Always puzzled me why Sega licensed Ninja Gaiden when they had Shinobi. But the Sega versions still couldn't be straight up ports or arcade games, as Nintendo had a clause to them, so that's why a lot of Sega games have had a shop or extra level added to differentiate them somewhat.
Thanks. I always wondered how close they could get to arcade versions on some games if they could develop without restrictions for the sms ( with fm sound chip ). R Type was a good example alrhough developed by Irem
@@j.goggels9115 at 60 it is fine. Its not designed to be fast like Gaiden and Shinobi is not fast either BTW. It has some repetitive looking stages which I am not a fan of but the choose your path options and its challenging nature make it a winner. You probably played it and it got to hard. I get it
@@j.goggels9115 Kenseiden was slow but I found the sprites really impressive for a mid-generation Master System game although it's one of those games that sometimes had too many enemies on screen at once causing massive amounts of flicker. I at least enjoyed the music, the Feudal Japan setting, and the supernatural atmosphere.
@@SteveBrandon the sword techniques earned at the end of boss stages looked like they tried hard to emulate actual techniques as well. FM sound also made the game music better. Especially in the later stages .
It wasn't often that Europe got the better deal compared to the USA with regards to gaming. The late 80s and early 90s was an amazing time for gaming in the UK. With the tail end of the micro computers and the resurgence of console gaming. We never really saw any sort of gaming crash over here. While many of the games on the micro computers were shovel ware. Only paying a few pounds for a tape made it much easier to take a chance on a game. The 16 bit computers (Atari ST and Amiga 500) were pretty popular too. Not really being able to match the Megadrive and even less so the SNES. However again, games on floppy disc were much more affordable. I do miss those heydays.
I remember back in the day when this was released I was bummed at first cuz we couldn't get the NES but I got to tell you what I grew to love it and I appreciate it and thank you for all the videos because looking back you helped me to appreciate what I had been blessed with back in the day because there are a lot of kids that didn't get in NES or a Sega Master system thank you Sega Lord x you are the man!
Great video. This was my favourite game during my childhood and always loved playing this over and over again. If you get 999 weapons points and have the homing fireballs then this game was piss easy to complete. I never played the NES version but will check it out. I recently played Robocop Vs The Terminator on the Sega Genesis and finally completed it yesterday but boy that final boss was hard as nails to take down. Would be cool if you could do a video review of this game. 👍🏻
I think we all had those game names like that when we grew up in 80s/90s that no one had any clue how to pronounce, especially that Japanese stuff. Heck people are still debating how to pronounce Gyarados...
The MS had such beautiful graphics, it was way better than the NES in that department. too bad Nintendo had such a grip on the industry at that time and the MasterSystem didn't get as much success internationally.
In Europe and Brazil the SMS had as much success at one point as the NES. I think you're hardcore reaching to try and sound contrarian and special as if the SMS was just the most amazing console ever, and only you think that the graphics are so good because you think you're in the minority. While on paper the SMS has more colors available and is technically superior to the NES, the graphics on the SMS are flat, boring, and devoid of character compared to games at that time on other systems. Compare Master of Darkness to Castlevania for the most immediate comparison. Castlevania is infinitely more memorable, no one is ever going to remember Master of Darkness. Or hell, Golvellius/Golden Axe Warrior vs. Zelda. There is no way anyone can actually genuinely think Golvellius or Golden Axe Warrior has more memorable sprites than Zelda. The SMS mostly just sucks.
@@quibquatch3975 I grew up owning a NES and loving it. I didnt get a Master System untill 2018. I realy, realy like the Master System and prefer it over the good old NES. Its just better in any way and has better games.
@@quibquatch3975 The Mastersystem Graphics was better than the Nes not just with more colours, Nes has better sound for the most part, If done right the MS with games like Phantasy Star, Sonic1, Wonderboy The Dragon's Trap, Castle of Illusion etc, prove the what the console can really do.
@@Amdecreations. when people say things like ''' nes has better sound for the most part''we tend to forget nes sound was so shit that konomi made their own exclusive prietary sound chip that was only in their game cartridges castlevania games having great sound on the nes has nothing to do with nintendo the irony is them having such shit sound is what brought about konami making their own sound chip
Great memories of this game, I still have this cart, I remember seeing this in a store the cover art looked awesome (Especially considering the cover art for most SMS games). When I took it home to play with my brother and friends we were immediately hooked since it wasn't like any of the games we played. We also figured out the infinite secondary weapon exploit pretty soon, it allowed us to finally beat the volcano stage which was the one we were stuck in the longest.
I had a Sega Genesis as a teenager. I recently bought the Power Base Adapter for it. I'm now collecting Master System games. Thank you for your review of this game. I'll add it to the list.
