Ninja Gaiden/Characters

The characters in Ninja Gaiden introduced during the NES trilogy and Xbox Prequel series.

Many unmarked spoilers ahead: you've been warned.

A. Foster
"Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (NES)"

One of the head honchos at the CIA's Secret Auxiliary Unit and Irene Lew's immediate boss, A. Foster is a corrupt CIA agent obsessed with power, demonic power in particular. He attempts to coerce Ryu Hayabusa to fetch the Demon Statues for him in the first NES game. Foster shows his manipulative, ungrateful side when he orders Irene to assassinate Ryu and bring the statues back to him; not getting what he wants and with Ryu still alive, Foster shows up again in the third NES game (second chronologically) The Ancient Ship of Doom, plotting his "Biohazard" plan. His goal is to create a race of super-beings, and is indirectly responsible for Irene's temporary death, which sets Ryu in full force against him. .


 * Big Bad: Of The Anicent Ship of Doom.
 * CIA Evil, FBI Good
 * Evilutionary Biologist: Plans to use the dimensional energies to create a race of energy-infused superhuman mutants.
 * Frame-Up: He creates a clone of Ryu and uses it to kill Irene..
 * Sharp-Dressed Man: Is always seen wearing a full suit in cut-scenes.
 * The Unfought: Although some speculate he's the boss of the sixth level in The Ancient Ship of Doom in a mutated form, it's really Ryu's Bio-Noid clone because of the way it refers to Ryu as the original.

Ashtar
"Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos"

The main antagonist of the second NES game The Dark Sword of Chaos and a warlord, Ashtar is the self-proclaimed "Emperor of Darkness". Said to be both a skilled warrior and a powerful sorcerer, Ashtar is well over six feet tall, and dressed in bulky body armor. With a cape is draped over his shoulders, his face is concealed by his helmet which has three spiky horns protruding from the top and both sides of the head. His mask appears to depict himself crying tears of blood. In parallel with Ryu's Dragon Sword, Ashtar wields the Demon Sword, a blade forged from the bones of a demon.


 * Big Bad: Of The Dark Sword of Chaos.
 * Disc One Final Boss
 * Evil Counterpart: Of Ryu: both wield legendary weapons and are the champions of their respective clans.
 * Magic Knight: Don't be fooled by that heavy battle armor: his magic spells are formidable.
 * Malevolent Masked Man: Never seen without his scary white mask that leaves only his eyes visible.
 * Really Seven Hundred Years Old: Ashtar was there when both the Dragon Sword and Dark Dragon Blade were forged, and that was at least a millenia ago.
 * Spikes of Villainy: His armor sports these.
 * Tin Tyrant: He goes around decked in full battle armor.

H.P. Clancy
"Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom"

Foster's accomplice in The Ancient Ship of Doom, H.P. Clancy helped trigger many of the events during the game. Clancy built the Castle Rock Fortress over the ruins of Jaquio's fallen temple, as he and Foster found a continuous supply of life energy within the ruins; Jaquio's downfall left traces of evil surrounding the site, thus the fortress was built to harvest the energy as a power source, and used it on humans for experiments. .


 * Amazing Technicolor Population: After absorbing the power of the .
 * Cores and Turrets Boss: Clancy's second form.
 * The Dragon: To Foster.
 * Humans Are the Real Monsters: He believes in this philospophy.
 * Man of Wealth and Taste: Like Foster, he also sports a classy suit.
 * Power Floats: Clancy's first form.
 * Red Eyes, Take Warning
 * Say My Name: Does this to Ryu before assuming his third form.
 * We Can Rule Together: Attempts to goad Ryu to do this when he confronts Clancy.
 * Say My Name: Does this to Ryu before assuming his third form.
 * We Can Rule Together: Attempts to goad Ryu to do this when he confronts Clancy.

Irene Lew
"Voiced by: Amanda Troop (EN - Dead or Alive Dimensions), Yumi Touma (JP - Original Video Animation, Dead or Alive Dimensions) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (NES)"

Heroine of the NES trilogy and Ryu's primary Love Interest for the whole series, Irene Lew is an agent of the CIA's Secret Auxiliary Unit, working under the codenames "Sea Swallow". Despite her status as an agent, Irene is more of a support for Ryu as she often finds herself captured and winds up being rescued by the Dragon Ninja. When she disregards Foster's orders to kill Ryu after defeating Jaquio, Irene starts to devote her life to Ryu. Sometime after the OVA, she marries Ryu and settles for running an antique shop, while aiding him from time to time during the Dead or Alive tournaments.


 * Action Girl: In the NES trilogy.
 * Action Girlfriend: Irene and Ryu were already an item in The Ancient Ship of Doom, and she has her moments in it.
 * Adaptation Dye Job: Originally a brunette in the NES trilogy and OVA, but is a blonde as of Dead or Alive: Dimensions.
 * Bare Your Midriff: Her appearance in Dead or Alive: Dimensions, which is the only daring part of her attire now., Irene remains quite modest.
 * Chickification: Hit her hard in the OVA; in fact, she's not even a Faux Action Girl, but a Damsel in Distress from start to finish.
 * Damsel in Distress: At least once in each game she appears in, full stop in the OVA.
 * Eighties Hair: Her hair style in the NES trilogy.
 * Fan Service Pack/Hotter and Sexier: Pretty much each of Irene's measurements were "upgraded" when Team Ninja modeled her in 3D for Dead or Alive: Dimensions.
 * You Don't Look Like You: As a result.
 * Faux Action Girl: Even as a CIA agent, Irene isn't the most dependable ally.
 * Happily Married: With Ryu as of Dead or Alive; later games in the series try to make it ambiguous by only going as far as to state they're still together.
 * Informed Attribute: The fact Irene runs her "husband's" antique shop is only seen in a brief passage for the first Dead or Alive official guide that Tecmo released back then. This is only supported by the OVA, as Irene never actually appeared in Dead or Alive until Dead or Alive: Dimensions, and we don't see her taking care of the shop in it either.
 * Mission Control: For Ryu in Dead or Alive: Dimensions.
 * Not Quite Dead:.
 * Spell My Name with an "S": Japanese romanizations found on their official guides for the original trilogy had Irene as Aileen; the fansubbers for the OVA also spelled her name this way.
 * Ten-Minute Retirement: The OVA shows Irene cutting all ties with the CIA. Dead or Alive: Dimensions, however, shows she still has at least some contact with the agency.
 * Not Quite Dead:.
 * Spell My Name with an "S": Japanese romanizations found on their official guides for the original trilogy had Irene as Aileen; the fansubbers for the OVA also spelled her name this way.
 * Ten-Minute Retirement: The OVA shows Irene cutting all ties with the CIA. Dead or Alive: Dimensions, however, shows she still has at least some contact with the agency.

