The average plebian consumer might call this game a simple "Action-Platformer", but I would like to posit that perhaps this game would be better suited as being known as a strategy game. Much in the same way that proponents of fencing will often call it "Chess at 100 miles per hour", Ninja Gaiden is very much a game where the player is forced to make split second decisions at any singular moment. Would it be more advantageous for me to jump forward at this approaching enemy, or should I wait in place for it to pass? Should I take time to turn around and kill the dog or bird encroaching on my position, or would it be more wise to let the screen scroll kill it? Are these foes worth disposing of with my secondary weapon, or would it be simpler to just take a strategic hit and barrel forwards? This constant sense of exhilaration and forward progression keeps you on edge the whole time, keeping you clawing further and further in this game of inches. In order to best this program, one must not only be adept in the ways of NES platforming, but must also act as tactfully as possible, lest they be caught off guard by the creature that jumps at you from off the screen. One must be in full control of themselves to weather the storm.

None of what I said applies to the bosses, which all suck. 6-2 is on thin fucking ice too