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[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/33459_ninja_gaiden_ii_the_dark_sword_of_chaos_nes_front_cover_7.jpg]][[caption-width-right:350:When they said ''Hard to Beat!!'' they [[NintendoHard weren't kidding.]]]]
''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', known in Japan as ''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣'') [[note]]literally, ''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness''[[/note]] and in Europe as ''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', known in Japan as ''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣'') [[note]]literally, ''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness''[[/note]] and in Europe as ''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
to:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/33459_ninja_gaiden_ii_the_dark_sword_of_chaos_nes_front_cover_7.jpg]][[caption-width-right:350:When they said ''Hard to Beat!!'' they [[NintendoHard weren't kidding.]]]]
kidding]].]]
''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', known in Japan as ''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣'') [[note]]literally, ''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness''[[/note]] and in Europe as ''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for theUsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem.Platform/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', known in Japan as ''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣'') [[note]]literally, ''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness''[[/note]] and in Europe as ''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos'', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the
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Not to be confused with ''VideoGame/NinjaGaidenII2008.''
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Not to be confused with ''VideoGame/NinjaGaidenII2008.''''VideoGame/NinjaGaidenII2008''.
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* WarmUpBoss: Dando the Cursed, the first boss, moves slowly and only uses a charging attack to knock Ryu off any walls he's trying to climb. Despite this gimmick, he's still very easy to defeat.
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IUEO now
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* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: [[AwesomeMcCoolName Funky Dynamite]], a man-sized mutant lizard cyborg with a jetpack and plasma guns.
to:
* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: [[AwesomeMcCoolName Funky Dynamite]], Dynamite, a man-sized mutant lizard cyborg with a jetpack and plasma guns.
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* CoolShades: Worn by Robert.
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* LocomotiveLevel: Stage 2-1 is on a train. Curiously, walking into the end car takes you to a windy mountaintop.
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We don't bold titles here.
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[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/33459_ninja_gaiden_ii_the_dark_sword_of_chaos_nes_front_cover_7.jpg]][[caption-width-right:350:When they said ''Hard To Beat!!'' they [[NintendoHard weren't kidding.]]]]
'''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos,''' known in Japan as '''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣)''' [[note]]literally, '''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness'''[[/note]]) and in Europe as '''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos''', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
'''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos,''' known in Japan as '''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣)''' [[note]]literally, '''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness'''[[/note]]) and in Europe as '''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos''', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
to:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/33459_ninja_gaiden_ii_the_dark_sword_of_chaos_nes_front_cover_7.jpg]][[caption-width-right:350:When they said ''Hard To to Beat!!'' they [[NintendoHard weren't kidding.]]]]
'''Ninja ''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos,''' Chaos'', known in Japan as '''Ninja ''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣)''' 暗黒の邪神剣'') [[note]]literally, '''Legend ''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness'''[[/note]]) Darkness''[[/note]] and in Europe as '''Shadow ''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos''', Chaos'', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
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Small edits.
Changed line(s) 1 (click to see context) from:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/33459_ninja_gaiden_ii_the_dark_sword_of_chaos_nes_front_cover_7.jpg]][[caption-width-right:350:When they said ''Hard To Beat!!'' they [[NintendoHard weren't fucking around.]]]]
to:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/33459_ninja_gaiden_ii_the_dark_sword_of_chaos_nes_front_cover_7.jpg]][[caption-width-right:350:When they said ''Hard To Beat!!'' they [[NintendoHard weren't fucking around.kidding.]]]]
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One of the most infamously difficult games for the NES, ''Ninja Gaiden II'' basically codified NintendoHard along with ''Castlevania.'' Its unforgiving nature is offset somewhat by its gorgeous graphics which hold up even today, truly innovative use of cut scenes -- similar to its predecessor -- and that [[AwesomeMusic/NinjaGaiden bangin soundtrack]].
to:
One of the most infamously difficult games for the NES, ''Ninja Gaiden II'' basically codified NintendoHard along with ''Castlevania.'' Its unforgiving nature is offset somewhat by its gorgeous graphics which hold up even today, truly innovative use of cut scenes -- similar to its predecessor -- and that [[AwesomeMusic/NinjaGaiden bangin soundtrack]].