Jaquio
"Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (NES)"

Main antagonist of the first NES game, the sorcerer Guardia de Mieux dubbed himself "Jaquio" (supposed to be "Jaki-Oh", as in "Devil King"). While supposedly human, Jaquio appears as a bizarre, uncanny magician with purple skin dressed in a red torn tunic with a hexagram embroidered on the front and a purple skeleton of a demon wrapped in his body like an armor. Jaquio as Chief of the Chaos Tribe, and he plans to steal the Demon Statue and break the seal on the Dark God, plunging the world into darkness.


 * Amazing Technicolor Population: Purple skin.
 * Big Bad: Of the first NES game.
 * Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep": Guardia de Mieux is his real name; Jaquio is simply a title.
 * One-Winged Angel: He takes on not just one, but two of these forms during the final battle.
 * Spell My Name with an "S": s it "Jaquio", "Jakio" or "Jakyo"? Who knows?
 * One-Winged Angel: He takes on not just one, but two of these forms during the final battle.
 * Spell My Name with an "S": s it "Jaquio", "Jakio" or "Jakyo"? Who knows?

Joe Hayabusa
"Voiced by: Norio Wakamoto (JP), Keone Young (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (NES)"

Known as Jô/Joe in Japan and "Ken" in North America for the NES series, he is Ryu's father, current leader of the Dragon Ninja Clan, and previous wielder of the Dragon Sword. Much like his son, Joe is a Master Ninja and in contrast to Ryu who trains for discipline and tradition, Joe seeks to surpass his limits. His preferred ninja attire of choice is a white shinobi shozoku (ninja uniform), although he's adorned with some armor around his body.

In the NES trilogy, Joe leaves Ryu with the Dragon Sword to engage in a duel (later revealed to be one of Jaquio's minions Bloody Malth). The outcome of the fight is not seen, but Joe winds up becoming controlled by Jaquio's magic. Ryu breaks the sorcerer's hold on his father and frees him. In the current series, Joe constantly leaves to continue his training, as Ryu states his father is "never satisfied with the power he wields". In Ninja Gaiden II, Joe fails to prevent Elizébet, Queen of the Greater Fiends, from taking the statue sealing the Archfiend, as he duels with Genshin, Overlord of the Black Spider Ninja Clan. Injured and blinded, he tasks his son to prevent the Archfiend from resurrecting.

Joe returns in Ninja Gaiden 3.


 * Brainwashed and Crazy:.
 * : . However...
 * Dub Name Change: Ken for the NES series, but the current series rectifies this back to Joe on both sides of the Pacific.
 * The Obi-Wan
 * Spell My Name with an "S": Phonetically, it can be either "Jô" or "Joe".
 * Taking the Bullet: Does this for Ryu in the first NES game before he heads to fight Jaquio.
 * The Obi-Wan
 * Spell My Name with an "S": Phonetically, it can be either "Jô" or "Joe".
 * Taking the Bullet: Does this for Ryu in the first NES game before he heads to fight Jaquio.

Robert T. Sturgeon
"Voiced by: Norio Wakamoto (OVA), Zach Hanks (EN - Ninja Gaiden 3), Bin Shimada (JP - Ninja Gaiden 3) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos"

Also known as "Jungle Rat" Robert, he's a United States Army Special Forces operative who aids Ryu throughout The Dark Sword of Chaos, constantly revealing information about Ashtar. Although no different than a modern day commando, Robert proves himself useful to the Dragon Ninja, including being a reliable informer, following Ryu closely to the Tower of Lahja and surrounding the area with US Army forces to distracts Ashtar from finishing off Ryu. He proceeds to enter the Chaos World for the final battle, but Robert only goes as far against Ashtar,. While it seems he dies keeping the demons from reaching Ryu, the OVA reveals he survived, having quit the army and running a private eye agency to keep track of Ryu, but offering him any assistance the ninja might need in the future.


 * Armor-Piercing Slap: Robert, a highly trained soldier, after completely raiding a building full of mutants with just his friend Jeff and later all by himself, gets slapped by Katherine shortly after he lives through it.
 * Badass: Robert proved himself in The Dark Sword of Chaos from start to finish, aiding Ryu on equal grounds, planning good barricades with the US Army, holding off fiends by himself.
 * Badass Normal: And of course, Robert is just a highly trained soldier.
 * Blood Knight: While a peaceful guy most of the time, Robert does a long speech in the OVA about how the battlefield for him is not much different than what most men desire.
 * The Cameo: Appears in Ninja Gaiden 3.
 * Cool Shades: Never takes them off.
 * Fire-Forged Friends: With Ryu during The Dark Sword of Chaos, later with Jeff in the OVA.
 * Mysterious Watcher: Introduces himself as one, and has other minor moments as well.
 * One-Man Army: Not to the extent of Ryu, but Robert sure knows his way within the Chaos World.
 * Private Detective: After quitting the army.
 * Retired Badass: Not for a very long time, but still long enough.
 * Wacky Marriage Proposal: After killing dozens of mutants in a closed site with Jeff, adding a high chance of getting himself killed, when Robert lives through it, he proposes to Katherine seconds after in the OVA.

Ryu Hayabusa
"Voiced by: Hideyuki Hori (JP), Justin Gross (EN - Ninja Gaiden), Josh Keaton (EN - Ninja Gaiden II), Troy Baker (EN - Dead Or Alive Dimensions, Ninja Gaiden 3), Keiichi Nanba (JP - OVA) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Arcade)"

Protagonist of the series and heir to the Dragon Ninja Clan, Ryu Hayabusa is the eponymous example of a modern day ninja. His black falcon outfit's sleek design is reminiscent to that of the modern special ops agent; still, his tabi boots, ninja head piece, mask, scarf and shin/forearm guards are representative of the ancient ninja warrior. In great contrast to his deadly appearance, beneath the mask lies a handsome man capable of gentle expressions even, while still in his early 20's, Ryu's personality is that of a wise, composed man far older than himself. With this level of maturity, Ryu is perfectly able to act gentle and caring towards his relatives and friends, and very cold and deadly towards his enemies without hatred.

