Ninja Spirit (USA)

You take control of a ninja armed with a sword and throwing shurikens. Each stage scrolls horizontally as you fight off waves of enemies like samurai, ghosts, and ninja dogs. The core loop is simple: move right, slash or throw, avoid damage, and reach the end of the level to face a boss. Your sword can be swung in different directions depending on your stance, and you can pick up power-ups that increase your attack range or add a second blade.

The difficulty ramps up fast. Enemies come from both sides and often from above, so you need to stay aware of the whole screen. Learning enemy patterns and using your jump effectively is key. Dying sends you back to a checkpoint, but continues are limited. Take your time, watch for attack tells, and don't be afraid to retreat.