Ninja Spirit TurboGrafx-16 box art

TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine · Platformer

Ninja Spirit

Deep cut

SystemTurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine
Released1990 (originally 1988)
GenrePlatformer
DeveloperIrem
PublisherIrem
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
ESRBE10+
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Developed by Irem, Ninja Spirit arrived on the TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine in 1990 as a platformer. This TurboGrafx-16 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1988.

It came out in the TurboGrafx-16's second year on the market. Other notable TurboGrafx-16 releases from 1990 include Bonk's Adventure, Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap and Klax. Among the 20 TurboGrafx-16 platformers in our database, it ranks #14 by legacy score.

Irem also made Image Fight, R-Type and Legend of Hero Tonma for the TurboGrafx-16.

Ninja Spirit supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • 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 TurboGrafx-16 hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives

What playing Ninja Spirit is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Ninja Spirit gameplay screenshot on TurboGrafx-16
In-game screenshot (TurboGrafx-16)

Ninja Spirit cheats & codes

5 codes on file (Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Emulator memory codes codes to start with:

Infinite Lives1f0b68:03
Infinite Energy1f17c9:05
Invincibility1f1dee:04
Spirit Doubles1f184c:67
Powered Up Weapons1f1e58:01

See all Ninja Spirit cheats

Ninja Spirit walkthroughs & guides

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

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Playing TurboGrafx-16 games today

The TurboGrafx library is a shmup fan's dream and full of games most Western players never tried. The TurboGrafx-16 Mini and Nintendo Switch Online have brought many of them back.

Ninja Spirit FAQ

When did Ninja Spirit come out on the TurboGrafx-16?

Ninja Spirit was released for the TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine in 1990; the original game dates back to 1988.

Who made Ninja Spirit?

It was developed by Irem.

Is Ninja Spirit multiplayer?

Yes. Ninja Spirit supports up to 2 players.

How long does Ninja Spirit take to play?

As a platformer, Ninja Spirit 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 Ninja Spirit 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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