"Mizuki McCloud: "How did she [Ayane] know about this place? It's classified top secret…" Ryu: "Ninja have their ways.""
 * Animal Motifs: The Falcon, specifically the Peregrine Falcon.
 * Meaningful Name: "Hayabusa" is the Japanese name for the bird.
 * Animorphism: Shown in the first Xbox game's ending, where he leaves by transforming into a falcon.
 * Anti-Hero: Type III at his worst, but mostly Type II. Ninja Gaiden 3 elaborates more on this.
 * Back from the Dead: Quite instantly after being killed by Doku in the first Xbox game.
 * Badass: One the poster boys for ninjas in Video Games.
 * Badass Abnormal: Despite his original belief, Ryu's power does not come entirely from his training.
 * Badass Long Hair: His ponytail seen in his unmasked appearance for Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. He cuts it off by Ninja Gaiden 3, and grows it back in Dead or Alive.
 * BFG: Howling Cannon.
 * BFS: Dabilahro, Dark Dragon Blade, Emma Fang and Eclipse Scythe.
 * Bishonen: His Dragon Sword appearance. Ninja Gaiden 3 reveals his whole face, as do alternate costumes in the Dead of Alive games.
 * Bow and Sword in Accord: Just as the "Dragon Sword" is his primary weapon, he uses bows often as his long-range weapon.
 * Charles Atlas Superpower: Subverted, as Ryu did train intensively to reach the level of Master Ninja, but the cursed fiend blood in his veins gives him power above other ninjas.
 * Clear My Name: In The Ancient Ship of Doom, he's accused of assassinating Irene.
 * Death Is Cheap: After being killed by Doku, Ryu resurrected as fast as he died.
 * Green Eyes: Its tint of color tends to vary from game to game.
 * Hand Wave: At least in Ninja Gaiden 3.


 * Happily Married: With Irene as of Dead of Alive; later games attempt to make it ambiguous by only going as far as to state they're still together.
 * Improbable Age: Ryu reached the rank of Master Ninja in his early 20's while other known masters are in their middle ages or older. Not only is he the strongest in his clan, but continuity (all the way to Dead or Alive) places him as the single most powerful ninja in the world.
 * Informed Attribute: The fact he became an antique shop owner in Dead or Alive was carried over from the OVAs, and even then, it's only mentioned briefly in his bio. We don't actually get to see him running the shop, or see the shop itself for that matter.
 * Katanas Are Just Better: Quite literally, as despite a vast array of weapons Ryu finds, the Dragon Sword proves itself to be the best overall. Later justified since the True Dragon Sword is the only weapon in-universe capable enough to destroy Greater Fiends.
 * Ninja
 * Out-of-Character Moment: In the OVA, Ryu claims he would abandon his duties as a ninja in his clan, if it would mean being with Irene forever. Contrast how he's portrayed elsewhere, as he's bound by duty and honor. May double as a Screw Destiny.
 * Red Right Hand: In Ninja Gaiden 3, the Regent of the Mask curses him with the "Grip of Murder", forcing the Dragon Sword to be absorbed by his right arm. Doubles with Tainted Veins.
 * Stock Ninja Weaponry: Kunais, shurikens, claws, nunchaku and kusari-gama. The subversion would be the Dragon Sword, as it's a katana rather than a ninjato.
 * The Straight and Arrow Path: Goes up against opponents who wield machine guns or rocket launchers with nothing but his trusty bow, and more often than not comes out on top. He can even take out tanks and helicopters!
 * Wise Beyond Their Years: In his early 20's, yet his temperament and wisdom are more of a man three times his age.

Ayane
"Voiced by: Wakana Yamazaki (JP), Janice Kawaye (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

An immigrant from Dead or Alive, Ayane made her way into Ninja Gaiden in the Xbox Revival of the series. She is from the Hajin Mon sect of the Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan, which is apparently on good terms and has ties with the Dragon Ninja Clan. Ayane is the primary choice for the Mugen Tenshin when they need assistance from the Dragon Clan as she has built a mutual friendship with Joe and Ryu Hayabusa. Even though he's leagues above her in rank, Ayane aids him on his missions, either by informing and helping from the sidelines or outright fighting alongside him.


 * Action Girl: Got her chance to shine in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * Animal Motifs: Butterflies, from her choice of clothes, to their color and her inconic sash.
 * Art Evolution: To coincide with her appearance in Dead or Alive 5, Ayane will get this treatment for Ninja Gaiden 3 with smaller eyes, more realistic asiatic facial structure and modest measurements; the latter might not be seen as an "evolution" though.
 * Color-Coded for Your Convenience: Almost everything related to Ayane is purple, including her hair, clothes, aura, ninpo, explosive shurikens, etc.
 * Curtains Match the Window: Purple everywhere! However...
 * Technicolor Eyes: Certain cut-scenes depict them as red with shades of pink rather than purple.
 * Dangerously-Short Skirt: The one she wears in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 sure makes it easy to get a Panty Shot.
 * Demoted to Extra: Ayane only appears in Ninja Gaiden 3 to deliver a replacement sword for Ryu after losing the Dragon Sword due to the Grip of Murder.
 * Even in Ninja Gaiden II, she only shows up to give him the Eye of the Dragon (before Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 expands her role).
 * Easy Mode Mockery: In Ninja Gaiden Black, dying continuously in the first level results in Ayane giving the player the option to turn the difficulty down to "Ninja Dog". This results in her telling you that you suck for giving up at Normal difficulty; to further the mockery, she gives you ribbons to boost stats for the rest of the playthrough.
 * Fan Service Pack: In Ninja Gaiden, she wears pretty concealing clothes compared to her default attire in Dead or Alive; in the sequel, she gets more Stripperific and has noticeably bigger breasts.
 * Note a year has passed between the two games, and since she's supposedly in the middle of adolescence…
 * Fragile Speedster: The fastest character in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, but isn't as powerful as Ryu or Momiji.
 * Gameplay and Story Segregation: In-universe: Ayane would never dare talk back to Ryu, but not because he's a Master Ninja, and she's ranks below him, but because he's one of the few people who don't ; of course, this won't stop her from mocking him for giving up at the Game Over screen, defaulting to "Ninja Dog" difficulty and presenting him with stat-boosting ribbons.
 * When "Ninja Dog" mode is selected, it also changes the default title screen to a picture of Ayane. The implication is that Ryu gets demoted to a true Ninja Dog, thereny making Ayane his superior and consequently becoming the main character. Now she's just insulting a Mook ninja, not the great Ryu Hayabusa.
 * Giant Waist Ribbon: Sports one in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 as a Call Back to her Dead or Alive outfits.
 * Jerkass: Averted, as Ayane doesn't show much of her base personality from Dead or Alive in Ninja Gaiden, since she's dealing with mostly higher ranking ninjas like Ryu. Of course, this won't stop her from mocking him at the Game Over screen.
 * Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Ayane does treasure what friends she has and is ready to help Ryu and Dragon Ninja Clan whenever possible.
 * Kunoichi
 * Mysterious Watcher: Her appearance in Ninja Gaiden from start to finish.
 * You Gotta Have Purple Hair
 * Younger Than They Look: Mind you, Ayane doesn't look her age even in her home series (she's 16 in Dead or Alive). In Ninja Gaiden, she's 14 years old, then a year older in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.

Doku
"Voiced by: Koji Totani (JP), Charles Dennis (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

One of the Three Greater Fiends of the Holy Vigoorian Empire, Doku is a fiend incased in a heavy, dark suit of armor, closely resembling an ancient Samurai. He singlehandly destroyed the Hayabusa Village, killing many of the Dragon Clan Ninjas and stole the Dark Dragon Blade. Doku's goal is to aid his master, the Dark God Vigoor, into converting capable people into fiends and conquering the world. Doku is Ryu's motivation to invade Vigoor, as he also killed his childhood friend Kureha. Although Ryu manages to find and defeat him, Doku's last resort is an attempt to transform the ninja into a fiend, but the transformation is only partial as Doku's disembodied spirit fades away.

