NINJA GAIDEN: DRAGON SWORD
TWELVE LONG & SEVEN WIDE - Full Nintendo DS FAQ/Walkthrough
Authored by VampireHorde
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V
++ASCII artwork by me (based on the Dragon Sword)
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What it do, my babies? I'm guessing that a bunch of you playing Ninja
Gaiden DS have NEVER played the console versions. That's okay, there's
no need to be a Master Ninja player to play the DS version. All it
takes is some patience and a little bit of help from my walkthrough to
get through it all. This walkthrough below applies for all four
difficulties, so read up!
Sharpen up those swords, it's time to PAR-TEE!
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+++   FIST OF THE DRAGON - GAMEPLAY ASPECTS & COMBO LIST   +++
________   __  __________  __   _____  __
/ ___/ _ | /  |/  / __/ _ \/ /  / _ \ \/ /
/ (_ / __ |/ /|_/ / _// ___/ /__/ __ |\  /
\___/_/ |_/_/  /_/___/_/  /____/_/ |_|/_/
Most of these aspects are covered in the first level Tutorial, but if
you were too lazy to remember them, here's the list:
--HARD ATTACKS:  MOVE STYLUS TOWARDS EACH ENEMY
To attack your enemies, simply move the Stylus towards each enemy and
attack them by using a scratching motion with the Stylus. Ryu will
start slicing in different directions.
--DOUBLE JUMP: SLIDE STYLUS UP TWICE
Unlike the console versions, Ryu can do a double jump in the DS
version! Simply slide the Slide the Stylus up twice to do the jump.
--SHURIKENS: TAP STYLUS ON EACH ENEMY
To toss Shurikens at your enemies, tap the Stylus on any of the enemies
(on the ground or while in mid-air) and Ryu will toss infinite amounts
of Shuriken stars at them.
--THE IZUNA DROP: DOWN, UP, UP
The Izuna Drop is Ryu's most powerful move in his arsenal of attacks
(aside from Ninpo) because it is always a guaranteed instant kill. When
done successfully, Ryu launches the enemy, grabs them in mid-air, and
does a mid-air pile driver. Use this move at every opportunity to "thin
the herd" as they say.
--THE FLYING SWALLOW ATTACK: UP  (DIRECTIONAL)
To stop a large amount of enemies that are swarming against Ryu, jump
up (or double jump) and then slide the Stylus horizontally to trigger
the Flying Swallow attack. It does not kill enemies instantly but it
can get you out of tough spots.
--DIVINE CICADA SLASH: UP, DOWN
This attack is Ryu's second most powerful and can also get you out of
harm's way. Jump or double-jump up and then slide the Stylus down to
trigger a downward strike.
--THE GLEAMING BLADE ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE: SLIDE STYLUS ALL OVER SCREEN
To perform the Ultimate Technique (also known as UT), point the Stylus
on Ryu and move the Stylus in a left-to-right scratching fashion to
make Ryu perform the Gleaming Blade. Hold the position and scratch the
screen faster to power up the attack for bigger damage.
--NINPO ATTACK
On the upper left-hand side of the screen is a circular Sanskrit
symbol. Tap the Stylus on it to activate the Ninpo screen. When the
screen appears, trace the kanji letter onscreen (successfully) to begin
the attack. All Ninpo attacks allow Ryu to direct the attack in
multiple directions while activated, so use the Stylus to move the
attacks in various directions of the enemy.
--BLOCK: ANY FACE BUTTON
Ah yes, the main essential move in Ryu's large arsenal. Unlike other
games like Devil May Cry 4 where you have white-haired demon-slaying
doofuses trying to perform lots of combos without the use of a Block
button, using the Block button in Ninja Gaiden is ESSENTIAL in order to
survive the onslaught of enemies.
--THE REVERSE WIND: TAP SCREEN WHILE BLOCKING
Evasion is a TOP priority in addition to blocking. When fighting off
enemies, hold the face buttons on the DS to get Ryu into a defensive
stance. While he's in a defensive stance, tap the screen and he will
use a roll move. Use this move to avoid an enemy that has a block
breaker attack.
--CONTINUOUS FLYING BIRD FLIP: UP (SLIDE CONTINUOUSLY)
To reach higher elevations of certain areas, slide the Stylus upwards
continuously until Ryu reaches the top.
--THE HEALTH RESORE SYSTEM
The Health Restore System is simple as it looks. When Ryu loses health
during a battle, his blue health bar will decrease and a gray bar will
show underneath it. After clearing the battle, Ryu's health will
automatically be restored up to the point where the gray bar is shown.
