Ryu Hayabusa, a katana, and a demand that forgives no mistake.

On gut feeling, this Ninja Gaiden edges past 61% of games, a touch above average, on few votes so still to confirm. But it is by criterion that its identity explodes. The feel in hand puts it ahead of 93% of titles, almost at the very top, this is a game of pure motion, precision and nerve. The art style follows, above average and on its sturdiest votes. By contrast, the desert island sinks to the bottom, the sound sits low, and both rediscovery and connection cap around the middle. The tension is clear: a gameplay peak you respect with a controller in hand, but not the game you would take for life, nor one whose music trails after you.

In the action and beat'em up field, this is the reference for demanding motion more than sentimental love. You play it for mastered difficulty, not for comfort.

So, who is it for? For you if you love fighting for every win and feeling every blow. Much less so if you want an endearing adventure to keep warm.