I have no idea what Sega did to make or publish so many games in the early 90's, not only a lot of arcade games, some of the most advanced visually in the world in that category, but also a lot stuff for the Master System, Game Gear, Genesis, 32X and Sega CD, between arcade ports (from Sega games but also stuff like Strider or Final Fight CD) and also original games, some from Sega ip's but also getting some licenses like the Disney games or other game series like this Ninja Gaiden game, making for over 150 games every year, is insane, no other big company at the time was even close to releasing so many games,; the only company that I have seen doing something like this was Konami in the early 2000
It's pretty clear that Nintendo had more games, and Sega was not getting help from many 3rd party developers, so they rushed to produce as many games as possible. I think back then, quantity, with some quality here and there, won the video game wars. Also, I just prefer the iconic look, innovation, design, and appeal of the NES more than the SMS.
Another great review! I LOVE this game! Fortunately I was able to get this game complete in box a couple of years ago. Definitely a game I am not going to let go.
I fell in love with Ninja Gaiden right from the original arcade game, then the NES brought it to a whole other level. This SMS game looks great, though I think NG III Ancient Ship of Doom beats it out - it gets way more stuff happening on screen. Still, I actually love what they did with the jumping here - the hanging from the arcade game, and the Sunsoft Batman wall jump is always cool. I'll try to track this down at some point.
When I started with retro gaming back in 2002, I got the Brazilian release in mint contidion for around €5. Complete, with manual and even games catalog...
It's always interesting for me to see other people's view on this game. I grew up as a Sega purist... first console was the SMS which our family hung onto well into the mid 90s as we weren't very well off and we didn't upgrade to the Mega Drive until it was almost end of life. So many late releases such as Mortal Kombat, Ninja Gaiden and Robocop vs The Terminator ended up being SMS experiences for my brother and I. I got Ninja Gaiden as a birthday present after taking an interest in the IP following experiencing the NES version. Shinobi on SMS never interested me but Ninja Gaiden on the NES felt more like what a ninja game should be like. Overall, the SMS was the better version for me... the more colourful stages, infinite special attacks upon hitting max points, and the faster pace was more to my liking. The only area I thought the NES did better was being able to climb up walls as opposed the SMS only having a wall jump mechanic. Of course, when we finally upgraded to the Mega Drive, Revenge of Shinobi was the ninja game of choice in our household. But Ninja Gaiden on the SMS holds a very special place in my gaming history as being the first ninja game that my bro and I could really get into.
I have wanted to play the Master System version for quite a while now. Now I guess I'll just have to go find a copy. My favorite is currently the PC Engine version, which is basically the NES version with better graphics and sound. That level one theme from the PCE game is one of those songs that I always associate with game play footage on any platform. It was such a great take on the NES game that it usually gets stuck in my brain for days.
That is certainly true about the sound.... If there was one weakpoint of the Master System it was it's sound chip. The sound quality of the system was not so great. However, I really grew to love it's unique sound from my days with the Game Gear growing up. The sound of the system grows on you over time.
I recently bought a mega everdrive. I discovered that it would also play Sega Master system games. I booted up Ninja gaiden on the Sega Master system having never played Master system games before, and loving Ninja gaiden on the NES.. It turned out I played it all the way through beginning to end in one sitting, because it was just so damn good. It's own intuitive jumping and grabbing mechanic was awesome. Quality game.
😲 A LordX Ninja Gaiden master system video? Its a good day! Your touching on one of my favorite gems in my small collection. The Nes version is more nostalgic for me but they are both amazing games, I won't choose a favorite.
This was my second video game system (Atari 2600 being my first) and I loved every minute of it. I wish it stayed around longer in the US as the 8bit Nintendo would have had some serious competition.
The animation on Ryu is actually pretty much identical to Ninja Gaiden Shadow (aka Shadow Warriors) on the OG GameBoy. Running, jumping, slashing, even the hanging and upward flip are in there.
When I saw your title I thought this was just going to be a port of the arcade game- I stand corrected. Four different Ninja Gaiden games? I had no idea.
Gamers in the states back during the Nes and SMS era of gaming. My first Sega console I ever owned was of course the Genesis and I also had an Nes as a kid as well. I think one of the reasons why the SMS could not compete is because of Nintendo having exclusive rights to many 3rd party developers with their games being a 2 year exclusive under Nintendo's strict guidelines.
I'm still glad I bought this game a few years ago on eBay for only €30. The game is getting real expansive atm. Still I think it's a great game, just like you mentioned it can't surpass the great nes games but it's still a must have if you have a SMS or powerbase converter.
People love Ninja Gaiden on the NES because the nostalgia they feel about it, while they're good in the controls and even the history presentation, as games, they have bad design, cheap enemy/bottomless pits placement, it's hard to have fun playing either of the three titles, that's because balance is something a lot of developers didn't even care about. Some games, like this is almost like the player chose the "please, infuriate me" difficulty way over the "hardest" possible setting. The SMS version looks better than almost anything the NES could dream of, the colors, animation, though I agree the music on the NES is more iconic overall. The SMS version is much more balanced and playable, (and it still has the 999 energy bug, yeah it can only be a overlooked bug). The wall kick/jump mechanic is much more fun to use than the climbing wall thing, the controls are good and basically as good as the NES versions, if a bit more floaty. I played lots of 16-bit ninja games, beaten Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III on the hardest difficulties, Shadow Dancer is one I still have to try in the hardest setting one day. With that, I want to say that I can beat a balanced and well thought out game, but I can't even have any fun trying cheap and bad designed ones like the Ninja Gaiden NES games, or any other bad 8-bit game in the same category.