Doku returns in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword as a malevolent spirit haunting the ruins of Tairon.


 * Back from the Dead: Although Ryu destroys his initial body, Doku returns in a spirit form for a final showdown. How he manages to show up in Dragon Sword isn't answered.
 * BFS: Kitetsu.
 * Black Knight: Bonus points for Doku as the black armor is his actual body.
 * Tin Tyrant
 * The Dragon: Answers directly to Marbus, who answers to Vigoor.
 * The Faceless: Since Doku doesn't have a proper body to begin with, he has no face to portray himself. Instead, he wears a mask as part of his armor.
 * Hopeless Boss Fight: It's nigh impossible to defeat him in the first fight in Ninja Gaiden Sigma, unless you're an insanely skilled player. But even if you do, Ryu will die after the fight regardless.
 * Lightning Bruiser: While very heavy, Doku's capable of pulling off some fast-paced combos and slashes.
 * Obviously Evil: As if his introduction cutscene wasn't enough, Doku reeks of evil from head to toes.
 * Recurring Boss: Three times in the same game.
 * Spikes of Villainy: Less than normal, but still there.
 * Taking You with Me: In his final moments, Doku curses Ryu in an attempt to convert him into a fiend and serve Vigoor.

Elizébet
"Voiced by: Hiromi Tsuru (JP), Grey DeLisle (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)"

The Ruler of Crimson Blood and Queen of the Greater Fiends, Elizébet is the most active villain during Ninja Gaiden II for Xbox 360, also one of Vazdah's Four Deadly Greater Fiend Lords, and the blood priestess of the Fiend cult, the Order of the Necromantale. Elizébet was tasked with retrieving an important ancient artifact from the ancestral Hayabusa Village. For this, she aproached the Black Spider Ninja Clan to help her with the task. In return, Genshin and his followers were rewarded with fiend powers to overthrow the Dragon Ninja Clan. Later, Elizébet manages to trigger Ryu's anger by capturing Sonia and spitting on Genshin's pride after she resurrects him as a complete fiend. Out of all Greater Fiends, she is likely to be the one who really earned Ryu's hatred by corrupting the Black Spider Ninja Clan.


 * Aristocrats Are Evil: One of few Greater Fiends who are actually said to be a noble, and of course, Elizébet is one of the most evil among them.
 * Beauty Is Never Tarnished: Her form as a Greater Fiend is nowhere as demonic looking as the other three Vazdah's Deadly Greater Fiend Lords.
 * Which leads to incredible Squick since her abdomen shows off her internal organs.
 * Beware My Stinger Tail: She will regularly try to stab you with her tail. It's not very difficult to dodge, but you'd better dodge it.
 * Blood Bath: Elizébet sure enjoys her job as the blood priestess of the Fiend cult.
 * Bloody Murder: A very vicious long range attack has her sending multiple blood spears at you, which are not only very damaging, but also refill her lifebar as they hit you.
 * Fan Service: The cutscene preceding your first boss battle with her in Ninja Gaiden II.
 * Femme Fatale: So much that Elizébet is the only Greater Fiend Lord that bothers assuming a human form. She likes to look that poisonous.
 * God Save Us From the Queen: Queen of the Greater Fiends, not much else to be said.
 * Horny Devils: Both Elizébet's human and fiend forms are very sexually suggestive.
 * Impossibly Low Neckline: Justified in that what is holding her breasts sure aren't part of her clothes.
 * Informed Ability: The Queen of the Greater Fiends sure doesn't look that royal, both Marbus and the Dark God Vigoor have shown that they hold much more ground and followers than Elizébet did.
 * Kick the Dog: Literally kicked Genshin in the head after he was killed yet again by Ryu, spitting on the fallen warrior's pride while at it.
 * Manipulative Bitch: She sought the Black Spider Ninja Clan to help her steal the Demon Statue from the Dragon Ninja Clan. In return, she would give them demonic powers, and she did give them power, but of course, Elizébet forgot to tell them she sees them as disposable objects and eventually they would fall.
 * Meaningful Name: Elizébet's personality and her bloody design, akin to Elizabeth Bathory.
 * One-Winged Angel: The only Vazdah's Deadly Greater Fiend Lord who wasn't already transformed to fight against Ryu.
 * The Power of Blood: Ruler of Crimson Blood...
 * The Smurfette Principle: The only woman among Vazdah's Deadly Greater Fiend Lords, and the only relevant female Greater Fiend in the whole series.
 * Stripperiffic: In human form, only her torso looks like this, as a Greater Fiend she fits better.

Gamov
"Voiced by: Hisao Egawa (JP), Robin Atkin Downes (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

The man delivering orders to the Vigoorian forces in the first Xbox game, Gamov is a bespectacled, green hat and coat wearing spy, who constantly trails Ryu through the Holy Vigoor Empire, proving himself very agile and quick in the trigger while facing Rachel, he was supposedly working together with Doku for the Dark God Vigoor, in reality Gamov really served the Dark Disciple as he managed to bring the Dark Dragon Blade to his master, but he was killed by the Dark Disciple as soon as the sword was in his hands; the sequel for the Xbox 360 gives more background on Gamov, especially justifying why he was so agile back then, he was Genshin's younger brother and part of the Black Spider Ninja Clan.


 * All There in the Manual: That Gamov came from the Black Spider Ninja Clan and was Genshin's younger brother is not mentioned in the main story. You have to find Genshin's diary and read the entry about his dead young brother.
 * Badass in a Nice Suit: Gamov certainly doesn't look like he came from a Ninja Clan, the way he dresses and all.
 * The Dragon: For Murai the Dark Disciple.
 * Guns Akimbo: Packs two pistols in the fight against Rachel in Ninja Gaiden Sigma, among other things.
 * The Gunslinger: Gamov proved to be quite a skilled one in Ninja Gaiden Sigma against Rachel.
 * Lennon Specs
 * The Mole: Truly serves the Dark Disciple instead of the Vigoor Empire.
 * Mysterious Watcher: Trailing Ryu through the Vigoor Empire.
 * Not So Harmless: Ryu got a strange feeling from Gamov when fell off the club's edge, also Gamov's fight against Rachel.
 * Off with His Head: The way Murai showed gratitude to Gamov.
 * You Have Outlived Your Usefulness: Gamov got offed as soon as he gave the Dark Dragon Blade to Murai.

