Ninja – Shadow of the Warrior on Atari XL/XE

During the mid-1980s, the ninja craze took the world by storm — in movies, comic books, and of course, video games. One notable entry was Ninja, developed by Steve Coleman and released in 1986 by Mastertronic for multiple 8-bit systems, including the Atari XL/XE.

Gameplay and Objective

You play as a lone ninja warrior infiltrating the dangerous palace of Akuma. Your mission is to find and retrieve four sacred idols and then escape safely. Along the way, you'll face armed guards, hidden traps, and maze-like corridors that require quick thinking and precise movement.

The gameplay blends beat 'em up action with light exploration. You’ll use your katana in close combat, while also throwing shuriken and daggers from a distance. The action is fast, and every room offers new challenges as you uncover the secrets of the fortress.

Graphics and Sound

For an 8-bit title, Ninja features detailed character sprites, fluid animations, and evocative backgrounds that reflect a stylized Eastern aesthetic. The accompanying music track enhances the tension and keeps players immersed in the stealthy world of shadows and swift combat.

Legacy and Reception

While simple in its mechanics, Ninja won players over with its engaging action and immersive setting. It became a favorite among Atari fans and stands as one of the more memorable budget action games of the 1980s. Its legacy lives on in fan-made ninja games for the Atari 8-bit platform, including projects like Wee Ninja and unofficial ports of The Last Ninja.

Did You Know?

Developer Steve Coleman was also responsible for other Atari classics such as Rainbow Walker and The Pharaoh's Curse.

Quick Facts

• Title: Ninja
• Publisher: Mastertronic
• Year: 1986
• Platform: Atari XL/XE (8-bit)
• Genre: Action / Beat 'em up

Ninja remains a must-play for fans of retro action games and anyone fascinated by the stealthy mystique of classic ninja warriors.