I’ve gotten really far, but can’t quite get through 6. Someday! ❤️
Did you beat it?
05.03.2026 18:29
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I’ve gotten really far, but can’t quite get through 6. Someday! ❤️
Did you beat it?
One of the best aspects of the late 80s and early 90s was the ubiquitous nature of ninjas: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ninja Gaiden, 3 Ninjas, Surf Ninjas…so many ninjas. And it was awesome.
Ninja Gaiden is on my list of games I would love to beat someday!
As a kid, I remember the iconic game cover (where Ryu’s muscles have muscles) and the commercial with the kid dressed as a ninja, which struck me as incredibly cool.
And adding a timer to top it all off is just cruel! At least you don’t have to start completely over, though you might need to leave your Nintendo on for a few days 🤭
Though punishingly difficult, the infinite continues are slightly soul-crushing than similar “NES hard” titles. The worst, though, is Level 6, when you return to the beginning of the Act if any of the 3 final bosses get you. And those birds and the weird jet pack ninjas are awful…
The gameplay for this side-scrolling platformer is notoriously difficult, increasing in intensity as players progress. Enemies hurl projectiles that can knock players into chasms mid-jump, and enemy respawns are timed in the most inopportune ways.
The story unfolds through cinematic cutscenes interspersed between six Acts comprising 20 gameplay levels. Issue 5 of Nintendo Power, dated March/April 1989, included a snapshot of each Act, with more in-depth coverage of the first three.
The word “Gaiden” translates to “side story,” and the Tecmo title follows ninja Ryu Hayabusa on a journey to avenge the apparent murder of his father, Ken Hayabusa. Upon traveling to America, he discovers a plot by cult leader Jaquio to unleash an ancient evil through two demon statues.
Ninja Gaiden released for NES in North America in March 1989! 🎉 Initially released as an arcade title in fall 1988, it came to the Famicom in Japan as Ninja Ryūkenden (“Ninja Dragon Sword Legend”) on December 9, 1988, and was known in Europe as Shadow Warriors.
I grew up with the U.S. release of Pokémon Blue, though sadly I no longer have my original copy. I know it is basic, but I love Pikachu and Eevee. I also adore Butterfree.
Who is your favorite Pokémon?
8/8
When Pokémon released, I instantly fell in love with how adorable they were and got this rare Tomy Pikachu around that time. He has the most adorable little “pika” squeaks. I thought they were so cute that I even got Pokémon book covers for my school books, back when schools had textbooks 🤭 7/
Pokémon for Game Boy allowed players to trade Pokémon with each other, which was a new and revolutionary concept in video gaming.
In 1996, I lived in northern Japan because my mom was working on a base. 6/
Ken Sugimori acquired two of the item, and Tajiri searched for a way to transfer one of the rare items via Famicom. It was not feasible, but he realized the Game Boy Link Cable could bring that vision to reality for his Pokémon game. 5/
He wanted to capture that feeling in video game form. In naming each Pokémon, Tajiri hoped that children would find their electronic friends relatable.
Further inspiration came from Tajiri’s frustration with the difficulty of obtaining a rare item in Dragon Quest II. 4/
Satoshi Tajiri developed the series, and although Nintendo was initially skeptical due to the ambitious nature of the project, Shigeru Miyamoto believed the idea had potential. Tajiri’s inspiration came from insect collecting, one of his favorite activities as a child. 3/
Initially, there were 151 Pokémon (150 + Mew) to complete the Pokédex, and players had the option to build their team to battle other Trainers. The ultimate goal was to defeat the eight Gym Leaders and the Elite Four, the strongest Trainers in the region. 2/
Happy Pokémon Day! 🥳 Today marks the franchise’s 30th birthday, with Pocket Monsters Red and Green released in Japan on February 27, 1996.
Players collect little monsters known as Pokémon in the fictional region of Kanto and strive to become a Pokémon Master and Champion of the Indigo League. 1/
🥳
Happy 30th Anniversary, Pokémon!
I went through all of my original save files from every game, from Blue to Violet!
Want to see my competitive Bug team?
youtu.be/m6yC_esye8Q
😆
Mortal Kombat on ice!! 🐉❤️
I think I love these people.
They were not masterpieces, but I still smile remembering the days of sitting on my burnt orange carpet exploring Hyrule on my box TV, and sneaking my Zelda map and manual to school as art references.
I still have mementos from those early years, including an school book with Zelda drawings. My silly pictures often featuring her in the pink dress from the manuals but with blonde hair from the cartoon.
It wasn’t until I was 12 that I saw the victory screen congratulating me as the Hero of Hyrule, and even longer before I completed the Second Quest (congratulating me on having “an amazing wisdom and power”). I am so thankful I kept on!
The hidden stairway in Level 7 stumped me, but I finally progressed after receiving a clue from a Walmart’s employee.
As a small child, I could do little more than wander before the game over screen. Yet the urge to explore demanded tenacity, and I unveiled its secrets over the course of my elementary school years. The Darknuts guarding the raft thwarted me for so long, but I learned how to strike from the side.
Many enemies are puzzles themselves, and players decipher clues from cryptic old men (who hurl fire if attacked). Dodongo dislikes smoke and can only be damaged with bombs, Digdogger hates certain sounds and is weakened by the recorder, and Gohma requires an arrow to its eye.
Now properly equipped, the daringly open overworld beckons players to explore the wilderness. The mysteries of Hyrule unfold as players discover labyrinths housing treasure, friendly Moblins gifting secret rupees, or misers demanding payment for burning open their hidden doors.
The adventure begins without guidance. Ignoring the starting cave leaves players helpless against Octoroks. Depleted of hearts, an unarmed Link spins into the game over screen. Eventually, if Link enters the cave he received the wooden sword and a warning: “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.”
Before her capture, Zelda implored her nursemaid Impa to find someone with the courage to defeat Ganon.
A young boy named Link rescued Impa from Ganon’s henchmen, and she imparted the legend to Link, who set off on his quest to save Zelda.
