Classic Games Database
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The Legend of Kage

Review
Also known as
Arcade Archives: The Legend of Kage Kage no Densetsu Legend-of Kage 影の伝説

Control a ninja who can leap and climb to rescue a princess across four repeating, seasonal stages.

The Legend of Kage arcade game was released by Taito in 1985. The NES (Famicom) version was released in Japan on April 18, 1987, and in North America in August 1987. The legacy year 1985 refers to the arcade original, not the NES platform version.

About The Legend of Kage

The Legend of Kage is a side scrolling action game where the player controls a ninja named Kage. His objective is to rescue Princess Kiri, who has been captured by the warlord Yoshi.

Gameplay involves navigating through environments like forests, moats, and castle grounds. These settings cycle repeatedly as the in game seasons change. Kage's primary means of defense and offense are his sword and a supply of throwing weapons referred to as star knives.

His acrobatic abilities are a key feature, allowing for very high jumps and the capacity to climb trees. The player must confront numerous standard enemies and periodic boss characters. The experience is considered challenging, largely due to a one hit defeat mechanic. A two player mode is available, though it functions on a turn taking basis.

The Legend of Kage Screenshots

10 images
Title Screen
The cast of the game. Every enemy has a name
Princess Kiri is kidnapped!
Kage tosses throwing stars while red ninja sneaks up
Kage has a mighty jump to fly among the trees
Enemy ninjas will also jump high
Too quick for the eye! The sword dispatches an enemy
Title screen (JP).
Level: Moat. Have to kill ten ninjas.
Inside the Castle.