I only played Ninja Gaiden on the NES back in the days. But i have to say the lincense issue back in the days had it´s positive side too. If you bought the game on the NES / SNES or Master System / Sega Genesis you get most of the time complete different games. Like a sequel that was exclusively for one plattform. I think i might look for Ninja Gaiden on the Master System at my local Gamestop or at the next garage sale when this pandemic comes to an end.
This was a solid game and it was cool to see a unique NG game. I played it on emulation years ago and got completely stuck on the final boss. I may have to play it again and practice that final boss with states again. Had no idea what to do there. Good to know about the infinite ninpo trick. Had no idea and was trying to kill the final form with the sword only I believe. Couldnt do shit.
Growing up in the early and mid 1990's with a Sega Master System i'm very grateful that Sega developed many titles themselves on the Sega Master System, there quality was not matched by any third party licensee on that system and when a third party did develop a game on the Master System it was no where near as good. Take a look at ''Master Of Darkness'' good lord! What would the quality of the game be like if it was made by Konami as a Castlevania game? I doubt it would be better on that system. Nobody knew the Sega Master System better than Sega did and if you're a gamer that has had alot of experence playing Master System games you could usually tell when the game you're playing was developed and published by SEGA themselves by listening to the percussion. Sega Master System games developed by Sega always used the same sound driver, they used two in the mid to late 80's and in 1990 adopted another one with sharper white noise percussion and continued to use this one until 1996 when they dropped all support for 8-bit and 16-bit to focus on the Saturn. Kind of like SMPS with the Mega Drive using those generic bass patches and synths, well the Master System was no different only more limited with PSG. Also i'm 99% sure this game was made for PAL regions, I find it hard to believe the music at that blistering speed could be the intended speed. There's no NTSC Game Gear equivalent to match it with to verify so it should be assumed it's music is for 50Hz. Great review as always.
Glad to see another review in 2020, this game doesn't get the attention is deserved. Ninja Gaiden for the Genesis is a Beat 'em Up, similar to the arcade.
I've noticed this game lacks parallax scrolling, and its backgrounds are simplistic compared to some of the more detailed NES ones. That said, it looks like a well-designed title.
Funny, some days ago I was playing the TG16 version of Ninja Gaiden, there's a big difference with the NES version because of how polished it is in comparison (still hard though). I need to play the SMS version
The PCE version had better graphics overall but the background scrolling is so messed up that it brings the whole experience down a bit. It is much easier than the NES version though.
I picked this one up back in 2008 of ebay before it went up in price. I really enjoyed it thought it was fun fast pasted game. It runs just fine pal game on Ntsc system
I bought this game back in the day, not being aware of the NES version, because I only had a master system. From the first moment I had seen the Sega in combination with mickey and sonic, I was a Sega fan and wanted one. So with owning a master system I used all my saved money that I earned with my paperround. I bought Ninja Gaiden and was blown away back in the day. This year I bought the NES versions, these where also awesome, but on the music and graphics side, the ms version is bes imo.
Hey! That's why people compares The Messenger with Ninja Gaiden. I never felt it had that much in common with the NES game, but it shure does look and sounds a lot like this Master System version! Greetings from Brazil!
Keeping it all the way real: the most over-rated "hidden gem" is Sega's Ninja Gaiden. Yes, people are surprised to hear it exists, but it doesn't hold up even half as well as the SMS version of Castle of Illusion.
Castle of Illusion, on the other hand, is almost always in the center of attention even though the sequel Land of Illusion is a so much better, longer and more technically impressive game.
I think most gamers of a certain age are Nintendo kids by default, at least in the beginning. I was born in 83, when my family got a Nintendo (the one with the power pad and smb, duck hunt, and track&field) it was 1987 and I wasn't really aware of Sega at that point. It wasn't until I got to third grade that I even wanted a genesis.
Yea, for the most part, 'Shinobi' IP was the 'Ninja Gaiden' of their systems...so since they couldn't get many 3rdPS for the SMS, they probably didn't want NG to compete with their own Ninja series. I too was initially a Nintendo kid, but always thought SEGA's Arcade IPs blew them out the water (besides PunchOut!!! and Mario)
I like this one alright. I feel like it really missed the boat by throwing so many multi-hit enemies in your way, though. Totally wrecks the flow. Stopping in Ninja Gaiden feels *bad*. The story could have used some actual effort, too. It's a shame to include cut scenes when they're not even worth watching. It's a good game that could have been great if its creators paid more attention to the fine details of what previous entries did best.
Looks to play more similar to NES NG3, with its larger sword swipe, floatier jumps, & hanging mechanics. That said, NG3 was the weakest of the NES trilogy.
@@TexasHollowEarth "NG3 was the weakest of the NES trilogy." this is what every nub gamer says who has no clue of what great game design is. NG3 level design is masterwork, sorry you suck and can't beat the game because of the 3 continue limit so you just call it "weak". You SMS Euro-gamer people crack me up.
