Ninja Commando

Ninja Commando is a side-scrolling platform action game where you control a ninja through eight levels filled with enemies and hazards. Your goal is to guide the ninja safely across platforms, jumping over pits and dodging obstacles. At the start, the ninja can only defeat enemies by jumping on them. Defeating three enemies in a row grants access to upgradable ranged weapons including shuriken, bombs, a flamethrower, and a rifle. Throughout each stage, doors constantly spawn new attackers, though never more than four enemy ninjas on screen at once. Enemies include other ninjas, golems, worms, and birds.

Commodore 64

Released in 1989 by Zeppelin Games as a budget title at £2.99 on cassette. Coded by Kevin Franklin (known for Draconus and Zybex), with graphics by Michael Owens, title screen by Richard Beston, and music by Adam Gilmore. The C64 version received mixed reviews from critics, scoring 62% from Zzap!64, 5/10 from C&VG, and 4/10 from Commodore User. Critics praised the detailed graphics and presentation but noted the gameplay was clunky, the combat weedy, and the experience repetitive. Sprites are small, backgrounds are well-drawn, and the game supports joystick in port two. Despite its flaws, many players found it addictive and one of Zeppelin's better budget efforts.