Ninja Gaiden 3 is the absolute peak in the NES trilogy for me. Ryu is at his strongest with full control of Ninpo, weapons, and movement. This is also the most difficult challenge yet, with so many enemies crammed on the screen at once and notoriously no continues this time. It was intended in the NA version that you shouldn't be able to beat this on a single rental, and there's even a bugged timer near the end that will end your life if you don't have the level layout memorized. I love that you can see every Ninpo power-up on the screen, giving you full control. You are expected to be using it nonstop, as filling your meter to maximum several times per level is possible. Ryu also has an extended blade upgrade and can hang from rails with more verticality-based stages. Music and cutscenes are, of course, still top. This is easily one of the best NES games on the platform, totally worth mastering. I can't believe how solid this entire trilogy is.
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom | 1991 | NES
4