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Ninja Warriors, The (Japan)

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What is Ninja Warriors, The?

The Ninja Warriors (Japan) for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up that began its life in arcades before being ported to home systems like the Commodore 64 and this Japanese console release. It arrived on the TurboGrafx-16 (known as the PC Engine in Japan) as a direct adaptation of Taito's coin-op original, bringing the same over-the-top action to the living room. This version retains the arcade's core premise and visual style, making it a notable addition to the platform's library for fans of the genre.\n\nIn this game, you control one of three robotic ninja warriors as they fight through waves of enemies across various stages. The action plays out in classic beat-'em-up fashion - you move left and right, punch, kick, and use special techniques to dispatch foes. What sets it apart is the combo system, which allows for varied attack strings, and the intricate finishing moves that add a layer of strategy to encounters. Each level ends with a boss fight, and your goal is to survive and defeat the enemy forces using your ninja's unique abilities.\n\nThe TurboGrafx-16 version of The Ninja Warriors is worth revisiting for its depth within the beat-'em-up genre, which on this platform was often limited to simpler brawlers. The combo mechanics and distinct finishing moves give it a tactical edge that holds up today, even if the game overall is straightforward. If you enjoy arcade-style brawlers with a bit more complexity, this Japanese port is a solid pick, especially given its scarcity on other home consoles. It's not a system seller, but it's a competent, fun translation of an arcade classic.

GAME INFO

Platform: NEC TURBOGRAFX-16
Genre: Beat em Up
Region: Japan
Based on: The Ninja Warriors

How to play Ninja Warriors, The online

Getting Started

When you fire up The Ninja Warriors (Japan), the first thing you'll encounter is a title screen and a menu that is entirely in Japanese. Press Start to proceed; if you see a character select screen, use the D-Pad to choose one of the three robotic ninjas - each has slightly different stats or moves, but any is viable for a first playthrough. After selecting your character, you'll be thrown into the first level, where enemies approach from both sides.

The core loop is simple: move through each stage from left to right, defeating every enemy that appears. Use the B button (S key) for your standard attack, and combine it with directional inputs to perform combos - for example, pressing forward and attack repeatedly can string together hits. The Y button (Z key) might trigger a special move or jump, depending on context. Keep an eye on your health bar and use the environment to your advantage, but don't expect block or evade mechanics common in modern brawlers - this is old-school arcade action where aggression often pays off.

Boss fights require you to learn attack patterns and time your combos carefully, as finishing moves can deal massive damage but leave you open. There are no continues or saves in the traditional sense - this is designed for single-session playthroughs, much like the original arcade version. If you get confused by the Japanese menus, just experiment with pressing Start and Select - the game is straightforward enough that language isn't a barrier once you're in the action.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: I button
S: II button
Enter: Run / Start
V: Select

Ninja Warriors, The FAQ

Which regions was Ninja Warriors, The released in?

The original arcade version was distributed worldwide, but the TurboGrafx-16 port was exclusive to Japan. No official Western release exists for this home console version, making it a Japan-only title on the platform.

Does Ninja Warriors, The have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

No, the TurboGrafx-16 version of The Ninja Warriors is strictly a single-player experience. Unlike many arcade beat-'em-ups that supported two players simultaneously, this port focuses on a solo campaign with no cooperative options.

What makes Ninja Warriors, The stand out among NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 titles of its era?

Its combo system and finishing moves give it more depth than typical TurboGrafx-16 brawlers, which were often simpler action games. The robotic ninja premise and arcade heritage also lend it a distinctive aesthetic, and it remains one of the few beat-'em-ups on the platform with layered combat mechanics.