Overview and Gameplay
The President has been kidnapped by the Dragon Ninja organization, leaving Blade or Striker to battle through seven side-scrolling stages. This NES conversion of Data East’s arcade game moves along a mostly fixed plane, with upper and lower ledges reached by special jumps.
Players fight ninjas, dogs, samurai, and stage bosses across city streets, moving vehicles, sewers, forests, caves, and a final factory. Defeated enemies add to the score, while remaining time produces a stage-completion bonus.
Controls And Mechanics
- Move, duck, and aim with the directional pad.
- Attack with punches, kicks, or a held weapon using A.
- Jump with B, including jumps between elevated levels.
- Hold and release A to perform a charged flaming punch.
- Collect knives, nunchaku, health items, and time extensions.
- Two-player mode uses alternating turns rather than simultaneous play.
Version Notes
The U.S. release is titled Bad Dudes. Japan received Dragon Ninja, while Europe used Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja. The NES version reduces enemy activity and replaces the arcade game’s simultaneous multiplayer with alternating turns.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 1990
- Developer: Data East
- Publisher: Data East USA
- Original platform: Arcade
