#32. Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES, VC)
The real one, not the Xbox 360 game. Back in the NES days, Ninja Gaiden was as close as you'd get to a cinematic game. Between each level you were treated to cutscenes advancing the story featuring images that were quite impressive for an 8bit console. I still think they look damn good today.
Of course Ninja Gaiden wasn't all about the story, the game is a sidescroller where you play as Ruy Hayabuza fighting off demons to rescue his girlfriend Irene from the evil Ashtar. Along your way you collect power ups like throwing stars, the fire wheel or the big orange ball that shoots downward (might not be the official name). These items requires energy to use but are very useful against enemies and bosses. Then there's the coolest part of the game, the ability to get up to two clones following you and repeating your every move. When used wisely these clones can make quick work of bosses and will save your ass on multiple occassions.
Ninja Gaiden II is a very hard game where you're asked to do very precise jumps while fighting off very very evil birds (I hate them). Luckily the game doesn't limit the number of times you can continue after losing all your lives which is why I've managed to finish the game a couple of times but be advised that it requires patience and skill to get to the end without losing your mind.
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