Kamen no Ninja - Hanamaru is one of those weird, charming NES games that feels like it got lost in translation—in a good way. You play as a little ninja with a mask (hence the "Kamen" part) bouncing around stages, slashing enemies with your sword and tossing shurikens. The controls are floaty in that classic 8-bit way, but once you get the hang of the jumps, it's oddly satisfying.

First level throws you right into a bamboo forest with these samurai dudes who just walk back and forth—easy pickings. Then suddenly, giant frogs show up? Yeah, it’s that kind of game. The music’s got this upbeat, almost carnival-like vibe that makes even dying repeatedly kinda fun. And trust me, you will die—some of those platforming bits are brutal.

If you’re into obscure retro ninja games with personality, this one’s a hidden gem. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand.