Ninja Gaiden

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Mar 2, 2004
Ninja Gaiden Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 89 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 193 Ratings

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  • Summary: Ninja Gaiden first debuted in the 1988 and now the young ninja returns. As Ryu Hayabusa, you seek revenge after the Vigor Empire massacres your clan. Skilled in battle actions and ninja moves, you are well prepared to hunt down the Holy Emperor and reclaim the magic swordNinja Gaiden first debuted in the 1988 and now the young ninja returns. As Ryu Hayabusa, you seek revenge after the Vigor Empire massacres your clan. Skilled in battle actions and ninja moves, you are well prepared to hunt down the Holy Emperor and reclaim the magic sword "Ryuken." Ninja Gaiden features killer gameplay, stunning graphics, and new weapons such as the Dragon Sword, warhammer, shurikens, and nunchakus. Plus, there are massive levels filled with enemies and Xbox Live feature will enable future high score tournaments and downloadable content.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 89
  3. Negative: 1 out of 89
  1. 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.
  2. Into Liquid Sky
    100
    The actual fighting in the game is flawless...One of my favorite games of all time and easily my favorite game on Xbox. [Grade = A+]
  3. XboxAddict
    96
    People are saying this is the best game of 2004 so far. I would go a bit further and say this is the best game of the last year because, if no other reason, the game play is simply amazing. The movement physics are ultra smooth and fast paced.
  4. Gamer's Hell
    93
    It has a surprisingly deep combat system, highly responsive controls, graphics to die for, and audio to both dot the i and cross the t.
  5. Eurogamer
    90
    No other game manages to deliver on the potential of controlling a ninja with this much flair and authority - it is, no bullshit, one of the finest action games ever made. Sever my spinal cord if I'm lying.
  6. PALGN
    90
    Though i wouldn't expect anything less from the makers of "Dead or Alive," Ryu's animations are brilliantly motion captured and suitably fluid.
  7. Gaming Age
    42
    Most of the visual beauty takes a back seat to a bad camera and fairly repetitive gameplay. To be blunt, the camera system in Ninja Gaiden sucks.

See all 89 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 94 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 111
  3. Negative: 13 out of 111
  1. 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 smoothThis 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}… Expand
  2. PeterS.
    Mar 22, 2004
    10
    The best Game & I play a lot of Games.The camera is not too bad.
  4. StephenS.
    Feb 27, 2004
    10
    The class of its genre and a true current generation game. This is what Shinobi should have been!!
  5. Patrick
    Jul 21, 2004
    10
    This game is incredible. As (most) everyone else has said, it is beautiful and fluid, and one of the most challenging games of its kind in a This game is incredible. As (most) everyone else has said, it is beautiful and fluid, and one of the most challenging games of its kind in a long time. While it is difficult throughout, and there are occasionally points that can be frustrating, it hearkens to the olden days when games were tests of skill. It is exceptionally satisfying when you defeat a difficult boss, and usually if you are inventive enough you can discover "easy" ways of accomplishing this. While the replay value of this game is arguable, as for myself I can say that its one of the few games I own that I felt compelled to play through a second time and find every last secret. I never had any trouble with the camera angles as some have stated, and I would recommend to those that are starting out to get accustomed to using the camera manipulating power of the R button. Overall this game is outstanding and definitely one of my favorites of all time. I recommend it to anyone, as long as you make a pledge to yourself to not quit when you get stuck on the first or second boss (it gets better!)… Expand
  6. Frozenpinky
    Mar 3, 2004
    9
    Top notch action game. Challenging and beautiful...Fast paced and Bloody. Quickly tap the right-trigger and the camera will set-drop behind you.
  7. 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....
  8. TuomasK.
    Feb 27, 2004
    0
    Bad control, bad game. The visuals lack the polish of MGS2 or Getaway, and those are PS2 games. A Disappointment of a year. Buy Tenchu:Return Bad control, bad game. The visuals lack the polish of MGS2 or Getaway, and those are PS2 games. A Disappointment of a year. Buy Tenchu:Return From Darkness if you want good ninja action to yuor Xbox. … Expand

See all 111 User Reviews

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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