Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kyatto Ninden Teyandee excels as a side-scrolling action platformer that captures the spirit of classic Ninja Gaiden–style titles while introducing its own distinctive character-switching mechanics. As one of the three core members of Secret Ninja Team Nyankii (Yattaro, Pururun, or Sukashii), you’ll traverse eleven stages filled with traps, hazards, and the ever-present Ninja Crow army. The basic run-and-jump controls feel tight and responsive, and each main character’s unique weapon—Yattaro’s Cat’s Eye Sword, Pururun’s projectiles and slashing nails, and Sukashii’s umbrella—offers a fresh combat rhythm that keeps encounters dynamic.

Beyond the primary trio, the Rescue Team members (Rikinoshin, Mietoru, Gotton, and Nekkii) allow you to experiment with limited-time special abilities. By pausing the action and swapping characters, you can break boulders, fly short distances, drill through walls, or swim with ease. This layer of strategic depth not only spices up platform puzzles but also encourages careful resource management, since each special ability depletes over time and must be replenished by collecting cat-paw items scattered throughout stages.

The inclusion of an upgradable Ninpo bar further enhances combat variety. Pressing Up + B unleashes unique special moves that grow more powerful as you gather hidden power-ups, making even mid-level skirmishes feel rewarding. Boss battles, often featuring the cunning Karamaru or the mechanized Karamaru-clones, test both your mastery of each character’s moveset and your ability to switch tactics on the fly. While the overall difficulty leans toward the challenging side, generous checkpoints and the ability to swap Rescue Team members on the fly strike a good balance, making the experience tough but fair.

Graphics

On the Super Famicom hardware, Kyatto Ninden Teyandee delivers vibrant, colorful sprites that bring the anthropomorphic Animaloids of Edoropolis to life. Each playable character boasts distinct animations—Pururun’s hair toss, Sukashii’s umbrella flourish, and Yattaro’s sword swirl are all fluid and expressive. Environments range from cherry-blossom gardens to industrial fortresses, with parallax scrolling layers that add depth to the side-scrolling viewpoint.

The game’s enemy design highlights the imaginative blend of flesh and cybernetics. Ninja Crows swoop in with mechanical wings, while Dr. Purple’s experimental robots clank and whirr across the screen. These varied foes not only look great but also telegraph their attack patterns clearly, helping players learn and adapt quickly. Small details—like smoke puffing from defeated machines or spark effects when Ninpo moves land—elevate the overall polish.

Inter-stage cutscenes and character portraits add narrative flair. While not fully animated, these story breaks feature charming artwork that emphasizes each Animaloid’s personality: Shogun Tokugawa Lei Lei’s stoic composure, Usako’s earnest concern, and Ko’on No Kami’s sly, fox-like grin. The blend of in-game sprites and static art provides a cohesive aesthetic that feels true to the original 1990 Tatsunoko Productions show.

Story

Edoropolis, a magnificent city ruled by Shogun Tokugawa Lei Lei and his daughter Usako, is under siege by the scheming Prime Minister Kitsunezuka Ko’on No Kami. Determined to overthrow the throne, Ko’on No Kami marshals an army of ninja crows and enlists the dubious aid of the foreign scientist Dr. Purple. This political intrigue forms the backbone of the game’s narrative, with each stage representing a fresh plot to destabilize the city.

The arrival of Inuyama Wanko-no-Kami and his Secret Ninja Team Nyankii introduces a classic good-versus-evil arc, but with plenty of twists—rumors swirl about Dr. Purple’s true motives, and even the Rescue Team members carry secrets of their own. While the storyline unfolds mostly through brief text and still images between levels, it succeeds in providing enough context to keep players invested in the outcome of each showdown.

Even though the focus remains firmly on action, small touches—such as Usako’s anxious messages or Ko’on No Kami’s triumphant exclamations upon driving back the defenders—give life to the characters. Fans of the original anime will appreciate how faithfully the game captures the show’s blend of humor, intrigue, and high-stakes ninja heroics, while newcomers can enjoy a self-contained tale of loyalty, betrayal, and cybernetic animal warriors.

Overall Experience

Kyatto Ninden Teyandee stands out as a hidden gem for fans of 16-bit action platformers. Its combination of tight controls, varied character abilities, and a light strategic layer via the Rescue Team makes for an engaging experience from start to finish. The difficulty curve is well-judged: challenging enough to feel satisfying, but never frustratingly unfair thanks to checkpoints and the ability to adapt by switching characters.

The vibrant graphics and faithful nods to its anime source material lend the game a distinct personality that sets it apart from other genre contenders of its era. Whether you’re battling mechanized crows in the palace courtyard or drilling through subterranean passages, the level design keeps you on your toes—and the occasional hidden power-up or secret passageway rewards exploration.

For anyone seeking a platformer with charm, depth, and replayability, Kyatto Ninden Teyandee delivers in spades. The well-crafted story segments, robust gameplay mechanics, and memorable boss fights combine to create an adventure that feels both nostalgic and fresh. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of its peers, this title remains an excellent purchase for collectors and action enthusiasts alike, offering hours of covert ninja fun in the anthropomorphic world of Edoropolis.

Retro Replay Score

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