--THE NINTENDO DS MIC
The Mic actually has a couple of uses in the game! There are a few
instances where you need to SCREAM or BLOW into the Mic to find hidden
treasures or solve puzzles within the game.
--THE PURPLE BIRD
In certain secret (and some not-so-secret) areas of the game, Ryu will
hear a high-pitched squeal in the room that he is currently in. Move
Ryu to a certain area of the room and SCREAM into the Mic to unleash
the Purple Bird. Toss a Shuriken at the bird to obtain a WOOD AMULET.
In some cases, the bird can only be found by tossing a Shuriken at an
object in the room.
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+++   NINPO AND TECHNIQUES   +++
--THE ART OF INFERNO
This scroll can be used to destroy webbed gateways. It's the weakest
Ninpo of the bunch.
--THE ART OF THE INAZUMA
This lightning-based scroll enables Ryu to destroy boulders and
individual enemies.
--THE ART OF THE HURRICANE
This scroll is Ryu's most useful because the Hurricane attack can
target multiple enemies at once. It also can be used to extinguish or
activate certain things.
--THE ART OF THE FIRE WHEELS
This scroll is mostly useful when battling Ghost Fish. Other than that,
only purchase it from Muramasa if you really need to.
--THE ART OF DIVINE LIFE
This scroll enables Ryu to restore his health in emergency situations.
--THE ART OF THE ICE STORM
This scroll summons ice stalactites and can extinguish flames. This is
the second weakest Ninpo of the bunch
--THE ART OF THE PIERCING VOID
This scroll enables Ryu to summon multiple meteors. Although quite
powerful, the attacks are only limited to one enemy per meteor.
----------------------------
--THE IZUNA DROP
This scroll will be in Ryu's inventory from the get-go. Abuse this
powerful attack at every chance you get.
--THE FLOCK OF SWALLOWS
This scroll will allow Ryu to use multiple Flying Swallow attacks on
various enemies. It won't work for some enemies but is killer against
Beetles and Wasp Fiends.
--COUNTER ATTACK
I absolutely found NO use for this scroll. Since every enemy's attacks
break Ryu's guard, there's really no way to counter.
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--JEWEL OF THE SPIRIT SMITH
This item will increase the Dragon Sword's damage power. There a total
of four upgrades to purchase from Muramasa.
--LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS
These babies increase Ryu's health bar. There are also a total of four
of these to purchase from Muramasa.
++MURAMASA NOTE:
In Master Ninja Mode, the health and weapon upgrades will increase by
TWICE the price from Normal and Head Ninja Mode. MONEY GRUBBING WHORE!
++MASTER KUNOICHI NOTE:
If you are playing Master Kunoichi Mode, Rin will not have the Izuna
Drop in her inventory. It is purchasable from Muramasa in Chapter 9 for
a whopping 20,000 Essence.
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+++   THE UPPITY RETARDS - KNOWING YOUR ENEMY   +++
_____  ________  _______________
/ __/ |/ / __/  |/  /  _/ __/ __/
/ _//    / _// /|_/ // // _/_\ \
/___/_/|_/___/_/  /_/___/___/___/
There are various enemies in the game and I will explain the best way
to defeat each one. Sure, you might think that you can just hack and
slash away at them with no problems...but this ain't Devil May Cry 4,
so it doesn't really work that easily.
Most of the baddies in the game originally appeared in the Xbox/PS3
versions except where noted with an asterisk (**).
CLAW NINJA**
ARCHER NINJA**
RED NINJA**
PHANTOM WARLOCK**
ZOMBIE NINJA
All these enemies are victim to the Izuna Drop. Evade their attacks and
then roll in with the Izuna Drop for an instant kill. As for the Zombie
Ninja, you'll need to be super evasive because they are very grabby.
WEREWOLF**
ARCHER/AXE-WIELDING ZOMBIE
These enemies are very touchy-feely (literally) and can be a bit
difficult to kill. The Werewolves like to use hard pounce attacks and
are aggressive in their combos. The axe-wielding zombies are also
aggressive like the wolves. Usually, the best way to kill them is to
use an Ultimate Technique after a combo. As for the archer Zombie, a
couple of arrows or an Izuna Drop will kill it.
BATS
FIRE BATS
CYCLOP EYEBALL**
Shurikens in the face. 'Nuff said.
