The Legend of Kage NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Platformer

The Legend of Kage

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1987 (originally 1986)
GenreAction, Platformer
DeveloperTOSE
PublisherTaito
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 5

Developed by TOSE and published by Taito, The Legend of Kage arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 as an action game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986. It blends action and platformer elements.

It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.

TOSE also made Chubby Cherub, Dragon Ball Z Side Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans and Bases Loaded for the NES.

The Legend of Kage supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests

What playing The Legend of Kage is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

The Legend of Kage gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

The Legend of Kage cheats & codes

23 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Both Players Have Infinite LivesSXVALZVG
Both Players Start With 28 LivesKEOATAVA
Super-Ninja-Power Running AbilityGASAOLZA
UntouchableSZNPVLSA
Super-Ninja-Power Jumping AbilityYAKXYPGE YASZAPGE YASZPPGE

See all The Legend of Kage cheats

The Legend of Kage walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Legend of Kage.

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8 Eyes box art
8 Eyes NES · 1988 · Action Classic Co-op

Playing NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

The Legend of Kage FAQ

When did The Legend of Kage come out on the NES?

The Legend of Kage was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987; the original game dates back to 1986.

Who made The Legend of Kage?

It was developed by TOSE and published by Taito.

Is The Legend of Kage multiplayer?

Yes. The Legend of Kage supports up to 2 players.

How long does The Legend of Kage take to play?

As an action game, The Legend of Kage typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about The Legend of Kage 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.

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