An NES ninja action-platformer with animal transformations. Original and fun concept in two-player co-op. Overlooked but solid. For ninja-action fans wanting something different.
Your verdict
Category
Action1 player12+
Co-op
Description
Action game featuring ninjas battling demonic forces. Published by Nihon Bussan, released in Japan in 1989. Original Japanese version of Ninja Crusaders on Famicom.
Ninja Crusaders - Ryuuga review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾0,07 MB📅28/04/1989
Published by American Sachen
Ninja Crusaders - Ryuuga (NES) price, value & rarity
The original Japanese edition issued in April 1989 as Ninja Crusaders - Ryuuga, more than a year ahead of the American NES release. That precedence makes it the source build for purists, with its native Famicom packaging and full title. More common in Japan than the US version on the secondary market, it appeals chiefly to those chasing the original iteration rather than outright scarcity.
Is Ninja Crusaders - Ryuuga still worth playing in 2026?
Ninja Crusaders is a Nihon Bussan action game in which two ninjas fight demonic forces across nighttime levels, with the ability to transform into different animals with distinct powers. The transformation system, the snappy scrolling action and the two-player co-op mode bring real variety and a pleasant outlet. The modest presentation and a high difficulty betray the era. For fans of ninja-themed NES action-platforming and retro co-op, it is a solid diversion with a clever central idea.
