東映動畫（Toei Animation）於 1988 年 5 月 20 日在任天堂 Famicom（紅白機）上推出《假面忍者 赤影》，這是一款改編自橫山光輝原著經典特攝劇與動畫的橫向捲軸動作遊戲。將 1960 年代特攝片的「奇幻忍者」風格與 1980 年代末的電玩技術完美結合，呈現一場充滿巨大機械、妖怪與忍術的奇特冒險。

在技術表現上，忠實還原原著那種「不按牌理出牌」的超現實忍者世界。畫面色彩鮮艷，赤影標誌性的紅面具與白圍巾在點陣圖中辨識度極高。場景涵蓋江戶時期的村落、竹林以及充滿科幻感的地下要塞，體現原著特攝怪奇的精髓。音樂方面，改編自原著經典主題曲，節奏輕快且充滿英雄主義色彩。過場演出則加入大量大型角色頭像與對話框，增強劇情的代入感。

故事背景設定在戰國時代，邪惡的「幻妖齋」率領強大的「魔風忍軍」企圖奪取傳說中的神物並統治日本。主角是頂尖忍者赤影，身邊有年幼的青影與壯碩的白影助陣。必須橫跨多個章節，擊敗巨大甲蟲、機械怪獸等超常對手。這是一個關於忠誠、友誼與奇蹟的英雄冒險，最終目標是摧毀幻妖齋的野心並守護和平。

最獨特的操作設計在於玩家可以即時切換三名角色，每人都有不同的戰鬥特性。赤影作為主角，性能均衡，使用赤影劍近戰並能投擲流星彈；青影速度最快、跳躍力強，擅長鎖鐮攻擊，適合對付飛行敵人或跨越寬大懸崖；白影則擁有最高攻擊力與防禦力，使用長矛與重型火藥，雖然移動緩慢，但面對高血量 Boss 時不可或缺。還能收集風箏、捲軸等忍道具，需根據地形快速切換角色以應對挑戰。

在市場上獲得良好的評價，被認為系統豐富、極具特攝韻味。對於熟悉原著的玩家來說，能看到青影大喊「大丈夫！」或赤影乘風箏飛行，帶來極大的懷舊滿足。雖然動作判定略顯寬鬆，不及《忍者外傳》般凌厲，但多樣化的武器與角色切換機制彌補操作上的不足。這款遊戲是 1980 年代「忍者熱潮」中的重要一環，成功將傳統時代劇與科幻元素融合，成為許多老玩家心中最奇特的忍者遊戲回憶。

On May 20, 1988, Toei Animation released Kamen no Ninja Akakage for the Nintendo Famicom, a side-scrolling action game adapted from Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s classic tokusatsu series and anime. The game masterfully blends the “fantasy ninja” style of 1960s tokusatsu with the late-1980s video game technology, delivering a unique adventure filled with massive machines, supernatural monsters, and mystical ninja techniques.

Technically, Kamen no Ninja Akakage faithfully captures the surreal and unpredictable world of the original series. The visuals are vibrant, with Akakage’s iconic red mask and white scarf instantly recognizable in pixel art. The stages range from Edo-period villages and bamboo forests to sci-fi-inspired underground fortresses, reflecting the essence of tokusatsu oddities. The soundtrack adapts the classic theme from the original series, featuring upbeat and heroic motifs, while cutscenes include large character portraits and dialogue boxes, enhancing the narrative immersion.

The story is set during the Sengoku period, where the evil Genyouzai leads the powerful Mafu Ninja Army in a bid to seize legendary artifacts and dominate Japan. Players control Akakage, the elite ninja of the Kage clan, aided by the youthful Aokage and the strong Shirokage. Akakage must traverse multiple chapters, facing extraordinary enemies like giant beetles and mechanical monsters. The tale emphasizes loyalty, friendship, and miracles, culminating in the destruction of Genyouzai’s schemes and the restoration of peace.

The game’s most distinctive gameplay feature is the ability to instantly switch between three characters, each with unique combat traits. Akakage, the balanced main character, wields a sword and can throw shuriken-like projectiles called “meteor bombs.” Aokage, the speed type, is small, fast, and excels with the kusarigama, ideal for flying enemies or wide gaps. Shirokage, the power type, has the highest attack and defense, wielding a spear and heavy explosives; though slow, he is essential for confronting high-HP bosses. Players can also collect ninja tools like kites for flying and scrolls for large-range techniques, requiring quick character swaps to navigate challenging terrain.

Kamen no Ninja Akakage received praise for its rich systems and strong tokusatsu flavor. Fans of the original series particularly enjoyed moments like Aokage shouting “Da-i-jo-bu!” or Akakage flying on a giant kite, which evoked deep nostalgia. While the action detection is slightly more forgiving than games like Ninja Gaiden, the diverse weapons and character-switching mechanics compensate for this. The game stands as a key title in the 1980s “ninja craze,” successfully merging traditional period drama with sci-fi elements, leaving a lasting impression as one of the most unique ninja games of its era.