Ninja Gaiden will always be "home" to me - my default game. The homepage of my speedrunning world. I'm sure I'm not alone in this thought - but I want to analyze the "why" this is the case when there are literally hundreds of other options.

I occasionally get hit with the "Don't you get bored playing the same game over and over?" Yet the answer is always the same: "Nope." And... I don't think that will ever change.

The game at it's core isn't exactly unique. An imperfect platformer with a somewhat generic plotline. "Hold right or left and press A and B a few times until you save the world and win the PRIZE!" (Prize being a hot babe ofc) We've seen this story before in other games and movies countless times.

So what separates this game from the others in terms of speedrunning?

For me - I think it's a perfect concoction of elements thrown together mixing both pleasure and pain.

1. Extremely supportive and engaging community.

2. Precise movements and attacks. (Measurable skill progression with high risk for often low reward output)

3. The MUSIC. (4-2 anybody?)

4. Cottage cheese sword. (The great equalizer)

5. RNG control. (global timer)

6. RNG outside of my control. (luck)

I could continue, but I'd love to hear others perspective. If you were selling "speedrunning Ninja Gaiden" as a product - how would you describe it to others? If you have experience in other games - what makes Ninja Gaiden better or worse?

I'm not seeing this posted anywhere - probably for good reason.

However - I've recently stumbled upon the app "Delta" that allows you to emulate using your iPhone. (I'm not sure about Android devices.)

I was able to load up the same roms that I use for my Everdrive. The buttons are hella clunky, but oddly enough I find there to be less input lag than emulating from my laptop. (I could just be stupid too.) I'm wondering if you could find an adaptor that supports NES controllers.

Anyways - I screencapped a sample in vertical format for an easier YT Short format. It also supports horizontal format for a wider display.