We pronounced it gaidin to! Four of us used to play this , but I have and neither of them got passed the last boss ! I tried lots of times. I need to do it some time but where the game is now I don't know!I bought the master system second hand out a charity shop , this was one of the games . I have the game's still but the master system is long gone. I have another one I got off eBay so I might just buy myself this game again.
the weird thing here in the united kingdom with Ninja Gaiden some of the original games got given the name Shadow warriors the Nes version being a victim of this name change so how Sega got round that mind you the atari Lynx version. but if you want more examples of titles developed by Sega or other publishers Ghouls and Ghosts, Forgotten Worlds, Mercs and Strider.
Ah yes, I always liked Ninja Gaiden on the SMS. Used to rent it often back in the day. I think its quite comparable to any NES entry, and while I agree it's inferior sound wise to the Nintendo offerings, all the other elements, for better or worse, have parity. Respawning enemies, super hard stages with cinder block dumb bosses, tricky jumps.... Ninja Gaiden 4 in my head, pretty much. Lastly, I believe N stands for Ninjutsu.
i don't know why, but i think THE MESSENGER seems to be based heavily on this version of NINJA GAIDEN over the NES version, this is interesting, did u try THE MESSENGER , SEGA LORD ? the more i watch this video , the more i am convinced it was heavily inspired by this.
as a brazilian kid I was crazy about ninja gaiden and got super excited when it got released for the sms. As someone who frequently played the nes version, the master system ninja gaiden felt a bit disappointing. Believe it or not I got super excited about the character screaming on Ninja Gaiden 3, so I went to the mall and asked the store clerk if the ninja on the master system screamed as well. They all made fun of me so I didnt buy it out of spite but rented it instead. It simply didnt feel actual Ninja Gaiden to me, but some spinoff. It also felt generic and unexciting, so I just rented it a couple of times and that was it. Music was also a big factor here. Though the master system version has good soundtracks, they didnt get to me as the nes version did, as I was humming those all the time.
Always puzzled me why Sega licensed Ninja Gaiden when they had Shinobi.
But the Sega versions still couldn't be straight up ports or arcade games, as Nintendo had a clause to them, so that's why a lot of Sega games have had a shop or extra level added to differentiate them somewhat.
Hmmm...Sounds like it could make for an interesting "Fact Hunt"????
But hello you.
But hello, you, Larry😉
Thanks. I always wondered how close they could get to arcade versions on some games if they could develop without restrictions for the sms ( with fm sound chip ). R Type was a good example alrhough developed by Irem
@TrueSinister because final fight sega cd was awesome
Yaaay! More sms. Kenseiden deep dive would be cool
I think Kenseiden's slow and ugly. I prefer Shinobi by a country mile. As to Cloud Master... Meh. Not much to it really.
@@j.goggels9115 at 60 it is fine. Its not designed to be fast like Gaiden and Shinobi is not fast either BTW. It has some repetitive looking stages which I am not a fan of but the choose your path options and its challenging nature make it a winner. You probably played it and it got to hard. I get it
@@j.goggels9115 Kenseiden was slow but I found the sprites really impressive for a mid-generation Master System game although it's one of those games that sometimes had too many enemies on screen at once causing massive amounts of flicker.
I at least enjoyed the music, the Feudal Japan setting, and the supernatural atmosphere.
Seconded on Kenseiden. Always loved that game.
@@SteveBrandon the sword techniques earned at the end of boss stages looked like they tried hard to emulate actual techniques as well. FM sound also made the game music better. Especially in the later stages .
It wasn't often that Europe got the better deal compared to the USA with regards to gaming.
The late 80s and early 90s was an amazing time for gaming in the UK. With the tail end of the micro computers and the resurgence of console gaming.
We never really saw any sort of gaming crash over here. While many of the games on the micro computers were shovel ware. Only paying a few pounds for a tape made it much easier to take a chance on a game.
The 16 bit computers (Atari ST and Amiga 500) were pretty popular too. Not really being able to match the Megadrive and even less so the SNES. However again, games on floppy disc were much more affordable.
I do miss those heydays.
Going to the bootsale every Sunday to get dodgy games for my Amiga 1200 for 50p per disc remains a highlight of my childhood.
I've never beaten a Master System game...I might have to change that, now!
I paid some money for a decent copy of this. It's incredible on the Master System.
darn game used to be commonly available in Aus/NZ years ago, now the yanks have found out about it and the price is insane
@@mikeyjnzyup it's ashame tbh
I remember back in the day when this was released I was bummed at first cuz we couldn't get the NES but I got to tell you what I grew to love it and I appreciate it and thank you for all the videos because looking back you helped me to appreciate what I had been blessed with back in the day because there are a lot of kids that didn't get in NES or a Sega Master system thank you Sega Lord x you are the man!
Great video. This was my favourite game during my childhood and always loved playing this over and over again. If you get 999 weapons points and have the homing fireballs then this game was piss easy to complete. I never played the NES version but will check it out.
