Kage
A ninja who battles through enemy territory to rescue Princess Kiri.
Documented for this version
Arrow UpArrow DownArrow LeftArrow Right | Move Kage |
|---|---|
A | Jump |
B | Attack with the sword |
The NES version uses the standard controller.
The exact use of directional input can vary by situation; undocumented combinations are omitted.
How it plays
The game uses a side-view perspective. Kage moves horizontally through scrolling outdoor stages and fortress areas while avoiding or defeating ninjas, soldiers, birds, and other hazards.
The main objective is to reach and rescue Princess Kiri. Players can walk, jump, climb, slash with the sword, and throw shuriken. After completing the rescue sequence, the game repeats with increased difficulty and altered enemy pressure rather than offering a broad branching campaign.
Plan your run
Keep moving instead of stopping to fight every enemy. Use jumps to pass groups, and attack threats before they reach close range.
Watch the upper and lower edges of the screen, where enemies can enter suddenly. Save vertical movement for avoiding projectiles and use the sword when an enemy is already within reach.
Meet the cast
A ninja who battles through enemy territory to rescue Princess Kiri.
The princess held captive and the central rescue objective.
Before you begin
Prioritize movement and survival over defeating every enemy.
Use jumps to clear crowded areas and avoid predictable ground attacks.
Learn enemy entry points; many threats appear from the screen edges.
The Legend of Kage is a side-scrolling action game developed and published by Taito for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It follows the ninja Kage as he fights through forests and enemy fortresses to rescue Princess Kiri, using a sword, thrown shuriken, and acrobatic jumps. The game emphasizes quick movement, repeated enemy encounters, and survival rather than complex exploration. Its large sprites, colorful scenery, and fast-paced action were distinctive for an early NES release, although the simple structure and relentless enemies received mixed responses. The NES version is a home adaptation of Taito’s arcade game and is remembered as a technically ambitious but demanding ninja title.
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