Ninja

Ninja is a flip-screen beat 'em up developed by Sculptured Software and published by Mastertronic in 1986 . You control a lone ninja who must enter a Japanese fortress, rescue Princess Di-Di, and collect seven scattered idols . The fortress has 22 fixed screens stacked vertically, allowing non-linear exploration—move left, right, and ascend through holes in ceilings . Combat involves three enemy types: Thugs, Karatekas, and Evil Ninjas who can use your thrown weapons against you . You have punches, kicks, a jump kick, samurai sword, throwing daggers, and shuriken. Idols replenish health, but you have only one life. Enemy placement is randomised each game, making every playthrough unique.

ZX Spectrum

Released in 1987 by Mastertronic, converted by Icon Design Ltd. . The Spectrum version features the same 22-screen fortress structure and three enemy types, with colourful graphics and well-drawn temple backdrops avoiding monochrome blandness . However, the port suffers from sluggish performance, with action slowing down as more enemies appear on screen simultaneously . Controls are unresponsive—jumps take seconds to land, and attacks often fail to register . There is no in-game music, only tapping sounds for punches and kicks, plus a repetitive whirring noise when transitioning between screens . The game officially sold 49,691 copies on the ZX Spectrum . Notable bugs include screen display corruption, flickering when picking up weapons, and occasional blank screens requiring a reset.