassSep 17, 2008