Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima is a game that finally fulfills every player's ninja fantasy by putting them in the role of Jin, a samurai turned shinobi in feudal-era Japan. Using Kurosawa-inspired storytelling and intense combat mechanics, players have the choice of seeking justice by the blade as a wandering warrior or to strike fear in the hearts of their enemies as the titular Ghost of Tsushima.
The game is absolutely buzzworthy, but what if there's still a ninja itch to be scratched? Well, better keep those katanas handy, because the realm of gaming has plenty of titles that will satisfy the need for stealth, story, and swordplay.
Shinobi III Return of the Ninja Master
This Sega classic defined the ninja genre in the 90s, and it remains one of the most beloved action-platformers in the system's library. Players take on the forces of Neo Zeed as the ninja master, Joe Musashi. The gameplay is simple yet sharp, with visuals that evoke elements of over-the-top kung-fu cinema. With samurai, robots, and mutant soldiers, there's more than one way to steady one's blade.
Samurai Showdown Series
If ever there was a fighting game that truly captured the samurai spirit, it's Samurai Showdown. With a fighting system and characters inspired by Japanese culture and cinema, this underrated fighting series fuels that warrior spirit much like Tsushima does, though with a little more fighting variety.
Play as a ninja, a shogun, or even a kabuki actor in this bloody battle of unique and challenging warriors.
The Messenger
The Messenger is a unique indie game experience taking inspiration from the NES platformers of the 80s and the Metroidvania games of the 90s to give players a curious and addictive hybrid. As the titular Messenger, players invoke on a quest through magical realms across time and space to defeat the Demon King, all while using a variety of weaponry and platforming skills only the nimblest of ninjas can perform.
Katana Zero
It might have similar 16-bit graphics, but, replace the Japanese-inspired fantasy with a synthesized, neon-fueled futurescape with a samurai assassin in the lead role. Timing is everything in this title, and one wrong move could be the difference between life and death.
One hit kills both player and enemy in this game, so, shinobi-level thinking is definitely required if players want to survive.
Onimusha
From the minds behind Devil May Cry comes this hack-and-slash horror title inspired by Japanese mythology. Instead of taking on enemy samurai, however, players do battle with legions of undead monsters and demons that stand in their way.
However, even with a remastered version available for modern consoles, the game is a bit dated, receiving barely any changes since its original release, unlike the next entry.
God of War (Remake)
Rebooting one of the pillars of the hack-and-slash genre is not a task many would undertake, but Santa Monica Studios breathed new life into the Ghost of Sparta with this game on the PS4.
Much like Ghost of Tsushima, God of War is given a more cinematic presentation, constantly moving and fluid in its visuals and action. Although Vikings take the place of the ninjas and samurai, it's certainly worthy of its spot.
Shinobi (PS2)
Speaking of fluid action games, the PS2 incarnation of Sega's famous Shinobi titles is one of the best and most difficult titles in the system's library. It's also one of the smoothest and most-satisfying action experiences to ever feature a ninja character. Because the player's weapon of choice slowly drains away their health, time is of the essence, making them strike quick, hard, and with deadly precision in order to pass through the levels.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
From the makers of the infamous Dark Souls series, this game offers up ninja action with that familiar "git-gud" style of gameplay, but with one or two features that set it apart from the brutality of its sister series.
Players are much better equipped for the battles ahead thanks to a mechanical arm that can grapple out of any overpowering situation. Not to mention that the bosses are some of the best FromSoft ever produced, especially when it comes to stealth-oriented fights.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma
On the subject of difficult titles, the Ninja Gaiden series is one of the original console series to ever gain that distinction, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the jewel in the crown. An updated version of Ninja Gaiden Black, this hard-as-nails hack-and-slash title will put any ninja warrior on edge. It's definitely not for novices, so players better be versed in the ways of the blade.
Assassin’s Creed Origins
In all honesty, the Assassin's Creed series should have done a ninja title earlier, but to say Ghost of Tsushima doesn't have at least some AC influences in its foundation. So, enter Origins with its mix of action and stealth across the sands of Cleopatra's Egyptian empire. Bayek may not be a ninja, but his skills and hooded appearance would suggest otherwise. Fans of Tsushima should consider picking this one up again.