PINK SHADOW FIEND
ONE-EYED PINCER FIEND
BLACK KIYATT
RED KIYATT**
All these baddies are easy to kill with Izuna Drops, but you have to be
defensive before initiating the attack. The Pincers and Kiyatts like to
use cheap grab moves, so stay evasive!
LARGE DUNG BEETLES
WASP FIENDS
These baddies are victims to the Flying Swallow attack. Once Ryu
purchases the Flock Of Swallows attack scroll, forget about it!
KNIGHTMARE
MACE-WIELDING OGRE
GARGOYLE**
These are the heavyweight enemies that require more juice to kill.
Since you cannot use Izuna Drops on these guys, stick to using the
Flock Of Swallows attack in order to damage them.
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+++   FIEND CHALLENGES   +++
After Ryu completes each chapter, he CANNOT revisit that area anymore.
However, when you go back to Stone Circle Cove and re-enter the portal
for that particular level, Ryu will be transported to a special battle
arena. Enemies will start spawning and Ryu cannot leave until every
enemy is dead and gone.
This is known as a Fiend Challenge. Each challenge is OPTIONAL after
completing each mission up to Chapter 11. Each Fiend Challenge usually
consists of 100-150 enemies per arena (more on harder difficulties) and
the prize for winning each challenge is a WOOD AMULET. The complete
list of enemies and prizes per arena is listed below:
++DIFFICULTY NOTE: The enemies that appear in each arena are the same
for all four difficulties.
+++   NORMAL MODE   +++
--WOOD AMULET #1 - LOWER RIGHT PORTAL
PINK SHADOW FIENDS, EYEBALLS
--WOOD AMULET #24 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - EAST
PINCER FIENDS, EYEBALLS
--WOOD AMULET #15 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - WEST
PINCER FIENDS, ARCHER ZOMBIES
--WOOD AMULET #4 - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - WEST
ARCHER ZOMBIES, AXE-WIELDING ZOMBIES, LARGE DUNG BEETLES
--WOOD AMULET #36 - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - EAST
ZOMBIE NINJAS, PHANTOM WARLOCKS, GHOST FISH
--WOOD AMULET #16 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - NORTH
WASP FIENDS, WEREWOLVES
--WOOD AMULET #21 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - SOUTH
BLACK KIYATTS, EYEBALLS
+++   HEAD NINJA MODE   +++
--WOOD AMULET #5 - LOWER RIGHT PORTAL
--WOOD AMULET #17 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - WEST
--WOOD AMULET #28 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - EAST
--WOOD AMULET #7 - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - WEST
--WOOD AMULET #35 - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - EAST
--WOOD AMULET #6 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - NORTH
--WOOD AMULET #8 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - SOUTH
+++   MASTER NINJA MODE   +++
--WOOD AMULET #12 - LOWER RIGHT PORTAL
--WOOD AMULET #30 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - WEST
--WOOD AMULET #31 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - EAST
--WOOD AMULET #26 - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - WEST
--WOOD AMULET #33 - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - EAST
--WOOD AMULET #13 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - NORTH
--WOOD AMULET #27 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - SOUTH
+++   MASTER KUNOICHI MODE   +++
--WOOD AMULET #2 - LOWER RIGHT PORTAL
--WOOD AMULET #25 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - WEST
--WOOD AMULET #23 - UPPER RIGHT PORTAL - EAST
--WOOD AMULET #18 - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - WEST
--WOOD AMULET # - UPPER LEFT PORTAL - EAST
--WOOD AMULET #22 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - NORTH
--WOOD AMULET #20 - LOWER LEFT PORTAL - SOUTH
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+++   FUNION PUDGE - ADVANCED TIPS & TACTICS   +++
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___ ____/ /  _____ ____  _______ ___/ / / /_(_)__  ___
/ _ `/ _  / |/ / _ `/ _ \/ __/ -_) _  / / __/ / _ \(_-<
\_,_/\_,_/|___/\_,_/_//_/\__/\__/\_,_/  \__/_/ .__/___/
/_/
Even though this is only a DS game, there is still a bunch of things
you need to know when playing. As you replay the game, utilize these
tactics to get the upper advantage in combat.
--ABUSE YOUR POWERFUL ATTACKS
Even though Ryu has a large array of attacks, its much better to just
spam his powerful moves instead. When fighting enemies, stay in a
defensive position and then utilize the Izuna Drop on each of them for
an instant kill.
--USE THE ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE
After you eliminate a couple of enemies, charge up for a UT and quickly
unleash it on the next set of spawning enemies. Also, in some cases,
pre-charge for a UT when entering certain rooms so that you can kill
whatever spawns before they attack. Keep unleashing non-stop UT's on
everyone until the room is cleared.
