Legend of Kage Taito (1985) | Famicom | USED

The Legend of Kage, developed by Taito and released in 1985, is a fast-paced hack-and-slash platformer that immerses players in a classic tale of ninja heroism. The story follows Kage, a skilled young ninja on a quest to rescue Princess Kiri from the clutches of the warlord Yoshi and his samurai general, Yuki.

Armed with a kodachi short sword and an endless supply of shuriken, players leap through treetop forests, storm enemy castles, and explore hidden passageways in pursuit of the kidnapped princess. Each successful rescue ushers in a change of seasons, creating a dynamic visual experience that enhances the game’s replay value.

Praised for its fluid movement and atmospheric design, The Legend of Kage has been ported to multiple platforms and inspired several sequels and spiritual successors, securing its legacy as one of the defining ninja action games of the 1980s.