Genshin
"Voiced by: Ryuzaburo Otomo (JP), Neil Kaplan (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)"

The Ninja Overlord, Master Ninja of the Black Spider Ninja Clan and later one of the Five Greater Fiends of Vazdah in the Xbox 360 game, Genshin is the best and most ruthless ninja the Spider Clan has ever created, with eternal lust for power and hatred towards the Dragon Ninja Clan, he didn't think twice when Elizébet offered him more power for his clan and an excuse to annihilate the whole dragon lineage and its followers. Genshin successfuly destroyed great part of the Dragon Ninjas' village up to fighting against Joe Hayabusa, and managed to steal the Demon Statue for Elizébet; Ryu fights against Genshin four times during the story, in the third he kills him, the fourth Genshin is resurrected by Elizébet as a Greater Fiend, but Ryu once again prevails and finished Genshin off once for all, also despite Genshin's hatred for Ryu's clan it seems both of them developed a less harmful rivalry during their fights, it is clear that when Genshin died most of his hatred was gone as well, Ryu was really infuriated when Elizébet spit on Genshin's pride.


 * Above Good and Evil: Joe Hayabusa acuses Genshin's clan to be corrupted by evil, but Genshin remarks that the ninja way knows neither good nor evil.
 * Animal Motifs: The spider, given what his clan's named after; even his armor sports this theme more so than the clan Mooks.
 * Arch Enemy: Of the entire Dragon Lineage.
 * Asskicking Equals Authority: Not only does he hold the rank of Master Ninja for the Black Spider Ninja Clan, but he is so much stronger than any other clan members, he's given the title of Overlord.
 * Back from the Dead: Dies in his third fight, resurrected by Elizébet into a Greater Fiend
 * Badass: Genshin reeks of badassery, leading the Black Spider Ninja Clan through sheer power and proving his skills are worthy of a Master Ninja.
 * Badass Abnormal: When he comes back as a Vazdah Greater Fiend.
 * Benevolent Boss: While Genshin is credited for being a ruthless, violent Overlord, many Black Spider Ninjas adore him; diary entries note how respectable Genshin is from the Mooks.
 * BFS: Blade of The Archfiend.
 * Dark-Skinned Blond: An uncommon male example.
 * Driven by Envy: The Black Spider Ninja Clan being in the Dragon Ninja Clan's shadow for generations took its toll on Genshin, who grew to hate the Dragon Lineage entirely; their downfall is his ultimate goal.
 * It's Personal: Genshin's entire motivation for going along Elizébet plans, he really wants the Dragon Lineage to be extinct.
 * Large and In Charge: Genshin borders on gigantic, towering over many Black Spider Ninjas that were converted into Fiends even when he's still human. As a Master Ninja, he's the only other one in the series (sans Joe Hayabusa) in the modern trilogy to display just how powerful a Ninja of this rank truly is.
 * Lightning Bruiser: Although much taller than most Ninja, Genshin is still just as agile and powerful befitting a Master Ninja, proving to be more than a match for Ryu.
 * Mirror Boss: To an extent: he can use the Flying Swallow, the counter-attack, the Piercing Void Ninpo (in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 only), has an Ultimate Technique similar to Ryu's in Greater Fiend form, and Ryu picks up his Underworld Drop after getting the Blade of the Archfiend.
 * Ninja: Holds the rank of Master Ninja and clan overlord status.
 * One-Winged Angel: Coming back as a Vazdah Greater Fiend.
 * Playing with Fire: In the last fight, Greater Fiend Genshin starts imbuing attacks with fire.
 * Recurring Boss: Fought a total of four times in a single play-through.
 * Take Up My Sword: In his last breath Genshin passes the Blade of the Archfiend to Ryu, he uses it along with the True Dragon Sword in Ninja Gaiden II.

Kureha
"Voiced by: Jun Shikano (JP) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

The Dragon Shrine Maiden of the Dragon Ninja Clan, sworn to protect the Eye of the Dragon, Momiji's older sister and Ryu's childhood friend, Kureha is part of the Dragon Lineage was destined to play part in keeping the clan's tradition, being inseperable from Ryu since childhood she also wanted to be of importance, while he grew up to be a Master Ninja, she grew up to be a Shrine Maiden. Then as guardian of the Dragon Lineage Shrine, she was charged with the protection of the Eye of the Dragon, Kureha fufilled her task to death as Doku killed her in an attempt to steal the Eye of the Dragon; it was for her that Ryu went on a quest for vengeance towards Doku. Kureha briefly returns as an spirit in the sequel for the DS, aiding Ryu and Momiji against the Dark Dragon.


 * Childhood Friends: With Ryu Hayabusa.
 * Death by Origin Story: Kureha's early death in the game triggers Ryu to a long and vengeful mission.
 * Disposable Woman: Originally, Kureha only existed motivate to Ryu with her cruel death, even though she would become relevant in the Nintendo DS game later. One can wonder why she has a voice actor credited in the Xbox game since we never hear a word from her.
 * MacGuffin Guardian: In the normal sense, Kureha is just a shrine maiden tasked with protecting the Dragon Clan's treasure Eye of the Dragon.
 * Miko: For the Dragon Ninja Clan, as being part of the Dragon Lineage is a requirement to be the village's shrine maiden, Kureha was fated to be one since childhood.
 * Non Dubbed Grunts: In the Japanese track for the first Ninja Gaiden, Kureha has a weak death cry in her final moments, while in English track, she hasn't. That's why there's no credited voice actress in the American version of the game; Jun Shikano reprises her role of "grunts" in Dragon Sword, which in fact she is right at home, as the characters in the game are portrayed in The Legend of Zelda grunts-only style.
 * The Obi-Wan: To Momiji in Dragon Sword.
 * Passing the Torch: Kureha, as a spirit, hopes that Momiji will take on her sister's duty as a shrine maiden.
 * Posthumous Character: Kureha's background is explored in the first Xbox game's sequel for Nintendo DS.
 * We Hardly Knew Ye: Isn't it sad, Kureha?

Marbus
"Voiced by: Yukitoshi Hori (JP), Fred Tatasciore (EN - Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

Ruler of Hell and one of the Five Greater Fiend Lords of Vigoor in the first Xbox and returning for the PS3 sequel, Marbus is the Greater Fiend who guards the Holy Vigoor Emperor, the mastermind behind the theft of the Dark Dragon Blade; in contrast to other Greater Fiends, Marbus has legions of lesser fiends as his direct followers, often leaving the dirty work for them only acting himself when he sees fit or worthy, Ryu happened to be one these worthy as Marbus was forced to take him on directly, the result was the Greater Fiend losing and targeting Ryu for his personal revenge in the future. Marbus returns in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 looking for Ryu to exact his revenge upon him, he finds Rachel instead and is defeated once again.


