Overview and Gameplay
Kage races through enemy territory to rescue Princess Kiri from a warlord and his followers. This NES conversion of Taito’s arcade game emphasizes enormous ninja leaps, rapid movement, multidirectional shuriken attacks, and close-range sword defense. Each seasonal chapter moves through a forest, secret passage, fortress wall, and castle before a boss fight. Summer, autumn, and winter must all be cleared to reach the ending.
Controls And Mechanics
- Movement: Use the directions to run, duck, climb, swim, and launch committed jumps that cannot be redirected in midair.
- Combat: The sword attacks nearby enemies and can block many weapons, but not monk fire. Shuriken provide ranged attacks in multiple directions, with two player projectiles allowed on screen.
- Power-ups: Crystal balls improve Kage’s projectiles, speed, and ability to survive a hit. A scroll temporarily destroys nearby enemies.
- Multiplayer: Two players take alternating turns rather than playing simultaneously.
Version Notes
The North American release uses the title The Legend of Kage; the Japanese Famicom version is titled Kage no Densetsu. The NES conversion adds character upgrades, hidden bonuses, and revised boss mechanics compared with the arcade original.
Release And Credits
- NES release: 1987
- Publisher: Taito America Corporation
- Original platform: Arcade