I recently played Robocop Vs The Terminator on the Sega Genesis and finally completed it yesterday but boy that final boss was hard as nails to take down. Would be cool if you could do a video review of this game. 👍🏻
This is my #1 favorite Master System game.
I don't even have a Master System, but I want this cartridge.
I think we all had those game names like that when we grew up in 80s/90s that no one had any clue how to pronounce, especially that Japanese stuff. Heck people are still debating how to pronounce Gyarados...
Hell, I still call a lot of stuff what I did as a kid. Just seems wrong not to.
@@SegaLordX Same! I'm not changing how I pronounce Ninja Gaiden anytime soon. :D
I asked, you delivered. You are the best thing going on youtube right now. Thank you sir.
This looks better than the Pc-Engine version, that game was choppy
The MS had such beautiful graphics, it was way better than the NES in that department. too bad Nintendo had such a grip on the industry at that time and the MasterSystem didn't get as much success internationally.
In Europe and Brazil the SMS had as much success at one point as the NES. I think you're hardcore reaching to try and sound contrarian and special as if the SMS was just the most amazing console ever, and only you think that the graphics are so good because you think you're in the minority. While on paper the SMS has more colors available and is technically superior to the NES, the graphics on the SMS are flat, boring, and devoid of character compared to games at that time on other systems. Compare Master of Darkness to Castlevania for the most immediate comparison. Castlevania is infinitely more memorable, no one is ever going to remember Master of Darkness. Or hell, Golvellius/Golden Axe Warrior vs. Zelda. There is no way anyone can actually genuinely think Golvellius or Golden Axe Warrior has more memorable sprites than Zelda. The SMS mostly just sucks.
@@quibquatch3975 I grew up owning a NES and loving it. I didnt get a Master System untill 2018. I realy, realy like the Master System and prefer it over the good old NES. Its just better in any way and has better games.
In europe the master system was the king everyone thought the nes was shit and it was cause nobody but nobody was into zelda as Americans where...
@@quibquatch3975 The Mastersystem Graphics was better than the Nes not just with more colours, Nes has better sound for the most part, If done right the MS with games like Phantasy Star, Sonic1, Wonderboy The Dragon's Trap, Castle of Illusion etc, prove the what the console can really do.
@@Amdecreations. when people say things like ''' nes has better sound for the most part''we tend to forget nes sound was so shit that konomi made their own exclusive prietary sound chip that was only in their game cartridges castlevania games having great sound on the nes has nothing to do with nintendo the irony is them having such shit sound is what brought about konami making their own sound chip
Great memories of this game, I still have this cart, I remember seeing this in a store the cover art looked awesome (Especially considering the cover art for most SMS games). When I took it home to play with my brother and friends we were immediately hooked since it wasn't like any of the games we played. We also figured out the infinite secondary weapon exploit pretty soon, it allowed us to finally beat the volcano stage which was the one we were stuck in the longest.
I've always wondered what would happen if Arcus got his hands on this.
@Ultra CNC No. Thats why its always been a wonder.
Really enjoying the format of these reviews. Keep them coming!
I had a Sega Genesis as a teenager. I recently bought the Power Base Adapter for it. I'm now collecting Master System games. Thank you for your review of this game. I'll add it to the list.
I have no idea what Sega did to make or publish so many games in the early 90's, not only a lot of arcade games, some of the most advanced visually in the world in that category, but also a lot stuff for the Master System, Game Gear, Genesis, 32X and Sega CD, between arcade ports (from Sega games but also stuff like Strider or Final Fight CD) and also original games, some from Sega ip's but also getting some licenses like the Disney games or other game series like this Ninja Gaiden game, making for over 150 games every year, is insane, no other big company at the time was even close to releasing so many games,; the only company that I have seen doing something like this was Konami in the early 2000
It's pretty clear that Nintendo had more games, and Sega was not getting help from many 3rd party developers, so they rushed to produce as many games as possible. I think back then, quantity, with some quality here and there, won the video game wars.
Also, I just prefer the iconic look, innovation, design, and appeal of the NES more than the SMS.
This was well done! Excellent work on the editing! ♥
The background of that opening forest stage is really incredible. Proud to own this one.
See, I didn't know about 2 things in this game. The "bomb" attack and the 999 unlimited magic. Time to play this game again
I didn’t even know there was an NG for the SMS. Amazing review, keep up the good work.
I remember being blown away by the cinema in the nes version.
You gotta do Zillion 1 and 2!
Zillion 1 yes! Zillion 2? Not so much... So repetitive
@@thesoulforge3607 Oh, I actually only played Zllion 2.
@@dontdoittoyoself6786 zillion 1 I would say is in my top 10
I can see the inspiration for Shinobi 3 within this title...
Another great review! I LOVE this game! Fortunately I was able to get this game complete in box a couple of years ago. Definitely a game I am not going to let go.
I beat this game earlier this year.
I loved it.
They gave us a really good game.
