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The 8-bit era, dominated by the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), birthed many gaming legends. Among them, Ninja Gaiden stands out with its groundbreaking storytelling, intricate details, and distinct Japanese anime aesthetic. Two decades later, its legacy endures, inspiring a wave of modern pixel art games like Shovel Knight and Celeste, alongside retro consoles like the SNES Classic and PlayStation Classic, proving the timeless appeal of classic gaming. Sabotage Studio’s The Messenger not only captures the essence of Ninja Gaiden but elevates it, earning accolades like Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards 2018. This review delves into what makes The Messenger such a captivating blend of retro charm and modern innovation.

A Twisting Tale of Surprises

The Messenger initially presents a familiar trope: a demon king threatens the world, and you, the messenger, must deliver a mystical scroll to the mages atop Glacial Peak. This seemingly straightforward premise quickly unravels upon entering the in-game shop, a portal to a fantastical dimension. The shopkeeper, a cryptic mage, engages in witty banter and philosophical tangents, offering cryptic clues instead of direct answers. Even reaching Glacial Peak doesn’t guarantee a final showdown; instead, you might be met with a meta-narrative jab about watching the game’s trailer. The mage’s presence injects humor and mystery, transforming a potentially predictable narrative into an engaging enigma. Two major plot twists await, one mid-game that shifts the adventure into a familiar yet novel direction, and another upon completion, leaving players with a satisfying sense of discovery.

The Messenger

Two Worlds, Two Eras

The initial journey unfolds linearly, guiding the messenger through various lands to defeat bosses. The latter half opens up, allowing free exploration and new quests within previously visited areas. However, revisiting these locations isn’t simply backtracking; it’s time travel. The game features two parallel worlds, past and future, where actions in one can impact the other. Time travel portals facilitate seamless transitions between these eras, offering unique gameplay opportunities. While shifting between worlds isn’t a novel concept, The Messenger goes beyond mere visual changes. New areas and events are tied to specific timelines, requiring players to manipulate time to progress.

Furthermore, the game’s visual style dynamically shifts between 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetics, mirroring the NES and SNES eras respectively. The beautifully crafted environments, already stunning in their detail, gain another layer of depth through this temporal duality. This “live” time travel experience is a rare and innovative touch. While the monster designs could be more diverse, the overall visual presentation is exceptional, capturing the nostalgic charm of retro gaming. The soundtrack further enhances the experience with its energetic 8-bit and 16-bit tracks, complementing the respective eras.

The Art of Ninja Acrobatics

The Messenger‘s gameplay, while rooted in classic mechanics, offers a refreshing twist with its core mechanic: the slash-jump. Attacking any object or enemy mid-air grants an extra jump, opening up a world of acrobatic possibilities. Skilled players can chain these jumps, using enemies as stepping stones to reach challenging areas and uncover hidden secrets. The combination of slashing, jumping, wall-clinging, and unlockable skills empowers players to truly embody the agile ninja.

Beyond the core mechanics, The Messenger incorporates secondary elements like dragon riding and rocket sequences, adding further variety to the gameplay. Death isn’t a simple reset; a mischievous demon imp accompanies the resurrected messenger, siphoning collected currency until its “debt” is paid. This innovative penalty system adds a lighthearted touch without being overly punishing. One minor drawback is the extensive backtracking required due to the limited fast travel options. However, this minor inconvenience doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyable experience.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Retro Enthusiasts

The Messenger seamlessly blends retro aesthetics with modern gameplay, offering a captivating experience for fans of side-scrolling action. The innovative time travel mechanic, dynamic visuals, and engaging narrative elevate the game beyond a simple homage to the classics. While the enemy variety could be improved, the overall package is a testament to the enduring appeal of pixel art and tight platforming. If you crave a challenging yet rewarding retro adventure, The Messenger is a must-play.