X
Close Ad
Ninja Gaiden (2004)
Xbox
Released On:Mar 2, 2004
8.7
My Score
Hover and click to give a ratingSaved
All Platforms
Metascore
Universal AcclaimBased on 89 Critic Reviews
91
97% Positive
86 Reviews
86 Reviews
2% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
1% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Metascore
Universal AcclaimBased on 89 Critic Reviews
91
97% Positive
86 Reviews
86 Reviews
2% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
1% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
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.
User Score
Generally FavorableBased on 136 User Ratings
8.7
90% Positive
122 Ratings
122 Ratings
4% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
6% Negative
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
User Score
Generally FavorableBased on 136 User Ratings
8.7
90% Positive
122 Ratings
122 Ratings
4% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
6% Negative
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Apr 15, 2025
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.
Report
Xbox Mar 21, 2024
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.
Report
XboxNinja Gaiden's greatest strength is its combat system, which gradually evolves as you progress through the game.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Sep 15, 2022
"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.
Report
Xbox Mar 30, 2017
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.
Report
Xbox Dec 16, 2019
+ playability+ extreme difficulty+ creative final bosses+ art and design- Storyline- Sometimes ridiculously hard
Report
XboxSummaryNinja 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...
Rated M for Mature