Review - Ninja 1987

AD Twindad
Jul 22
2 min read

Developer: SEEP

Publisher: SEEP

Available on: PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Review system: Nintendo Switch

Retro Is Back

Sometimes, it’s refreshing to step away from the latest $70 AAA releases and return to a simpler era—one defined by pixel art, tight platforming, and punishing checkpoints. Ninja 1987, developed by SEEP, offers just that: a nostalgic 2D side-scrolling experience reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden and Metal Slug, but delivered with modern accessibility.

A Classic Reimagined

Ninja 1987, developed by SEEP, throws you straight into the action with simple controls, a straightforward mission, and enough challenge to make your thumbs ache (in a good way). It immediately brought me back to the Ninja Gaiden and Metal Slug era games that didn’t hold your hand but kept you coming back for one more try.

You play as a ninja (surprise!), slicing, dashing, and shuriken-throwing your way through seven progressively harder Acts. Each stage is filled with enemies, traps, and that classic feeling of just barely missing the exit before getting taken out. If you've missed that old-school tension where every checkpoint feels like a major win, you’ll feel right at home here.

Simple, Yet Satisfying

Let’s be honest: sometimes you don’t need a cinematic masterpiece. The story is basic: stop the evil ninja and save the world, but that’s all it needs. The fun comes from the gameplay itself. With responsive (most of the time) controls and fast-paced action, there’s a rhythm you get into that’s incredibly satisfying.

I’ll admit, there were moments where I swore a jump didn’t register or a hitbox felt off, but the game makes up for it with frequent health and energy drops from enemies. It strikes a good balance: challenging but rarely unfair. I played on both the PC and Switch, and the controls felt consistent across both platforms. The Steam version has full controller support, which is always appreciated.

A Gateway to Retro Gaming

If you’ve never dipped into the world of retro side-scrollers, Ninja 1987 is actually a great place to start. At just $5, it’s a low-risk, high-reward experience. It may even give you a new appreciation for the days before infinite saves and “easy mode.” Working through each Act feels earned, and honestly, that’s kind of rare in modern games.

SEEP has a full catalog of similar titles that don’t often break the $5 mark, making it easy to explore more without breaking the bank. If this genre is your thing—or you’re curious about diving into it—it’s worth checking out their lineup.

Verdict

I’ve always had a soft spot for games that give you real value for your money, and Ninja 1987 delivers. It’s tough, stylish, and surprisingly addictive. It respects your time and your skill, and for the price of a fancy coffee, it gives you hours of retro-infused gameplay.

It may not have flashy graphics or a deep story, but it doesn’t need them. What it does have is heart, challenge, and a whole lot of charm. And sometimes, that’s exactly what gaming needs.