Shadow of the Ninja - Blue Shadow is one of those NES gems that makes you feel like a total badass from the first level. You're this ninja sneaking through docks and rooftops, slashing enemies with a sword that just feels satisfying—like the devs nailed the weight of each swing. The levels have this cool verticality to them; one minute you're climbing ropes between ships, the next you're dropping down onto unsuspecting guards.

It's not all mindless hacking though—you gotta time your jumps and watch for patrols. Mess up, and you'll eat a bullet (or worse, fall into the water). The controls take a second to get used to—Z for slashing, X for throwing stars—but once it clicks, you'll be wall-jumping like a pro.

If you dig this, Contra and Castlevania have that same tight, arcade-y vibe. But honestly? This one's got its own flavor with the stealth bits and that killer synth soundtrack. Just don't blame me when you get stuck on the boss battles—some of them are brutal.