Return of the Ninja GBC box art

Game Boy Color · Beat 'em Up / Action

Return of the Ninja

Deep cut

SystemGame Boy Color
Released2001
GenreBeat 'em Up, Action
DeveloperNatsume
PublisherNatsume
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
ESRBE
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Return of the Ninja is a beat 'em up released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, developed by Natsume. It blends beat 'em up and action elements.

It landed about 3 years into the GBC's life. Other notable GBC releases from 2001 include Pokémon Crystal, Resident Evil Gaiden and Mega Man Xtreme. Among the 6 GBC beat 'em ups in our database, it ranks #4 by legacy score.

Natsume also made Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, Action Man: Search for Base X and Croc 2 for the GBC.

Return of the Ninja is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you've played the GBC hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want depth and variety over simple, satisfying brawling
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Return of the Ninja is like

Beat 'em ups send you down scrolling streets fighting waves of thugs with punches, kicks, throws and grabbed weapons. Most can be finished in a single sitting and shine with a second player.

Tip for newcomers: Avoid getting surrounded: keep enemies on one side of you and save your special attacks for crowds. Bring a friend if the game supports co-op.

Return of the Ninja gameplay screenshot on GBC
In-game screenshot (GBC)

Return of the Ninja cheats & codes

27 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:

Infinite Health01055CC8
Always Have Max Throw91805ACA
Have Iron Claw910160C8
Have Kabuto910163C8
Have Mantle910164C8
Have Mizugumo910165C8

See all Return of the Ninja cheats

Return of the Ninja walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Return of the Ninja.

If you like Return of the Ninja, the Matrix also picks…

Golden Axe box art
Golden Axe Genesis · 1989 · Beat 'em Up Classic Co-op

Playing GBC games today

GBC games are compact and colorful, and many are available on Nintendo Switch Online. Cartridges also play on the Game Boy Advance.

Return of the Ninja FAQ

When did Return of the Ninja come out on the GBC?

Return of the Ninja was released for the Game Boy Color in 2001.

Who made Return of the Ninja?

It was developed by Natsume.

Is Return of the Ninja multiplayer?

No. Return of the Ninja is a single-player game.

How long does Return of the Ninja take to play?

As a beat 'em up, Return of the Ninja typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Return of the Ninja on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you