An engaging storyline and good graphics and sound help prop up frustrating gameplay.
Ken Hayabusa, a highly trained ninja living in 1980s-era Japan, was killed in a life or death duel trying to protect something of grave importance. His son Ryu, whom he had trained in the arts of the Hayabusa family, discovers a note left behind in the event of his father's death, instructing young Ryu to travel to America in order to meet an archaeologist by the name of Walter Smith. As soon as he lands, he's attacked by vicious thugs and knocked unconscious by a mysterious woman with unknown intent. Upon waking up and battling through hordes of enemies, Ryu soon learns that the object his father died protecting contains none other than the evil energy of a great demon who came to Earth and spread chaos throughout the lands; if the two statues containing the light and dark energies of the demon were to be reunited, the demon will awaken and cause great destruction. Ryu is then recruited by the CIA to finish the job by recovering both statues and defeating the evil forces that seek to reawaken evil. Much of the appeal behind Ninja Gaiden lies in how this story unfolds, which is told through detailed cinematic cutscenes employing great exposition. The story of Ryu Hayabusa's life after the events in this game are further explored in the two sequels, equally hailed for their story presentation.
The gameplay is also innovative and engaging even if overly frustrating. In addition to being able to attack enemies with the powerful Hayabusa family heirloom, the Dragon Sword, Ryu can also use a number of secondary weapons obtained through power-ups scattered throughout the various levels such as throwing stars, shooting flames and boomerang-like weapons. Ryu can also latch himself onto walls, useful for avoiding enemies and climbing and is absolutely necessary to master in order to progress through even the first level. The controls are a bit frustrating however; novices to the game will have to spend some time mastering the wall-jumping technique and the controls could otherwise be more responsive. Enemies also tend to be very inconveniently and frustratingly placed, such as right on the edge of ledges that need to be scaled, and can be practically impossible to overcome without just the right secondary weapon or a whole bunch of luck. Even more frustrating, enemies have a nasty habit of respawning almost immediately after they're defeated, meaning that the player can find himself slashing at the what's essentially the same enemy for what seems to be forever. Getting to level bosses is a long and frustrating journey that easily drains the player's life away, and if the player is defeated by a boss he must start over at the very beginning of the level, eating more time and adding more frustration.
While the game struggles in some areas, it more than makes up for in others. Graphics are well done, especially for the exceptional cinematic cutscenes and are a big reason why the game's story presentation is so successful. Sound earns equal merits and once again is a key component to the game's story exposition. The level midi music is very well done and very appropriate for the level selection, and ranges from mildly upbeat and action oriented to brooding and mysterious. The game doesn't feature too many sound effects but they're well done as well, and the lack of sound effects only ensures that they don't get in the way of the game's main chorus.
While the original Ninja Gaiden can be a very frustrating experience to play through, the story, graphics, and music are enough to keep many veteran players engaged and willing to wade through each and every level. The appeal behind Ryu Hayabusa's character is immense as shown through the recent Ninja Gaiden franchise revival for the XBox and XBox 360 as well as his character playing more than just a casual unlockable cameo in Dead or Alive 4. With more games on the way for the next generation consoles, Ryu Hayabusa's appeal seems to be further solidified for a new generation of gamers.