 * Art Evolution: Marbus' design changed quite a bit when he came back in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * Ascended Extra: Marbus in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 as a boss character, with a more demonic-looking appearance and motivations stemming from revenge.
 * Cool Chair: Fitting for the Archfiend of Hell.
 * The Dragon: To Dark God Vigoor.
 * Dragon with an Agenda: Marbus doesn't seem concerned about his master being dead when he comes back in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. In fact, he's less concerned about his realm and more about his realm and himself being defeated by Ryu.
 * Flat Character: For someone who is said to be Doku's superior, Marbus has less exposition. Ironically, he gets more of it in his small role for Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * Flunky Boss: The only boss to be that way in Normal in the first game. He actually uses minor bosses as flunkies. And in higher difficulties, he hides behind Nicchae and Ishtaros... who are actually harder than he is.
 * It's All About Me: Marbus in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 seemed more upset about Ryu defeating him than killing his supposed master Dark God Vigoor.
 * It's Personal: With Ryu, Marbus being defeated by the Ninja left more issues than his master being killed.
 * Meaningful Name: Named after the same-named "President of Hell" from Dante's Inferno, who rules over 36 legions of demons, just as Marbus controls many Fiends for himself.
 * Not Quite Dead: As seen in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Ryu didn't kill Marbus in the first game, he just left him scarred and with one horn less.
 * Revenge: Against Ryu, Marbus lets more off that it is about his defeat rather than his dead master.
 * Scars Are Forever: While it didn't look like that in the first game, Ryu apparently cut one of Marbus' horns off and left him with a few scars as seen in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * Slouch of Villainy: Marbus does a good impression while he waits for Ryu to face off against his minions in the first game.

Momiji
"Voiced by: Yuki Mizoguchi (JP), Kate Higgins (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword (Nintendo DS)"

The last Dragon Shrine Maiden, Kureha's younger sister and Ryu's apprentice, Momiji eventually replaces her sister's place as a distinguished Dragon Lineage shrine maiden. During Doku's invasion, she was undergoing her ninja training in another village, thus Momoji was spared of the same fate as her sister. Hearing about Kureha's death, Momiji felt powerless and made a vow to become much stronger in her sister's name and taking on the task of protecting the clan's treasure, the Eye of the Dragon. With Momiji's new resolve, Ryu takes her under his direct tutoring, making Momiji his official apprentice. In the clash in the DS game, Momiji is captured by Nicchae, is up to Ryu to rescue her. After the Dark Dragon's defeat, Momiji goes back to her training under Ryu's guidance. Momiji is seen again in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 where she definitely became stronger and more than capable of fighting on her own.


 * Action Girl: Gets to be one for a bit in Way of The Kunoichi mode for Dragon Sword, and becomes a full-fledged one in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * The Archer: Like other popular portrayals of shrine maidens, Momiji's main projectile weapon is a bow and arrow, not shurikens despite of being only a Ninja originaly.
 * Blade on a Stick: Momiji's naginata in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, another weapon common for popular portrayals of shrine maidens.
 * Cool Big Sis: She's shown as this to the children of the Hayabusa village.
 * Last of Her Kind: After Kureha's death, Momiji is the only person worthy of guarding the Eye of the Dragon, given like Kureha, she too is descended from the Dragon Lineage.
 * MacGuffin Guardian: In the normal sense same as Kureha, Momiji is not only a Ninja, but a shrine maiden tasked with protecting the Dragon Clan's treasure Eye of the Dragon.
 * The Medic: Sort of. She uses her powers to soothe the pain in Ryu's cursed arm in Ninja Gaiden 3.
 * Miko: Even her default costume mirrors that of the archetype, but is done in a way that it compliments her dual-role of a kunoichi. However, Momiji does appear in the traditional white haori (kimono jacket) and red hakama (trousers) in Ninja Gaiden 3 when Ryu returns to the Hayabusa Village.
 * My Greatest Failure: Momiji blames herself for Kureha's death to some extent, as she wasn't in the Hayabusa Village when Doku was razing it to the ground.
 * Ninja: Originally she was only this, a Ninja (or rather Kunoichi) in training. Then Kureha dies, and Momiji had no other choice but to replace her sister due their Dragon Lineage.
 * Someone Has to Do It: Momiji could not refuse being a shrine maiden even if she wanted to, her distinguished lineage gave the final word.
 * Throw the Dog a Bone: After some dead older sister and self-depreciation, Momiji gets to impress the clan's Master Ninja to train her personally due to her determination in getting stronger for Kureha and to protect their sacred treasure: the results are shown in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and beyond.

Murai
"Voiced by: Banjo Ginga (JP), Neil Ross (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

The leader of the Shadow Clan Ninja and Ryu's maternal uncle, Murai is a former member of the Dragon Ninja Clan who went rogue and formed his own Ninja Clan. While prefering to stay away from the Dragon Clan's affairs, Murai still wanted to keep a good relationship with his former clan, thus aiding his nephew by opening the Shadow Clan fortress for Ryu's training routine. Murai is open about his extreme philosophy of the ever increasing need for power a true ninja must possess no matter the costs, so he tries to push some of it to his nephew Ryu by trying to make him accept the Dark Dragon Blade, still Ryu declines. As the Dark Disciple, Murai reveals to be behind every ploy to steal the Dark Dragon Blade, his madness for power only went that far as Ryu in the end killed his uncle.


 * BFS: The Dark Dragon Blade.
 * Big Bad: Of the first Xbox game as the Dark Disciple.
 * Evil Makes You Monstrous: With the Dark Dragon Blade in hands, Murai became very demoniac.
 * Evil Uncle: Of Ryu Hayabusa, mother side. Murai watched in the sidelines as his nephew struggled to save the Hayabusa Village and recover the Dark Dragon Blade; in the end, Murai was behind everything.
 * Face Heel Turn: Prior to the series itself, Murai once was a honorable ninja from the Dragon Ninja Clan.
 * Fighting with Chucks: Murai's skills with the nunchakus are to be praised, since Ryu's use of the weapon is incomparable to his uncle, both in power and speed.
 * Large and In Charge: From what little players get to see of Murai, he appears the tallest and most muscular of the bunch; naturally, he is in charge of his own clan.
 * Lightning Bruiser: Faster and more powerful than the Shadow Ninja Mooks; though slower, he's still quite capable of some nasty rushdowns.
 * The Man Behind the Man: As the Dark Disciple, Murai was eventually behind everything.
 * Manipulative Bastard: Murai let the Dark Dragon Blade switch from hand to hand intentionaly before he got his own hands on it, that way it could absorb more evil energy.
 * Ninja: Of Shadow Clan Ninja's leader status.

Muramasa
"Voiced by: Takeshi Aono (JP), Michael Bell (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

The legendary weaponsmith and shop owner who aids Ryu on his journeys, Muramasa is a mysterious merchant who seems to have traveled across the entire Earth, with a swath of knowledge regarding antiques, relics and weapons alike. Despite his frail, old appearance, Muramasa seems to know a few tricks regarding the sword, as demonstrated in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.


