Return of the Ninja is one of those classic Game Boy Color gems that makes you appreciate simple, tight gameplay. You start off with basic shurikens and a sword, sneaking past guards or cutting them down if you're feeling bold. The first few levels ease you in, but by the time you hit the castle rooftops, you’ll be timing jumps over spikes while dodging archers—mess up, and it’s back to the checkpoint.

The pixel art holds up surprisingly well, with those moody blues and purples giving it that late-night ninja vibe. And yeah, it’s tough—enemies don’t mess around, and some jumps require pixel-perfect precision. But nailing a flawless run through a stage without taking a hit? That’s the good stuff.

If you’ve got a soft spot for retro action games that don’t hold your hand, this one’s a solid pick.