10 Best Ninja Games of Time

The mystery of the ninja is silent, deadly, and enigmatic, captivating audiences for decades across various forms of entertainment. From ancient folklore to modern cinema, the image of the ninja, an elite warrior moving undetected through the night, striking with precision, and vanishing like a ghost, has fascinated people around the world. The allure of their stealth, combat mastery, and near-supernatural agility fuels a timeless fascination, making ninjas one of the most iconic figures in popular culture. They offer a perfect blend of stealth, agility, and deadly combat skills. From timeless classic hits to modern masterpieces, these are the 10 best ninja games ever.  

10. Aragami

Aragami is a hidden gem in the stealth ninja games genre. Players control a zombie assassin with unearthly shadow powers. The zombie uses darkness as a weapon and a means of movement. Players can control shadows, teleport, and disappear into the darkness. The game features a unique cel-shaded art style, engaging stealth gameplay, and an intriguing story. It has excellent slow stealth gameplay and beautiful visuals, making it feel like a spiritual successor to Tenchu. 

9. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes players to feudal Japan in the Sengoku era. Players guide Wolf, a shinobi, on a rescue mission. Wolf must rescue his kidnapped lord in a world full of mythical creatures and legendary warriors. Strategy, stealth, and perseverance are key in the game. Shadows Die Twice is from the creators of Dark Souls, FromSoftware. However, it does not focus on RPG mechanics but on parry and fighting with swords. The game is a must-play as it challenges players to be ninja masters. 

8. The Messenger

Imagine a combination of old-school Ninja Gaiden gameplay with Metroidvania elements. That’s the Messenger. Players take the role of a nimble ninja who must deliver an important scroll to save his clan. Players must battle demons and navigate dangerous environments to accomplish the mission. The game features fast platforming gameplay, tight controls, and time-travel mechanics. The ability to switch between 8-bit and 16-bit visuals changes the gameplay in a big and exciting way. The switch is a unique feature, making the game the most satisfying platforming experience ever in a ninja game. 

7. Mark on Ninja

In Mark on Ninja, every shadow and sound matters. Players must use their senses and various ninja equipment to eliminate or avoid enemies and progress through the intricate and challenging levels. The beautifully designed levels are filled with deadly traps and enemies. The game features an intelligent level design and smooth animation, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles. With beautiful visuals and an engaging story, the story sets a high standard for stealth games. 

6. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Series

The series is based on the popular anime Naruto. The Ultimate Ninja Storm series delivers cinematic anime-based ninja gameplay with breathtaking visuals and seamless, fluid mechanics. The games feature a massive roster of characters and fantastic storylines that follow some of the most popular anime arcs. The seamless, fluid mechanics allow players to engage in fast-paced ninja action, combining taijutsu (hand-to-hand combat), ninjutsu (powerful elemental techniques), and awe-inspiring Ultimate Jutsu that mirror the intense fights from the series.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge launched in 2020. It offers a classic beat ’em-up experience with modern enhancements. The game delivers the classic TMNT experience on modern consoles. This is the game for you if you are looking for a nostalgic yet challenging ninja experience. The game is a faithful adaptation of the franchise. Shredder’s Revenge has colorful pixel graphics and a fun, action-packed experience. The game allows solo play or co-op multiplayer with friends for a blast from the past that never gets old.

4. Ghost of Tsushima

While the title is not a ninja game, Ghost of Tsushima delivers one of the best experiences ever. The game features the stealth and strategy that define the ninja genre. Jim Sakai, a samurai, must defend the world against the Mongol invasion. To accomplish this mission, Sakai has to use ninja tactics. The game’s stealth, assassinations, and weapons transform Jin Sakai into a deadly shinobi lurking in the shadows. The title features open-world exploration and has breathtaking visuals. With a blend of ninja and samurai aspects, Ghost of Tsushima delivers an experience that fans of the genre would not like to miss. 

3. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

Another game on the list of best ninja games is Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. The title is a tactical real-time strategy (RTS) game set in feudal Japan. Players control a team of ninjas, using stealth and strategy to complete missions. Each ninja has unique abilities, requiring one to plan before action. The gameplay stands out in the ninja genre, requiring planning and careful execution. The game’s challenging missions reward strategic thinking and teamwork.

2.  Ninja Games- Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins is a masterclass in ninja stealth. Launched in 1998, the game revolutionized the genre and rose to become one of the greatest ninja stealth games. The game introduced sandbox levels and stealth takedowns, where players can climb rooftops and hide behind walls. The gameplay prioritizes stealth and silent takedowns over using force and combat. Its 3D environments with open-ended levels were unprecedented in the gaming industry and provided a new level of freedom to the game. A beloved addition to the ninja genre, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins is a classic game that has inspired later stealth games.

1. Ninja Gaiden Black

Ninja Gaiden Black is an iconic action-adventure game that sets the bar high for fast-paced combat and cinematic storytelling. Players take the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a deadly ninja seeking revenge against demonic forces. The fast combat in the game requires high skill to defeat the enemies, and the game has some of the most brutal enemies and bosses in gaming. Enduring the challenges rewards players with the best action experiences ever. The game has earned a reputation in the gaming industry for its high difficulty. However, the captivating gameplay and elegant design have solidified its status as one of the best Ninja games ever.