(Moves silently towards computer. Writes article before enemies even realize I am there.) I have just described to you the tactics of a ninja—stealth and shadow. Although their normal tactics tend to involve swords as well.
These three things make for excellent gameplay, but few games can rise to the top of triple S (that’s what I’m calling it).
They are as follows:
15. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Gameplay
Embark on a quest for vengeance with a sword on your back and a prosthetic arm that doubles as… well, a lot of things. This game comes grappling in via From Software. They easily could have just made Dark Souls with ninjas, but From have come up with some truly unique ideas here. The prosthetic limb can double as a shield-shattering axe and a grappling hook, to name a few. There’s also an increased focus on parrying and other swordplay.
Finally beat this guy…
…before probably losing to this guy.
14. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun Gameplay
Get used to the word “shadow”. It’s going to appear quite a few times on this list. This game takes place during Japan’s Edo period. The setup is straightforward— there’s a new shogun and you play as his five enforcers. This entry is different from the others on this list due to the point and click strategy mechanics of the gameplay. Each of the five characters has their own strengths and weaknesses (some are stealthier, others stronger, etc.) This allows for multiple ways to accomplish different goals.
Look at all the people…
…but don’t let them look at you!
13. Shadow Warrior 2
Shadow Warrior 2 Gameplay
I told you that word would show up a lot. While this game has fun first person combat, the main selling point here is its personality. With Lo Wang, a main character who is essentially Deadpool but leaning heavier on the ninja angle, Shadow Warrior 2 is less about stealth and more about having a good time. Swing a powerful sword in a circle around you to cut down swaths of enemies, or gun them down in droves— all while Lo Wang delivers enough quips to fill a clip.
Only this game could have this building.
Two is factually better than one.
12. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Gameplay
This game tells the high-octane story of Raiden—a half-human cyborg with an affinity for katana blades. Konami brings the thunder (get it?) in this epic story of you guessed it, revenge. Saying this game cranks the action up to 11 would be an insult. 12 or 13 would be a more appropriate measurement. With quick, flowing movement and a blade that can make multiple slashes per second, this one’s sure to give you a jolt (haha) of adrenaline.
There’s a boss like this in the first chapter.
Let’s see this in Mortal Kombat.
11. Aragami
In this game, you play as a shadowy spirit known as an Aragami. You were summoned by a girl named Yamiko and proceed to embark on a dark quest to fight warriors of the light. I know, I said the word ‘“shadow” would make quite a few appearances, but this game takes the concept to a whole new level. You can use shadows to become invisible, use them as weapons and even teleport between shadowed areas.
Is this My Hero Academia? (Google it.)
Teleport throughout these beautifully rendered areas.
10. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Gameplay
If you’re a fan of the anime, you’ll like this one. If you’re a fan of fighting games, you’ll also like this one. The frenetic energy imbued into every fight is palpable just from watching this game. The unique abilities of each fighter add even more flair to this beautiful display of a game.
These fights can get crazy.
I mean, really crazy.
9. Shadow Blade: Reload
There’s that word again! This time it shows up in a side-scrolling platformer about warring clans, with a ninja named Kuro at the center. This one really pushes swordplay, as well as jumping off walls and finding creative ways to platform your way through environments. The music and art style also create a shadowy, intimate feel.
When you collect these bits of light, it plays musical notes.
Is this Naruto? (See above.)
8. Kenshi
Kenshi Gameplay
This is an ambitious game that is still in its alpha development stages, but is available as is on Steam nonetheless. From what’s been released, one can gather that it is an open world game in the vein of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, with more leaning towards the former with a bit of ninja flair. One big aspect of the game is that everyone, player and NPC, is on the same footing in terms of skill and durability. If you want to be powerful in this game, you have to earn it.
“You are not special,” is a big tagline here.
Be fashion forward!
7. Mark of the Ninja: Remastered
Mark of the Ninja: Remastered Gameplay
Another side-scrolling platformer, this game takes more of a focus on stealth than Shadow Blade: Reload. Here, you play as a ninja with heightened senses he got from tattoos (because video game). This has a dark, rich color palette that makes the environment come alive. In addition, you perfect your ninja craft by creatively using the environment to hide and strike at your targets.
He probably could’ve hid in the dumpster but, you know…
They should make a Where’s Waldo book with this art style.
6. Nioh
Here comes another game fresh out of the From Software School of Game Design. Darkness, swords, and monsters abound in this game about a lone warrior hunting Yokai throughout Japan. The From Software signature difficulty also appears to be present in this title. With multiple weapons, stances, fighting styles and magic, this game has plenty to offer for numerous different play styles.
Face off! (See what I did there?)
Man, red swords are cool.
5.NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata Gameplay
It’s ninja robots in a post-apocalyptic landscape. What more could one want in a game? How about a deep, engaging, heart wrenching story? This title is filled with fast movement, imaginative designs and more story twists than you can shake a metal stick at.
The meaning behind these fights is dark. Trust me.
Dodging is always important!
4. Strider (2014)
Strider (2014) Gameplay
One of Capcom’s staples makes the list, with the speed and technology to put him a cut above. Here, our man Hiryu faces off against Grand Master Meio. There are several mechanics that make this game unique. These include: a healthy variety of enemy types, super quick combat and Plasma Cyphers, allowing Stryder to burn, freeze and deflect along with other abilities.
The world’s deadliest sparkler.
I wish I had a red sword. A guy can dream…
3. Attack on Titan 2
Here’s another game based on an anime. In this one, you defend the last of humanity from a race of giant monsters called Titans. AOT2 allows fans of the series to interact with some of their favorite characters and take a hands-on approach to moments in the series. Additionally, the free-swinging combat makes for some fun, swashbuckling gameplay.
I bet these guys never saw the first episode of Game of Thrones.
Swing your cares (and Titans) away!
2. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China Gameplay
In this spinoff of the Assassin’s Creed series, players control Shao Jun, the last living Assassin of the Chinese Brotherhood. It’s a secret history game about a war raging behind the scenes between Assassins and the evil Templars. This game is another that takes the side scroller approach, while still maintaining the series’ core elements like stealth and, well, assassination.
I hate when a guy tries to attack from behind and I have to swiftly turn around with my sword. So relatable.
She’s gonna do a superhero landing!
1. Dishonored 2
This exceptional sequel takes the top spot, and it has all the classic ninja elements: blades, stealth and a hint of darkness around every corner. Playing as either the Empress or Corvo, the player must navigate through the coastal city of Karnaca to restore the Empress’ throne. Supernatural abilities as well as the choice of how and if you’ll kill your enemies make this game a superior standout.
Use abilities like this! Unless of course, you’re playing No Powers Mode.
Looks like you can be an airbender too!
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