Ninja Gaiden, of the most iconic and beloved 2D action game series ever created, was first released in the arcades in 1988, while making its console debut on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) later in the same year. At the time of the console release, Ninja Gaiden was renowned not only for its deep storytelling beautifully visualized by TECMO’s unique “cinema scenes,” but also through its legendary chiptune soundtrack, whose unique rock-’n’-roll sound and drum beat instantly became a formative musical experience for players who were only just getting into video games.

Ninja Gaiden: The Definitive Soundtrack is divided into volumes. The first, Ninja Gaiden Vol. 1, features the music of both the NES title and the Arcade game, both titled Ninja Gaiden. These legendary soundtracks have been digitally restored under the supervision of Keiji Yamagishi, one of the original series composers. The booklet includes a comprehensive roundtable discussion among several members of the original development team, including the director, producers, artist and composers; an essay by game historian Ray Barnholt; and original archival artworks.

TRACK LIST

LP 1 - NES

1. The Moonlight Duel
2. Determination Father's Message
3. The Dragon Ninja
4. Mysterious Woman
5. Bravery on the Clutches
6. Reminiscence
7. A Sudden Development
8. Like a Howling Gale
9. In Hiding Pursuing the Nightmare
10. Eyecatch
11. The Cia
12. The Sanctuary of Shadows
13. The Amazing Ryu
14. Crisis
15. Surprise Attack the Wicked God's Secret Maneuvers
16. Malth the Crimson Terror
17. The Truth Concealed
18. Melancholy Destiny
19. Requiem
20. The Truth Concealed (Reprise)
21. The Menace of Jaquio
22. Showdown at the Portal of Death (Battlefield)
23. The Demon's Incantation
24. In a Pinch the Ordeal of Battle
25. At the End of the Battle
26. Irene Overture of Dawn (Prelude)
27. Credits
28. Game Over
29. Cinema Display Sound Attack
30. Cinema Display Sound Attack
31. Sound Effects

LP 2 - Arcade

1. Insert Coin
2. Game Start
3. La Stage
4. La Stage / Grand Canyon Stage Boss
5. Round Clear
6. NY Stage
7. NY Stage / Transcontinental Railroad Stage Boss
8. Round Clear
9. Las Vegas Stage
10. Las Vegas Stage Boss
11. Round Clear
12. Grand Canyon Stage (Japan)
13. Grand Canyon Stage (Usa)
14. Round Clear
15. Transcontinental Railroad Stage
16. Round Clear
17. Final Stage
18. Final Stage Boss
19. Time's Up
20. Game Over