Air Slash
A mid-air sword slash executed by jumping and attacking.
The Air Slash is a jump & slash technique in the original Ninja Gaiden (NES), not a secondary weapon or projectile. It does not consume spiritual strength (ninpo) and is unrelated to windmill throwing stars, which appear as the Windmill Shuriken in Ninja Gaiden II.
- User
- Ryu Hayabusa
- Primary Function
- Jump & Slash Technique
Lore & Background
In the original Ninja Gaiden (NES), the Air Slash is a technique performed by jumping and slashing with Ryu's sword, not a collectible secondary weapon. It does not use the ninpo (spiritual strength) meter, which is reserved for spells like the fire wheels. The Windmill Shuriken, a boomerang-like projectile, appears in Ninja Gaiden II and is a separate weapon. The game's manual does not illustrate the Air Slash as a weapon; it is simply a mid-air attack.
In Their Own Story
During Ryu's journey through the six Acts and 20 levels of Ninja Gaiden, he can find the Air Slash as a secondary weapon. It is particularly useful against groups of enemies, as its boomerang-like return allows it to hit multiple targets. The player must manage Ryu's spiritual strength carefully, as using the Air Slash depletes this meter. The weapon is found in lamps and lanterns throughout the levels, alongside other items like hourglasses, potions, and 1-ups. Its effectiveness is balanced by the need to maintain enough spiritual strength for other techniques like the "art of the fire wheel" or the "jump & slash."
Reader's Guide
To use the Air Slash, the player must first collect it as a secondary weapon from lamps or lanterns in the levels. It consumes Ryu's spiritual strength meter, which is displayed on the HUD. The weapon is most effective against multiple enemies due to its boomerang-like return path. Players should prioritize collecting spiritual strength items (red and blue orbs) to keep the meter high enough for sustained use. The Air Slash cannot be used when the spiritual strength meter is too low, so players must balance its use with other secondary weapons like throwing stars or fire wheels. It is particularly useful in later Acts where enemy density increases.
Did You Know?
- The Air Slash is a jump & slash technique in the original Ninja Gaiden (NES), not a secondary weapon or projectile.
- It does not consume ninpo (spiritual strength) and is unrelated to the Windmill Shuriken from Ninja Gaiden II.
- The 'fire wheels' are a ninpo spell, not a secondary weapon, and the 'jump & slash technique' is the Air Slash itself.
- The Windmill Shuriken, which returns like a boomerang, appears in Ninja Gaiden II, not the original game.
- The Air Slash is performed by pressing the attack button while jumping, with no resource cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses the Air Slash technique?
Only Ryu Hayabusa wields this specific maneuver within the Ninja Gaiden series canon. It is considered a signature secondary weapon unique to his ninja fighting style.
What exactly does Air Slash do in battle?
This move launches windmill throwing stars that slice through enemies and return to Ryu like boomerangs. It serves as an effective mid-range projectile attack against multiple foes at once.
Are there any restrictions on using Air Slash?
Activating this technique consumes a portion of Ryu's spiritual strength meter during gameplay. Players cannot perform the move if their energy reserves are depleted too low to sustain it.
Is Air Slash actually a character in the story?
No, Air Slash is strictly a combat maneuver and not a sentient being or separate entity within the plot. Fans sometimes confuse it with other named items due to its specific title.
How does Air Slash compare to other ranged options?
It functions similarly to standard throwing stars but offers a unique returning property distinct from fireballs. This makes it one of several varied projectile choices available for crowd control.
More in Weapons & Techniques
Elsewhere in the Ninja Gaiden universe
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