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Ninja (1986 video game)

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Ninja
Developer(s)Sculptured Software
Publisher(s)Mastertronic
Designer(s)Steve Coleman[1]
Platform(s)Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, ZX Spectrum
Release
  • NA: 1986 (1986)
Genre(s)Beat 'em up
Mode(s)Single-player

Ninja is a beat 'em up game developed by Sculptured Software and released by Mastertronic in 1986 for the Atari 8-bit computers, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum, then in 1987 for the Amstrad CPC, Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS.[2] An arcade version of the game was released in 1987 for Mastertronic's Arcadia Systems which is based on Amiga hardware.[3] The Amiga, Atari ST, and Arcade versions were released as Ninja Mission. As a Ninja, the player attacks a fortress made of individual fixed screens which can be explored non-linearly.

Ninja was written by Steve Coleman, who previously created the Atari 8-bit games Rainbow Walker and The Pharaoh's Curse.[1]

Gameplay

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Atari 8-bit screenshot

The player controls a ninja who has to penetrate a Japanese fortress by fighting enemy ninjas with karate moves and by throwing shurikens and daggers. On his way, he has to collect all of the idols. The fortress is a series of horizontal, flip-screen segments that are stacked vertically. The player is not forced along a specific route, but can explore both sides of a branching path and also backtrack to earlier screens.

Reception

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Ninja received mixed reviews. Bob Chappell writing for Atari User found the game very good with "first rate animation and sound. [...] For the low price, an unmissable bargain".[5] Computer Gamer reviewer praised graphics, animation and sound of the game.[6] On the other hand Zzap!64 reviewers found the Commodore 64 version awful and boring and gave it an overall rating of 25%.[7]

Commodore User gave the game a rating of 4/10.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b Hague, James. "The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers".
  2. ^ Ninja at mobygames.com
  3. ^ Ninja Mission (Arcade) at gamesdbase.com
  4. ^ Game review, Computer & Video Games issue 65, March 1987, page 72
  5. ^ "Eastern bash away". Atari User: 17. October 1986.
  6. ^ "Sport Reviews". Computer Gamer: 64. October 1986.
  7. ^ "Zzap! test". Zzap!64: 118. November 1986.
  8. ^ Ninja Mission review at amr.abime.net
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