I fell in love with Ninja Gaiden right from the original arcade game, then the NES brought it to a whole other level. This SMS game looks great, though I think NG III Ancient Ship of Doom beats it out - it gets way more stuff happening on screen. Still, I actually love what they did with the jumping here - the hanging from the arcade game, and the Sunsoft Batman wall jump is always cool. I'll try to track this down at some point.
The music playing in the background for the first two minutes of the video sounds very close to the Rainy Savannah music in Sonic Drift 2.
When I started with retro gaming back in 2002, I got the Brazilian release in mint contidion for around €5. Complete, with manual and even games catalog...
I never did get to play the SMS of this. Thanks for the review!
'Difficulty in later stages'
That shit was and still is near impossible in early stages!
6:08 me as a kid: ok, fire level this is going to be difficult
me 2 seconds later: a pregnat skeleton appears, this ist hell jesuscrist help me
It's always interesting for me to see other people's view on this game. I grew up as a Sega purist... first console was the SMS which our family hung onto well into the mid 90s as we weren't very well off and we didn't upgrade to the Mega Drive until it was almost end of life. So many late releases such as Mortal Kombat, Ninja Gaiden and Robocop vs The Terminator ended up being SMS experiences for my brother and I.
I got Ninja Gaiden as a birthday present after taking an interest in the IP following experiencing the NES version. Shinobi on SMS never interested me but Ninja Gaiden on the NES felt more like what a ninja game should be like. Overall, the SMS was the better version for me... the more colourful stages, infinite special attacks upon hitting max points, and the faster pace was more to my liking. The only area I thought the NES did better was being able to climb up walls as opposed the SMS only having a wall jump mechanic.
Of course, when we finally upgraded to the Mega Drive, Revenge of Shinobi was the ninja game of choice in our household. But Ninja Gaiden on the SMS holds a very special place in my gaming history as being the first ninja game that my bro and I could really get into.
I have wanted to play the Master System version for quite a while now. Now I guess I'll just have to go find a copy. My favorite is currently the PC Engine version, which is basically the NES version with better graphics and sound. That level one theme from the PCE game is one of those songs that I always associate with game play footage on any platform. It was such a great take on the NES game that it usually gets stuck in my brain for days.
That is certainly true about the sound.... If there was one weakpoint of the Master System it was it's sound chip. The sound quality of the system was not so great. However, I really grew to love it's unique sound from my days with the Game Gear growing up. The sound of the system grows on you over time.
I recently bought a mega everdrive. I discovered that it would also play Sega Master system games. I booted up Ninja gaiden on the Sega Master system having never played Master system games before, and loving Ninja gaiden on the NES.. It turned out I played it all the way through beginning to end in one sitting, because it was just so damn good. It's own intuitive jumping and grabbing mechanic was awesome. Quality game.
SLX, Awesome review! It really looks like a "Mini" Shinobi !
I would love to play this but just checked the price. . oh my ☹️
Always gotta love Ninja Gayden!
Gosh this looks so impressive for the Master System almost in low-rent Mega Drive territory in spots.
Terrific review! 👍🏼👍🏼
😲 A LordX Ninja Gaiden master system video? Its a good day! Your touching on one of my favorite gems in my small collection. The Nes version is more nostalgic for me but they are both amazing games, I won't choose a favorite.
This was my second video game system (Atari 2600 being my first) and I loved every minute of it. I wish it stayed around longer in the US as the 8bit Nintendo would have had some serious competition.
NIcely balanced review, was a pleasure to watch.
The animation on Ryu is actually pretty much identical to Ninja Gaiden Shadow (aka Shadow Warriors) on the OG GameBoy. Running, jumping, slashing, even the hanging and upward flip are in there.
Loved this back in day. Always found it tough though
The SMS had Ghouls' and Ghosts, Sonic, Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter, FIFA Soccer, Street Fighter... ALL the hot stuff.
When I saw your title I thought this was just going to be a port of the arcade game- I stand corrected. Four different Ninja Gaiden games? I had no idea.
Gamers in the states back during the Nes and SMS era of gaming. My first Sega console I ever owned was of course the Genesis and I also had an Nes as a kid as well.
I think one of the reasons why the SMS could not compete is because of Nintendo having exclusive rights to many 3rd party developers with their games being a 2 year exclusive under Nintendo's strict guidelines.
I'm still glad I bought this game a few years ago on eBay for only €30. The game is getting real expansive atm.
Still I think it's a great game, just like you mentioned it can't surpass the great nes games but it's still a must have if you have a SMS or powerbase converter.
People love Ninja Gaiden on the NES because the nostalgia they feel about it, while they're good in the controls and even the history presentation, as games, they have bad design, cheap enemy/bottomless pits placement, it's hard to have fun playing either of the three titles, that's because balance is something a lot of developers didn't even care about. Some games, like this is almost like the player chose the "please, infuriate me" difficulty way over the "hardest" possible setting.
The SMS version looks better than almost anything the NES could dream of, the colors, animation, though I agree the music on the NES is more iconic overall. The SMS version is much more balanced and playable, (and it still has the 999 energy bug, yeah it can only be a overlooked bug). The wall kick/jump mechanic is much more fun to use than the climbing wall thing, the controls are good and basically as good as the NES versions, if a bit more floaty.