 * Adam Smith Hates Your Guts:
 * The price of weapon upgrades increases with weapon levels, so thousands of yellow essence will be spent upgrading them. In particular, the Wooden Sword will make some players focus solely on it, leaving other weapons behind in reaching their maximum.
 * Inverted in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 where weapon upgrades are free (but you can only upgrade one weapon at a time) and bringing him crystal skulls gives you a permanent discount. Finding the 30 skulls halves the price of healing items, which is quite helpful in higher difficulties.
 * Back Stab: Muramasa sneaks behind one unsuspecting Ninja in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and backstabs him with a mantis sword.
 * Badass Grandpa: Muramasa still does some impressive things even in his advanced age, and shows some skill with a sword.
 * The Blacksmith: Muramasa personally upgrades all of Ryu's weapons if given enough yellow essence.
 * Canon Immigrant: Muramasa appears in Dead or Alive, the 4th in particular; now owning a small Vegetable Mart, in which Lei-Fang and Hitomi fights over a cabbage.
 * Cool Old Guy: Muramasa is said to be above 100 years old, and he still is a fairly modern guy, funny even.
 * Exposition Fairy: Muramasa often lets out some plot points that Ryu needs to advance in his journey.
 * Mr. Exposition: In his introduction, scenes Muramasa lets out directions about a place Ryu needs to go or about the situation the Ninja currently finds himself in.
 * Non Dubbed Grunts: Most of Muramasa's average grunts for an elder aren't dubbed: they're straight from the Japanese track, unlike other characters who got their grunts dubbed.
 * Not So Harmless: As seen in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 against a hidden Ninja, Muramasa still has some tricks up his sleeve.
 * Too Long; Didn't Dub: Muramasa's greetings aren't dubbed in Ninja Gaiden II and Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, but says "Irasshai!" instead of "Welcome!" to Ryu when his shop is accessed.
 * Ultimate Blacksmith: That said, only Muramasa can handle all these legendary or downright demoniac weapons that Ryu possesses.
 * Walking the Earth: Prior to the games, it is said that Muramasa personally erected all of his statues Ryu finds in his journey, including ones in the Underworld.

Rachel
"Voiced by: Michie Tomizawa (JP), Tara Strong (EN) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

The main girl for Ninja Gaiden (Xbox) and fiend hunter from the Holy Vigoor Empire, Rachel is somewhat a tragic heroine. She and her sister Alma were afflicted with a blood curse that turns humans into fiends. By the events of the game, Alma has already succunbed into a complete fiend. Rachel still maintains her human form and becomes a fiend hunter; believing that her sister has no more chance to revert back, Rachel sets on a journey to put Alma out of her misery. Rachel gets caught up in Doku's plot to bait Ryu, as the Greater Fiend also has Alma under his control. Rachel pursued him only to get captured herself; Ryu manages to rescue Rachel, and in return, she saves him in time for the final bout against the Dark Disciple. In the end, Rachel seems to have become quite enamored with Ryu, but he doesn't reciprocate. She's seen again in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 during a fiend hunt, and is looking foward to reuniting with Ryu again.


 * Action Girl: While playable in Ninja Gaiden Sigma, and becomes a full-fledged one in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * Animal Motifs: Snakes: her health bar in Ninja Gaiden Sigma is shaped like one, and her sorcery in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is called "Ouruborus", the thematic symbol of a snake eating its own tail.
 * Big Damn Heroes: Rachel helps Ryu escape the Underworld of what it seemed a certain death for the Ninja.
 * Boobs of Steel: Rachel's physical strength is proportional to her voluptuous bust. She can even handle heavy weapons better than Ryu at first in Ninja Gaiden Sigma.
 * Chuck Cunningham Syndrome: Despite being re-included in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Rachel is dropped off the face of the Earth in Ninja Gaiden 3. While almost all characters from the series (old trilogy to present generation) gets a nod, Rachel does not get a mention, not even in Razor's Edge.
 * Damsel in Distress: After Doku captures her, Rachel spends the rest of the story like this.
 * Dogged Nice Girl: In a rare female example, Rachel by the end of the first Xbox game has taken quite a liking to Ryu, but he promptly seems to refuse, and going by the series' continuity, this isn't remotely going anywhere with him.
 * Drop the Hammer: The War Hammer (which looks like an axe instead) in the first game, and the Inferno Hammer (which looks like a hammer this time around) in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * Faux Action Girl: In the original Xbox game, Rachel wasn't playable, so in story segments, she falls straight into this.
 * Gatling Good: Rachel sports a Gatling Gun as her projectile weapon in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
 * Hopeless Suitor: The Xbox continuity is established as prequels to the NES and then Dead or Alive continuity; by then, Ryu is already Happily Married, certainly not with Rachel.
 * Hot Witch: Rachel's super art is called sorcery in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 after all.
 * Kill the Ones You Love: Rachel has reached this conclusion with Alma, and doesn't believe there's another way to save her sister anymore.
 * Power Crystal: Rachel's crystal earrings are magically enhanced.
 * Something About a Rose: Rachel's sorcery in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is rose-themed and petalls flown around it.
 * Stripperiffic: Rachel's choice of clothes for fiend hunting are unique to say the least.
 * Variable Length Grappling Hook: Seriously, how long can the rope of her grappling hook get, and how does she manage to reel it back into that tiny arm device? In the Collapsing Lair, she doesn't even seem to be grappled to anything. We don't see the end of the rope, she's just… suspended.
 * Waif Fu: Rachel is very strong despite her slender figure due to her cursed Fiend blood, yet she can best enemies many times her size and obviously more muscular than her.

Sonia
"Voiced by: Mariko Suzuki (JP), Kari Wahlgren (EN - Ninja Gaiden II), Amanda Troop (EN - Dead or Alive), Yumi Touma (JP - OVA) Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360) as Sonia"

A CIA agent tasked with to prevent Archfiend Vazdah from returning, Sonia heads to Tokyo to seek Ryu Hayabusa's help. Unlike Irene from the NES trilogy, Sonia is not so harmless, proving herself dependable and gutsy when Fiends aren't involved; throughout Ninja Gaiden II, she provides the Dragon Ninja with support and transportation to where the Demon Statue might be located.


