The article discusses several classic ninja-themed video games from the late 80s and early 90s, highlighting their absurdity and lack of realism. It begins with a nod to the ninja craze during that era and examines individual games like Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja, Shinobi, The Revenge of Shinobi, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi, and Ninja Golf.
The games feature over-the-top plots where ninjas often take center stage in ridiculous scenarios, such as rescuing kidnapped individuals or battling bizarre enemies, all while employing outlandish methods. For instance, in Bad Dudes, players punch their way across America, while Shinobi showcases Joe Musashi confronting armed foes with little stealth.
The comedic tone maintains a lighthearted critique of the genre, emphasizing how these games prioritize entertainment over logical storytelling. Ultimately, it suggests that the charm of these absurdities is part of what made them enjoyable during their time, even if they defy realism.
