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Zen: Intergalactic Ninja

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IF YOU LIKE FIGHTING DIRTY, YOU'RE GONNA DIG ZEN! The greatest environmental disaster in human history is about to hit your backyard. But you're not backing down, because you're Zen, a cold-blooded Ninja warrior who's come to Earth to clean the clock of Lord Contaminous and his crud-loving cro...

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Developer
Konami

Released on
1993

Size
1 Player

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Action

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

IF YOU LIKE FIGHTING DIRTY, YOU’RE GONNA DIG ZEN!

The greatest environmental disaster in human history is about to hit your backyard. But you’re not backing down, because you’re Zen, a cold-blooded Ninja warrior who’s come to Earth to clean the clock of Lord Contaminous and his crud-loving cronies.

But wasting these slimeballs won’t be easy. Because they’ll spew forth the most hazardous graphics ever to wreak havoc on your NES. We’re talking horizontal, vertical and 3/4 view scrolling that will give you a whole new perspective on acid rain, oil spills and ozone-ravaging smog. And wait till you see the fluid character movements. They’re hotter than a uranium-oozing nuclear meltdown!

There are 12 total levels, each with its own ecological enemies, toxic traps and pollution-fighting objectives. You’ll battle oil rig fires, trying to save trapped workers. Use your Photon-Stick to zap gaseous garbage men on a high-speed plutonium mining car ride. Vertical jump through two separate screens to reach a venomous vixen who’s single-handedly scorching the rainforests. And spin kick Smogger, a smoked-out scum of the Earth.

Finally, try to survive a rescue mission stage. Rack up points in the bonus recycling level. And slash through 6 sub-games that will lead you to the feet of Lord Contaminous, who you must dispose of before he trashes every living thing on the face of the Earth.

For 1 Ninja Master.

Zen: Intergalactic Ninja

Overview & History

Released by Konami in 1992 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Zen: Intergalactic Ninja is a cult-classic action platformer based on the comic book character created by Steve Stern and Dan Cote. Set in a universe plagued by corporate greed and environmental degradation, the storyline follows Zen, an eco-warrior ninja from a distant star system. His mission is to dismantle the insidious schemes of Lord Contamination and his chief henchman, Oil Slick, who aim to siphon Earth’s vital resources and destroy its ecosystem. Developed during a time when environmental themes were peaking in pop culture, the game tasks players with saving various endangered planetary assets, ranging from burning toxic waste dumps to defusing radioactive bombs at a nuclear power plant. Konami’s signature polish shines through vibrant, pseudo-isometric and side-scrolling stages, memorable chiptune tracks, and surprisingly varied level designs that elevate the title above standard licensed platformers of the era.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Zen's adventure alternates between distinct gameplay styles, seamlessly blending side-scrolling platforming with fast-paced top-down action sequences. Before entering each stage, players select their destination from a world map, prioritizing targets based on the ecological crisis at hand. In the platforming stages, Zen relies on his trusty bamboo staff, the 'Nitrol', which doubles as a melee weapon and a tool for vaulting over hazards. Zen can perform standard strikes, upward thrusts, and a devastating spinning staff attack that clears surrounding enemies. Defeating foes and destroying environmental hazards yields energy crystals used to replenish health. Beyond the side-scrolling levels, the game shifts perspective for thrilling vehicular and hazard-evasion segments, such as riding a hover-sled through asteroid belts or defusing floating chemical bombs while dodging enemy fire. The difficulty curve is notoriously unforgiving, requiring precise timing and quick reflexes to master boss encounters against eco-villains like Pump and Sulfate.