 * Action Girl: She can prove herself when Fiends are not involved.
 * Action Girlfriend: Teaming up with Ryu with her bazooka, she's really Irene Lew under an alias, so it's official.
 * Adaptation Dye Job: Sonia's hair color is what sticks for Irene Lew as seen in Dead or Alive.
 * BFG: The bazooka Sonia uses to aid Ryu.
 * Continuity Nod: Just the fact that Sonia was confirmed to be Irene Lew in Dead or Alive served to really tie the Xbox series as happening before the NES series, Itagaki in his last days at Tecmo was really contradicting about the series continuity.
 * Damsel in Distress: When captured by Elizébet and later by Alexei.
 * Fan Service Pack: When she was revealed to be Irene Lew in Dead or Alive, Sonia became the embodiment of this, literally.
 * Faux Action Girl: While playing the CIA Agent role better than her NES counterpart, Sonia can fall in this quickly when greater threats are involved.
 * Guns Akimbo: She wields two gns at the beginning of the game and actually succeeds in killing two Black Spider Ninja.
 * Mission Control: For Ryu as of Dead or Alive.
 * Ship Tease: Sonia is the only girl in the modern games whom Ryu shows a degree of affection and care: he was worried about her wandering in the Underworld when he knows he can't protect her at all times, and they share a hug at the end of the game.
 * Suspiciously Similar Substitute: Sonia's role in the Xbox series is so similar to Irene Lew's in the NES series, that later in Dead or Alive, they just had to confirm they are the same person.

Vigoor
"Debuting in: Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)"

Known to the Holy Vigoor Empire as the Holy Vigoor Emperor, this is his human form to his god form, the original "Evil Deity" who spawned the Fiends. To the commoners of the Holy Vigoor Empire, Vigoor is worshiped as a "Supreme Holy Deity", leader of their "Holy Vigoorian Order" and the absolute authority in their lives. After his defeat, a plan is set into motion in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword to ressurect him by the ancient Fiends Ishtaros and Nicchea using the Dark Dragonstones to do so.


 * Attack of the 50-Foot Whatever: The first fight against his angelic form.
 * Back for the Dead: Comes back in Dragon Sword, only to die shortly after.
 * Big Bad: Until Murai/Dark Disciple is revealed to be the true Big Bad of the game.
 * Clipped-Wing Angel: His decayed Chaos Devil form.
 * Expy: Of Mundus from Devil May Cry.
 * Flat Character: The patron saint and deity of the Vigoor Empire doesn't have a single line, passage or mention of his personality: it's just a boss fight players must pass in order to finish the game.
 * Light Is Not Good: His stone angel form.
 * Physical God: Introduced as such, but changed later, as he is not the only one.
 * Retcon: In the first Xbox game, Vigoor is also referred as Dark God Vigoor aside from his Holy Vigoor Emperor title, implying that he was the the Archfiend, a Physical God beyond all archfiends. Then comes Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360) and reffers to him as Supreme Archfiend Vigoor, the same rank as Vazdah, changing Vigoor from the only to one of a possible group.
 * Satan: Only in the first Xbox game and Nintendo DS sequel, the Xbox 360 sequel kind of makes a devil.

Canna
"Voiced by: Stephanie Sheh (EN), Yumi Sudo (JP)"

Mizuki's daughter. She is a bit affraid of Ryu at first, but quickly gets a liking to him.


 * Cute Mute: She uses some kind of tactile tablet to communicate most of the time.
 * Shipper on Deck: She really wants Ryu to be her daddy, which implies being more than Just Friends with Mizuki. For bonus points, they are literally on a deck when she says it to him.
 * : "MURDEREEEEER!!!"
 * Shipper on Deck: She really wants Ryu to be her daddy, which implies being more than Just Friends with Mizuki. For bonus points, they are literally on a deck when she says it to him.
 * : "MURDEREEEEER!!!"

Clifford "Cliff" Higgins
"Voiced by: Jonathan Lipow (EN), Hiroaki Hirata (JP)"

Mizuki's Brother-in-law. She jokingly describes him as a Mad Scientist since he conceives strange advanced weapons such as Ryu's target-locking bow. .


 * : What he wants to do with of all people.
 * To Canna.
 * : In the last act.
 * : In the last act.
 * : In the last act.

Ken Ishigami
"Voiced by: Michael McConnohie (EN), Unsho Ishizuka (JP)"

A member of the Japanese ministry of defense, who meets Ryu at the beginning of the game, saying to him: "we don't need your help, you need ours", before showing him the message of the terrorists who took over London.

LOA Chairman (Ashtear Higgins)
"Voiced by: Jamie Alcroft (EN), Kōji Yada (JP)"

The big cheese of the Lords of Alchemy multinational, which makes all sorts of things, from toys to war weapons.


 * Well-Intentioned Extremist: If his (long) speech before you finish him is anything to go by.

Lovelace
"Voiced by: Nicola Clarke (EN), Masumi Asano (JP)"

The chief scientist of LOA's gene labs.


 * Blondes Are Evil
 * Ink Suit Actor: She looks a suspicious lot like her English voice actress.
 * Mad Scientist
 * Techno Babble: She tries very hard to make her explanation of the Virtual Simulator sound meaningful.
 * Techno Babble: She tries very hard to make her explanation of the Virtual Simulator sound meaningful.

Mizuki McCloud
"Voiced by: Ali Hillis (EN), Yuko Kaida (JP)"

A member of the Japanese Air Defense Force, assisting Ryu throughout the third game.


 * Alliterative Name
 * But Not Too Foreign: She's said to be half-English, half-Japanese.
 * Mission Control: During the first half of the game. Although most of what she says during missions doesn't really have any informative value.

The Regent of the Mask
"Voiced by: James Brinkley (EN), Ken'yuu Horiuchi (JP)"

The Big Bad of Ninja Gaiden 3. The game begins with him taking hostages in the middle of London with his terrorist group and assassinating the British Prime Minister. After fighting Ryu, he places a curse on his right arm, forcing the Dragon Ninja to endure the pain of all the people he killed. .

""Every nation must immediately agree to our terms of surrender. You have seven days. Exactly the number of days it took God to create this world.""
 * Alchemy Is Magic: The form of magic the Regent uses is less alchemic than it is conjuring curses and spells through incantations.
 * Badass Longcoat: Part of his attire.
 * Combat Commentator: He sends amused comments at you during the boss fights of Day 3 and 4.
 * Cool Mask: Another part of his attire.
 * Malevolent Masked Man
 * White Mask of Doom
 * Cool Sword: Uses a Royal Rapier.
 * Gloved Fist of Doom: The third part of his attire.
 * Faux Symbolism:
 * Cool Sword: Uses a Royal Rapier.
 * Gloved Fist of Doom: The third part of his attire.
 * Faux Symbolism:


 * : After his mask is destroyed.
 * . Talk about an Awesome but Impractical curse!
 * In the Hood: The final part of his attire.
 * Kick the Dog: The first thing we see him do is kill the freaking Prime Minister. The hostages probably didn't all get away alive either. And then there is him.
 * Large Ham: Comes with the territory of going into lengthy esotheric speeches about God, the universe or the end of the world.
 * Occult Blue Eyes
 * Recurring Boss: Four times in a single play-through.
 * "Wake-Up Call" Boss: He's not as unforgiving as Murai since your lifebar is maxed-out from the beginning in Ninja Gaiden 3, but he's clearly the first enemy of the game that will pose you a challenge. In harder difficulties, he becomes That One Boss.