I played lots of 16-bit ninja games, beaten Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III on the hardest difficulties, Shadow Dancer is one I still have to try in the hardest setting one day. With that, I want to say that I can beat a balanced and well thought out game, but I can't even have any fun trying cheap and bad designed ones like the Ninja Gaiden NES games, or any other bad 8-bit game in the same category.
Wonderful!
I only played Ninja Gaiden on the NES back in the days.
But i have to say the lincense issue back in the days had it´s positive side too.
If you bought the game on the NES / SNES or Master System / Sega Genesis you get most of the time complete different games.
Like a sequel that was exclusively for one plattform.
I think i might look for Ninja Gaiden on the Master System at my local Gamestop or at the next garage sale when this pandemic comes to an end.
I use to play the heck out of the Atari lynx version of this game. I think it would be cool to see you cover some of the lynx games in the future.
This was a solid game and it was cool to see a unique NG game. I played it on emulation years ago and got completely stuck on the final boss. I may have to play it again and practice that final boss with states again. Had no idea what to do there. Good to know about the infinite ninpo trick. Had no idea and was trying to kill the final form with the sword only I believe. Couldnt do shit.
Growing up in the early and mid 1990's with a Sega Master System i'm very grateful that Sega developed many titles themselves on the Sega Master System, there quality was not matched by any third party licensee on that system and when a third party did develop a game on the Master System it was no where near as good. Take a look at ''Master Of Darkness'' good lord! What would the quality of the game be like if it was made by Konami as a Castlevania game? I doubt it would be better on that system. Nobody knew the Sega Master System better than Sega did and if you're a gamer that has had alot of experence playing Master System games you could usually tell when the game you're playing was developed and published by SEGA themselves by listening to the percussion. Sega Master System games developed by Sega always used the same sound driver, they used two in the mid to late 80's and in 1990 adopted another one with sharper white noise percussion and continued to use this one until 1996 when they dropped all support for 8-bit and 16-bit to focus on the Saturn. Kind of like SMPS with the Mega Drive using those generic bass patches and synths, well the Master System was no different only more limited with PSG.
Also i'm 99% sure this game was made for PAL regions, I find it hard to believe the music at that blistering speed could be the intended speed. There's no NTSC Game Gear equivalent to match it with to verify so it should be assumed it's music is for 50Hz. Great review as always.
This was the first Ninja Gaiden that I ever played and I absolutely preferred it to Shinobi on the Master System.
Glad to see another review in 2020, this game doesn't get the attention is deserved. Ninja Gaiden for the Genesis is a Beat 'em Up, similar to the arcade.
Thank you Sega Lord X!!!
I've noticed this game lacks parallax scrolling, and its backgrounds are simplistic compared to some of the more detailed NES ones.
That said, it looks like a well-designed title.
Funny, some days ago I was playing the TG16 version of Ninja Gaiden, there's a big difference with the NES version because of how polished it is in comparison (still hard though). I need to play the SMS version
The PCE version had better graphics overall but the background scrolling is so messed up that it brings the whole experience down a bit. It is much easier than the NES version though.
@@Gladson oh yeah, i forgot about that detail. Good thing it doesn't happen all the time though lol
I picked this one up back in 2008 of ebay before it went up in price. I really enjoyed it thought it was fun fast pasted game. It runs just fine pal game on Ntsc system
*I was lucky to pick up a copy 5 years ago but missing manual Unfortunatly it's a great original game you betcha!* ⭐️
Woow the gamegear version even has parallax scrolling here and there in some stages.
I like how some of the visuals rival those of early megadrive games.
I bought this game back in the day, not being aware of the NES version, because I only had a master system. From the first moment I had seen the Sega in combination with mickey and sonic, I was a Sega fan and wanted one. So with owning a master system I used all my saved money that I earned with my paperround. I bought Ninja Gaiden and was blown away back in the day. This year I bought the NES versions, these where also awesome, but on the music and graphics side, the ms version is bes imo.
This is my favourite game on Master System.
Kid: Mom, can we buy Shinobi for the Master System?
Mom: We have Shinobi for the Master System at home.
Shinobi for the Master System at home:
Great video
Hey! That's why people compares The Messenger with Ninja Gaiden. I never felt it had that much in common with the NES game, but it shure does look and sounds a lot like this Master System version! Greetings from Brazil!
Yeah Hayabusa's running animation is sublime and the soundtrack is boppin' in its own right.
In 1992 and they make it SMS instead of a Genesis/MD game?! Absolutely stupid. Is there a known reason to that decision?
non US markets - SMS was still massive in Europe, South America and Australia/NZ
Had no idea this existed. Looks worth a play! Too bad I sold my Master System when Genesis came out
Man, playing with this he SMS controller gives me anxiety but it looks like a solid version. Good vid!
I had a Megadrive controller and use it to play SMS games.
