Ninja Ryukenden/Gaiden

[Windcharger]

As someone mentioned earlier, you can attack and hit multiple enemies/items in the air in one jump much easier in the NES version. Gameplay is just tighter in the NES version.

Agreed.

[toymachine78]

A flatter perspective definitely throw off the PCE version. But it is more than just the perspective, there is a wonderful organic, grittiness to the NES version that is completely lost in the sterile PCE version.

I feel that one of the primary reasons for this disparity is due to how jumping and slashing (arguably the most important play mechanic in the game) differs between the two versions.

For example, In the NES version I’m able to slash both of the first two lanterns in level 1 in one jump (making me feel like a ninja in the process), with the first one being hit on the way up and the second on the way down.  In this version I’m almost always able to connect a rising slash, which is essential for dispatching birds, bats, umm… lanterns, and most everything really.

However, in the PCE version I find myself missing the first lonely lantern entirely about 80% of the time while performing a rising slash with the sword clearing well above it.  This is even taking into account that the first lantern here appears to be set about 8 pixels higher than it is relatively set in the NES version.  In fact, I can’t even begin to count how many times in a session my sword completely clears the top of my intended target (much to my dismay and frustration).  I haven’t really done any research into why this is the case, but it seems as though either the jump + slash collision detection starts ever so slightly late, or the collision box is shaped differently/awkwardly from the NES version.

For this reason, and though I am able to competently complete either game, I actually find both versions to be roughly equal in difficulty (albeit for completely different reasons).  The NES version just makes me feel more like a ninja doing so.   

The NES definitely has better controls, which in my opinion makes it the better game. I can get into a fluid groove in the nes that just isn't possible on the pce. The pce just seems too stiff or something.

[toymachine78]

The NES version just makes me feel more like a ninja doing so.   

In the NES version, your sword does not hit enemies. If it happens to cross an enemy, they'll plow right through you and only you get hurt. Enemies only get hurt by the invisible spot in front of the tip of your extended sword. You have to think of your sword as a soap bubble wand, creating invisible bubbles which damage enemies, in order to play the game. The animation makes more sense this way too.

People just love the NES version for what it is and when they played it. Better to try to match the PCE version to it just for the sake of it than to make a game without imperfect gameplay.

Nah. I think wind nailed it. Your movement and control are much more fluid on the NES, which indeed makes you feel more like a ninja. The PCE controls just make it more frustrating.

[lukester]

Switching from PCE Ninja Gaiden to the NES one, I find myself missing a lot more of the lanterns.

And many enemies are either much faster or cause a lot more damage.

[esteban]

The NES version is still my favorite one.

I have tried to get into the PCE version, but it hasn't "clicked" yet.

For all the flaws of the NES version (and believe me, we knew the game had flaws back when it was released), it is still the vastly more enjoyable experience. Yeah, I am masochistic...in that I enjoy many games that have moments with harsh platforming.

In Ninja Gaiden NES, you can ABSOLUTELY  pass 99% of the challenges with basic platforming skills.

There are, however, several spots in NES version where you NEED A POWERUP in order to advance *safely*. This is not a flaw. It is perfectly acceptable, albeit more challenging, to require an item to progress unscathed. if you think this is "cheap", then it means that only a few moments in the game are "cheap", IMHO.

I am certainly going to give Ninja Gaiden PCE another chance to win my love, since it has been a few years since I have played it...