The Ninja Warriors

The Ninja Warriors is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Taito in 1987 for the arcade.

In The Ninja Warriors, you and up to one other player take on the roles of highly trained ninjas tasked with overthrowing the tyrannical warlord Banglar and his forces. You select from three distinct ninja characters: Kunoichi, Ninja, and Ninja Master, each offering a slightly different approach to combat. The game progresses through various stages, from crowded city streets to industrial complexes and Banglar's heavily guarded fortress.

Gameplay in The Ninja Warriors centers on moving your character left and right through the scrolling environments, confronting numerous enemy types. Your primary actions involve standard attacks, including punches and kicks, along with a jump button to evade attacks or reach higher platforms. Each ninja also has access to a special move, often a projectile or area-of-effect attack, which can be crucial for clearing out groups of enemies or dealing with tougher opponents. The ability to play cooperatively with another player allows for coordinated assaults and covering each other's backs as you advance.

The visual design of The Ninja Warriors presents a gritty, urban environment, and the action is fast-paced, requiring quick reflexes to react to the onslaught of enemies. Defeating Banglar demands mastering your chosen ninja's moveset and working effectively with your ally to overcome the challenges presented by each level and its boss guardians.