83
9 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 33 gold [Vol 796; 19 Mar 2004]
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.
100
There has been such precise and accurate detail placed on this game that it would be near impossible to point out any faults.
9
The Xbox reboot of "Ninja Gaiden" is an action/adventure masterpiece. It's comparable to "Devil May Cry", but also surpasses it in many ways. Developer Team Ninja had previously made the "Dead or Alive" fighting games. They brought the same combat complexity and challenge to this title. Every enemy is a force to be reckoned with. There are also plenty of puzzles and platforming similar to "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". This is one of the best action games from 2004. I would rate it with a 9.4 out of 10.
9
This Xbox action masterpiece is like a ninja version of "Devil May Cry". It's arguably better than DMC due to superb level design and engrossing combat. A prequel to the NES games, "Ninja Gaiden" has the epic scope of a Zelda title. It has expansive levels filled with intense fights, puzzles and platforming. The game also gives you the feeling of being Bruce Lee. Combat is fast, tough and strategic. You'll need to polish your fight skills if you want to beat this very challenging game. Hardcore action fans will savor every minute of it. I would rate it with a 9.4 out of 10.
9
Glorious return of a mythical game. Great design, varied levels and a unique atmosphere. Superb graphics and a high difficulty that makes it not suitable for beginners.
Ninja Gaiden (2004)
Xbox
Released On:
Mar 2, 2004
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
91
User score
Generally Favorable
8.7
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
All Platforms
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
97% Positive
86 Reviews
86 Reviews
2% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
1% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
100
One of the best, most challenging games ever made. Ninja Gaiden is as close to perfect as a game can get. The game sports cutting edge graphics, great sound and the best fighting engine that has ever been created.
97
Ninja Gaiden does everything right from A to Z.
User score
Generally Favorable
90% Positive
123 Ratings
123 Ratings
4% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
6% Negative
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
Apr 15, 2025
9
The Xbox reboot of "Ninja Gaiden" is an action/adventure masterpiece. It's comparable to "Devil May Cry", but also surpasses it in many ways. Developer Team Ninja had previously made the "Dead or Alive" fighting games. They brought the same combat complexity and challenge to this title. Every enemy is a force to be reckoned with. There are also plenty of puzzles and platforming similar to "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". This is one of the best action games from 2004. I would rate it with a 9.4 out of 10.
Mar 21, 2024
9
This Xbox action masterpiece is like a ninja version of "Devil May Cry". It's arguably better than DMC due to superb level design and engrossing combat. A prequel to the NES games, "Ninja Gaiden" has the epic scope of a Zelda title. It has expansive levels filled with intense fights, puzzles and platforming. The game also gives you the feeling of being Bruce Lee. Combat is fast, tough and strategic. You'll need to polish your fight skills if you want to beat this very challenging game. Hardcore action fans will savor every minute of it. I would rate it with a 9.4 out of 10.
95
Ninja Gaiden's greatest strength is its combat system, which gradually evolves as you progress through the game.
93
A welcome return to the no nonsense do-or-die school of games. You have to battle for every inch, but around every corner there's something amazing!
90
One of the most challengingly beautiful game experiences I've had to date and it's only fault is a camera that makes things unnecessarily difficult in approximately 5% of the game.
86
Other than the odd time that the camera misbehaves on you, Ninja Gaiden is without a doubt going to be in the running for game of the year.
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.
Jul 12, 2023
9
Glorious return of a mythical game. Great design, varied levels and a unique atmosphere. Superb graphics and a high difficulty that makes it not suitable for beginners.
Sep 15, 2022
9
"Ninja Gaiden" for the original Xbox is a great action game in the tradition of "Devil May Cry". Developed by Team Ninja and released in 2004, it's a punishingly difficult action-adventure. According to director Tomonobu Itagaki, this reboot is set in the "Dead or Alive" universe and serves as a prequel to the NES titles. Being a fan of "God of War" and "Onimusha", I ended up buying an Xbox console just to play this and I didn't regret it. This is a masterpiece that ranks up with the best action titles ever made. It certainly is the best one made for the original Xbox. Unfortunately, the sequels did not live up to its level of excellence. In addition, the rebooted franchise never became as popular as its competition. Regardless, this first installment of the "new" Ninja Gaiden is a must-play. It surpasses the first "God of War" and "Devil May Cry" games in terms of map design, weapon selection and combat. I would rate it with a 9.4 out of 10.
Mar 30, 2017
9
A kick ass way of bring back a classic. Well done. Totally worth checking out. Sadly it's sequels after this were not so special... Oh well... This one was still pretty sweet.
Dec 16, 2019
8
+ playability + extreme difficulty + creative final bosses + art and design - Storyline - Sometimes ridiculously hard
Mar 17, 2019
2
Otherwise solid game is actually **** because of the ****ty camera, You will find yourself constantly fighting cameras lunatic behaviour and attempt to make it look the way your enemies are, instead of concentrating on enemies. Totally ruins the experience.
SummaryNinja 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... Read More
Rated Mfor Mature
