The Ninja
The player-created protagonist, a young ninja seeking revenge after the destruction of the protagonist’s village.
How it plays
The player views the world from an overhead perspective and moves between towns, castles, dungeons, and wilderness areas. Exploration is used to gather information, buy equipment, recruit companions, and locate opportunities to improve the protagonist’s skills.
Combat is turn-based and menu-driven. The party can attack, defend, use items, employ ninjutsu, or retreat, while character growth and equipment gradually expand tactical options. Progress depends on exploring the map, completing local objectives, and building enough strength and support to challenge Nobunaga.
Plan your run
Explore towns thoroughly before moving toward stronger regions. Recruit useful allies, keep equipment upgraded, and maintain a reliable supply of healing items.
Ninjutsu can be decisive in difficult battles, but resources are limited. Avoid unnecessary fights while traveling, and return to safer areas when the party is underleveled or poorly equipped.
Meet the cast
The player-created protagonist, a young ninja seeking revenge after the destruction of the protagonist’s village.
The Sengoku warlord who serves as the game’s principal antagonist and ultimate target.
Before you begin
Talk to characters in every town; important information and recruitment opportunities are easy to miss.
Save before entering unfamiliar areas or attempting difficult battles.
Balance physical attacks with ninjutsu and item use rather than relying on one option.
Inindo: Way of the Ninja is a Japanese role-playing game developed and published by Koei for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Set in Sengoku-period Japan, it follows a young ninja whose village is destroyed by forces loyal to Oda Nobunaga. The player travels across Japan, recruits allies, learns ninjutsu, and gathers strength for a confrontation with Nobunaga. The game combines menu-based role-playing with regional travel, tactical battles, and limited strategic decision-making. Its open-ended structure and historical setting reflect Koei’s broader interest in Japanese history. Reception was generally favorable among players seeking an unusual, slower-paced RPG, although its opaque systems and demanding progression made it less accessible than more conventional console role-playing games.
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