Overview
“The President has been kidnapped by ninjas. Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President?” Data East’s arcade brawler combined side-scrolling combat with that unforgettable premise. Players fought through waves of colour-coded ninjas, climbed trucks, and proved their badness across multiple stages of urban mayhem.
Fast facts
- Developer: Data East.
- Full title: Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja.
- Players: Two simultaneous.
- Famous line: The opening text.
Gameplay mechanics
| Action | Function |
|---|
| Punch | Basic attack |
| Kick | Alternative strike |
| Jump | Platforming, aerial attacks |
| Special | Spinning attack |
Enemy types
| Ninja colour | Behaviour |
|---|
| Blue | Basic |
| Grey | Aggressive |
| White | Throws shuriken |
| Red | Boss ninjas |
Stage variety
| Location | Challenge |
|---|
| City streets | Ground combat |
| Moving trucks | Platform fighting |
| Train | Scrolling hazards |
| Forest | Ninja ambush |
Boss encounters
| Boss | Style |
|---|
| Karnov | Fire-breathing strongman |
| Various ninjas | Stage guardians |
| Final boss | DragonNinja leader |
Home conversions
| Platform | Quality |
|---|
| NES | Competent port |
| Amiga | Good conversion |
| C64 | Simplified |
| ZX Spectrum | Limited |
Cultural legacy
| Impact | Manifestation |
|---|
| Meme status | Opening text iconic |
| 1980s action | Peak Reagan-era premise |
| Data East identity | Signature title |
See also