6. Shinobi III: Return of the Master Ninja
Sega upped its successful Shinobi series’ presence on the Sega Genesis with 1993’s Shinobi III: Return of the Master Ninja, taking the console hardware as far as it could go. Picking up where its 1989 predecessor left off, protagonist Joe Musashi returns after sensing that the crime syndicate he vanquished is back deadlier than ever under the leadership of the enigmatic Shadow Master. Joe learns new techniques to take on his resurgent enemies, battling the sinister Neo Zeed for the fate of Japan as he once again stands against a small army assembled to stop him.
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Placing a greater emphasis on the overall gameplay speed, Shinobi III will have players tearing across levels with Joe’s enhanced moveset. Noticeably easier than its predecessors, the 1993 game is more accessible, though it’s still a relatively difficult game, especially by its final levels as Joe faces the upper echelons of Neo Zeed. A significant step up for the Shinobi series, both in terms of technical presentation and intuitive feel, Shinobi III is arguably the high point of the series.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Anyone who turns up their nose at the idea of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game appearing on a best ninja game list probably needs to remember what the “N” in “TMNT” stands for. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo hit just as hard as any of their human ninja counterparts, the latter of whom display just as much stealth as the reptilian siblings in their own gameplay. Of all the Ninja Turtles games, as good as the 1989 arcade game and Turtles in Time are, the best is 2022’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.
A modernized take on the classic arcade beat-’em-ups that firmly established the Ninja Turtles’ video game bonafides, Shredder’s Revenge features the fan-favorite animation style from the 1987 animated series. Supporting co-op gameplay of up to six simultaneous players, Tribute Games and Dotemu make each of the playable characters feel unique in both personality and fighting style, something expanded upon with the game’s post-launch DLC. A seamless blend of nostalgic presentation with modern gaming sensibilities, Shredder’s Revenge is a must-play for any fan of the genre or the Ninja Turtles themselves.
4. Ninja Gaiden Sigma
Team Ninja completely reimagined its classic Ninja Gaiden franchise as a 3D hack-and-slash experience in 2004 for the original Xbox. A remastered version, Ninja Gaiden Black, was released the following year and an enhanced port for the PlayStation 3, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, in 2007. The game has a returning Ryu Hayabusa go on an epic adventure to recover the mythical Dark Dragon Blade stolen during an attack on his clan’s village and avenge a fallen childhood friend.
Retaining the difficulty that the franchise was known for, the 3D reinvention of Ninja Gaiden offered the most immersive experience starring Ryu Hayabusa yet, giving him a variety of ninjutsu moves for players to employ. Sigma is the most feature-rich version of the game, with additional game modes, an improved technical presentation, and exclusive levels with supporting figure Rachel as a playable character. A successful transition of the franchise into the modern era, 2004’s Ninja Gaiden proved the property could work beyond its original perspective and gameplay mechanics.