The Ninja
The unnamed ninja hero controlled by the player, sent to rescue the princess.
How it plays
The game uses a side-view perspective. The objective is to move through each stage, defeat hostile enemies, avoid hazards, and reach the end of the course.
The ninja can advance, jump, and attack at range or close quarters. Stages are structured as linear action challenges, with enemy formations and obstacles testing timing. Progression comes from clearing successive stages rather than building statistics, collecting equipment, or choosing a branching route.
Plan your run
Stay near the center of the screen when possible so incoming enemies and projectiles have less chance to trap you.
Use ranged attacks to deal with enemies before they reach striking distance, and jump over threats when attacking would leave you exposed. Learn enemy placement through repetition; the game rewards cautious movement more than rushing.
Meet the cast
The unnamed ninja hero controlled by the player, sent to rescue the princess.
The kidnapped royal figure whose rescue drives the story.
Before you begin
Watch enemy patterns before advancing into a new section.
Avoid jumping blindly when an enemy or projectile may be positioned above the landing area.
Use the edges of safe platforms to create distance before attacking.
The Ninja is a side-scrolling action game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Master System. The player controls a ninja moving through dangerous stages filled with enemy warriors, projectiles, and environmental hazards. Its core play style combines direct movement, jumping, and ranged attacks with close-range combat. The game emphasizes short arcade-like encounters rather than a deep narrative or character system. It belongs to the early Master System period, when Sega was adapting fast, straightforward arcade experiences for home play. Reception has generally focused on its simple controls, brisk challenge, and attractive ninja theme, while also noting repetitive stage design and limited depth compared with later action games.
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