20 Video Game Clones Better Than The Original

After a decade-long hiatus, Ninja Gaiden has made quite a comeback. In 2025, there's been Ninja Gaiden Black 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and a throwback to the original line-up in Ragebound, all of which were well-received.

And yet, Sabotage Studio's clone, The Messenger, proved to be more innovative and enjoyable. Released in 2018, the action-platformer captures Ninja Gaiden's spirit by highlighting intense combat, wall climbing, and precise jumps. 

However, The Messenger improves on every mechanic Ninja Gaiden is known for. Hitboxes, knockback, and input buffering are finely tuned, making the game feel challenging but fair, which is sharp a contrast to Gaiden's punishing unpredictability.

Although it imitates Ninja Gaiden's linear structure, The Messenger transforms into a Metroidvania at the halfway point, recontextualising earlier stages into an interconnected world. The “8-bit to 16-bit” time-travel mechanic changes the art style, music, and level layout, which is magnificent to experience.

As a bonus, The Messenger is surprisingly funny. The Shopkeeper details the lore with self-aware humour, often pointing out cliched tropes of the hero's journey. Not only are these conversations hilarious, they divulge important exposition in a way that doesn't feel forced.

Although fans should be enjoying Ninja Gaiden's resurgence, they need to be careful not to sleep on The Messenger.