@@Amdecreations. how I mainly do it since I only have a power base converter
My first game console was the 8 bit Master System. Wasn’t much a Nintendo gamer until I got the SNES. Maybe play my friends Duck Hunt 🤪
Keeping it all the way real: the most over-rated "hidden gem" is Sega's Ninja Gaiden. Yes, people are surprised to hear it exists, but it doesn't hold up even half as well as the SMS version of Castle of Illusion.
Castle of Illusion, on the other hand, is almost always in the center of attention even though the sequel Land of Illusion is a so much better, longer and more technically impressive game.
I think most gamers of a certain age are Nintendo kids by default, at least in the beginning. I was born in 83, when my family got a Nintendo (the one with the power pad and smb, duck hunt, and track&field) it was 1987 and I wasn't really aware of Sega at that point. It wasn't until I got to third grade that I even wanted a genesis.
last 3 Ninja Gaiden who s i played will be for PS3,of this retro games,only i play second part and its not to be bad
超棒的忍者遊戲，回到我的童年。
More SMS games review please.
Yea, for the most part, 'Shinobi' IP was the 'Ninja Gaiden' of their systems...so since they couldn't get many 3rdPS for the SMS, they probably didn't want NG to compete with their own Ninja series.
I too was initially a Nintendo kid, but always thought SEGA's Arcade IPs blew them out the water (besides PunchOut!!! and Mario)
Thanks. Now go over the differences between Ninja Gaiden for the SMS type A and type B.
With this 'mini' versions of old consoles, what games should be in your opinion in a Sega Master System mini?
They forgot to put the sticker on the box: "we are taking players for idiots!"
This looks way better and funner than the NES versions!! Nes gaiden meets mario 2 and mega man. Very nice.
I played this game years later through emulation and came to the same conclusion. Definitely worth a playthrough!👍
This game only needed parallax effect and a built-in sound chip add-on.
I like this one alright. I feel like it really missed the boat by throwing so many multi-hit enemies in your way, though. Totally wrecks the flow. Stopping in Ninja Gaiden feels *bad*. The story could have used some actual effort, too. It's a shame to include cut scenes when they're not even worth watching. It's a good game that could have been great if its creators paid more attention to the fine details of what previous entries did best.
Looks to play more similar to NES NG3, with its larger sword swipe, floatier jumps, & hanging mechanics. That said, NG3 was the weakest of the NES trilogy.
@@TexasHollowEarth "NG3 was the weakest of the NES trilogy." this is what every nub gamer says who has no clue of what great game design is. NG3 level design is masterwork, sorry you suck and can't beat the game because of the 3 continue limit so you just call it "weak". You SMS Euro-gamer people crack me up.
We pronounced it gaidin to! Four of us used to play this , but I have and neither of them got passed the last boss ! I tried lots of times. I need to do it some time but where the game is now I don't know!I bought the master system second hand out a charity shop , this was one of the games . I have the game's still but the master system is long gone. I have another one I got off eBay so I might just buy myself this game again.
While I prefer the NES games for its story and cinematography I do prefer the Sega games for its gameplay and more fair difficulty.
Hm, if this is an alternate universe side story... would that make this Ninja Gaiden Gaiden?
Ahhhhh ;). The Sega Master System sound chip..... nothing like it.
They seriously need to completely remaster from the ground up ninja gaiden for the original Xbox
the weird thing here in the united kingdom with Ninja Gaiden some of the original games got given the name Shadow warriors the Nes version being a victim of this name change so how Sega got round that mind you the atari Lynx version. but if you want more examples of titles developed by Sega or other publishers Ghouls and Ghosts, Forgotten Worlds, Mercs and Strider.
Ah yes, I always liked Ninja Gaiden on the SMS. Used to rent it often back in the day.
I think its quite comparable to any NES entry, and while I agree it's inferior sound wise to the Nintendo offerings, all the other elements, for better or worse, have parity.
Respawning enemies, super hard stages with cinder block dumb bosses, tricky jumps....
Ninja Gaiden 4 in my head, pretty much. Lastly, I believe N stands for Ninjutsu.
How about The Flash for SMS next?
i don't know why, but i think THE MESSENGER seems to be based heavily on this version of NINJA GAIDEN over the NES version, this is interesting, did u try THE MESSENGER , SEGA LORD ? the more i watch this video , the more i am convinced it was heavily inspired by this.
I would love to have this game but it's not really cheap.
Only Ninja Gaidens I ever beat was Ninja Gaiden sigma 1 and 2
You say “water” like ChrisFix does. You must both be from the same city or something.
as a brazilian kid I was crazy about ninja gaiden and got super excited when it got released for the sms. As someone who frequently played the nes version, the master system ninja gaiden felt a bit disappointing. Believe it or not I got super excited about the character screaming on Ninja Gaiden 3, so I went to the mall and asked the store clerk if the ninja on the master system screamed as well. They all made fun of me so I didnt buy it out of spite but rented it instead. It simply didnt feel actual Ninja Gaiden to me, but some spinoff. It also felt generic and unexciting, so I just rented it a couple of times and that was it. Music was also a big factor here. Though the master system version has good soundtracks, they didnt get to me as the nes version did, as I was humming those all the time.