--RESERVE NINPO FOR LAST MINUTE ATTACKS
It's as easy as it sounds. Avoid using Ninpo for most of the chapters
and only use it when ABSOLUTELY necessary.
--UPGRADE YOUR WEAPON & HEALTH AT EVERY CHANCE
As soon as Muramasa finally opens up his Inventory to you (that's what
she said), purchase the essential items like a JEWEL OF THE SPIRIT
SMITH and a LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS. The sooner you can upgrade your
health and weapons, the better!
--BE DEFENSIVE BUT EVASIVE
Don't just rush into battle thinking you can just hack and slash away
at your enemies like it was a Devil May Cry game! When a battle starts,
get into a defensive stance and use the Reverse Wind to roll around.
After an enemy attacks, rush in and use an Izuna Drop and then repeat.
This is especially crucial in Master Ninja Mode.
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+++   BRIGHT SMILES FOR BUNGHOLES - THE WALKTHROUGH   +++
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_    _____ _/ / /__/ /_/ /  _______  __ _____ _/ /
| |/|/ / _ `/ /  '_/ __/ _ \/ __/ _ \/ // / _ `/ _ \
|__,__/\_,_/_/_/\_\\__/_//_/_/  \___/\_,_/\_, /_//_/
/___/
**BOSS NOTE:
Most of the bosses in the game do not have any names (except the
reappearing ones from the Xbox version), so I'll be using a bunch of
silly made-up names in their place...until I find out their real names.
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Before the chapter begins, a practice battle between Momiji and Ryu
will take place. Momiji cannot damage Ryu, so just stay defensive and
evasive. After a minute, the battle ends and the chapter will begin.
+++   CHAPTER 1 - FOREST OF SHADOWS   +++
_______ _____   ___  _____________    ___
/ ___/ // / _ | / _ \/_  __/ __/ _ \  <  /
/ /__/ _  / __ |/ ___/ / / / _// , _/  / /
\___/_//_/_/ |_/_/    /_/ /___/_/|_|  /_/
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The level begins with a Tutorial with that naughty bad girl Momiji.
Follow the onscreen directions (as noted below) to complete the level:
--TOUCH AND HOLD THE STYLUS TO THE TOUCH SCREEN TO RUN IN THE DESIRED
DIRECTION
--SLIDE THE STYLUS UPWARDS ON THE TOUCH SCREEN TO JUMP
--TAP AN ENEMY TO ATTACK WITH SHURIKEN
--HOLD DOWN ANY BUTTON TO BLOCK ENEMY ATTACKS
--TOUCH THE DRAGON STATUE TO REPLENISH ALL HEALTH AND KI
After you reach the SAVE STATUE, take the cavern route going into the
mountain. Follow the cavern path to the next area.
--TAP WHILE BLOCKING TO DODGE (REVERSE WIND)
--SLIDE THE STYLUS UPWARDS REPEATEDLY TO SCALE CLIFFS
When you reach the second cliff, use a Continuous Bird Flip to reach
the top. SAVE your game and then exit to the left side.
--WHILE JUMPING, SLIDE THE STYLUS HORIZONTALLY TO PERFORM THE FLYING
SWALLOW TECHNIQUE
Once you're done misbehaving with Momiji (aaaawwww yeah!), its boss
battle time, boys and girls!
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+++   BOSS BATTLE: SWEDISH MEATBALL PUDDING PIE   +++
___  ___  ___ ___   ___   _ _____ _____ _    ___
| _ )/ _ \/ __/ __| | _ ) /_\_   _|_   _| |  | __|
| _ \ (_) \__ \__ \ | _ \/ _ \| |   | | | |__| _|
|___/\___/|___/___/ |___/_/ \_\_|   |_| |____|___|
Look at the Pokemon rip-off! The boss only has three attacks:
--RUSH ATTACK
--DRAGON CHOMP
--FIRE BREATH
Use the Reverse Wind to evade the boss's rush attack and use the Flying
Swallow when the coast is clear. Attack the boss from the side so that
he doesn't hit you up close. Repeat as much as you can!
Technically, Momiji is not supposed to win this battle but you can
still give it your best try. It's the same concept as the Chapter 2
Doku battle in Ninja Gaiden Sigma. If you defeat this boss, you get a
special prize. If you lose, the story continues.
MISSION COMPLETE!
_)        _)                                 |      |
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