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* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating the first boss, Dando the Cursed, Ryu meets a mysterious army operative who pulls a gun on him. Before Ryu can react, the man fires a shot...[[spoiler:to finish off Dando, who Ryu hadn't quite finished off]].
to:
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating the first boss, Dando the Cursed, Ryu meets a mysterious army operative who pulls a gun on him. Before Ryu can react, the man fires a shot...[[spoiler:to finish off Dando, who Ryu hadn't quite finished off]].
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* EvilCounterpart: As far as the NES games go, it's explicitly stated that the [[TitleDrop Dark Sword of Chaos]] is this to the Dragon Sword, having been forged from a demon's bones as opposed to a dragon's fang.
to:
* EvilCounterpart: As far as the NES games go, it's explicitly stated that the [[TitleDrop Dark Sword of Chaos]] is this to the Dragon Sword, having been forged from a demon's bones bone as opposed to a dragon's fang.
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* {{Hellgate}}: This game presents a recursive example: an evil-looking tower with a demonic skull for an entrance, which leads to the antechamber of the Realm of Chaos. And inside ''that'', an altar upon which the actual gates can be opened.
to:
* {{Hellgate}}: This game presents a A recursive example: an evil-looking tower with a demonic skull for an entrance, which leads to the antechamber of the Realm of Chaos. And inside ''that'', an altar upon which the actual gates can be opened.
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* ObstructiveForeground: One of the things that makes this game so damn hard.
to:
* ObstructiveForeground: One Infamously, one of the things that makes this game so damn hard.
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A lot of work went into this. Hopefully we can continue to add to it later, too.
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* AlienSky: As Ryu approaches the gate to the Realm of Chaos in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', he's greeted by an eerie violet sky with strange stars hanging too close to the surface.
* AttackDrone: The Shadow Clones from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', which follow in Ryu's footsteps ''precisely'' and attack when he does, at no cost. He can have up to two clones out at a time.
* BackFromTheDead: Irene after being sacrificed for Jacquio's goal in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''. She gets resurrected by the Dragon Sword's magic in the ending.
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating first boss in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', Dando the Cursed, Ryu meets a mysterious army operative who pulls a gun on him. Before Ryu can react, the man shoots...to finish off the monstrous Dando, who Ryu hadn't quite finished off.
* AttackDrone: The Shadow Clones from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', which follow in Ryu's footsteps ''precisely'' and attack when he does, at no cost. He can have up to two clones out at a time.
* BackFromTheDead: Irene after being sacrificed for Jacquio's goal in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''. She gets resurrected by the Dragon Sword's magic in the ending.
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating first boss in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', Dando the Cursed, Ryu meets a mysterious army operative who pulls a gun on him. Before Ryu can react, the man shoots...to finish off the monstrous Dando, who Ryu hadn't quite finished off.
to:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/33459_ninja_gaiden_ii_the_dark_sword_of_chaos_nes_front_cover_7.jpg]][[caption-width-right:350:When they said ''Hard To Beat!!'' they [[NintendoHard weren't fucking around.]]]]
'''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos,''' known in Japan as '''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣)''' [[note]]literally, '''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness'''[[/note]]) and in Europe as '''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos''', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
A year has passed since the events of the first game. Ashtar, [[TheManBehindTheMan who was actually the one behind Jacquio]], has learned of his minions' defeat, and plans an EvilScheme to open up the Gates of Darkness and TakeOverTheWorld. This sets off a chain of events where Ryu Hayabusa must once again be called upon to stop the forces of Darkness and save the world.
One of the most infamously difficult games for the NES, ''Ninja Gaiden II'' basically codified NintendoHard along with ''Castlevania.'' Its unforgiving nature is offset somewhat by its gorgeous graphics which hold up even today, truly innovative use of cut scenes -- similar to its predecessor -- and that [[AwesomeMusic/NinjaGaiden bangin soundtrack]].
Not to be confused with ''VideoGame/NinjaGaidenII2008.''
----
!!'''Tropes used in this work include:'''
* AlienSky: As Ryu approaches the gate to the Realm ofChaos in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', Chaos, he's greeted by an eerie violet sky with strange stars hanging too close to the surface.
* AllThereInTheManual: The names of the bosses and what they're supposed to be, for one.
* AttackDrone: The Shadow Clonesfrom ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', from, which follow in Ryu's footsteps ''precisely'' and attack when he does, at no cost. He can have up to two clones out at a time.
* BackFromTheDead:Irene [[spoiler:Irene]] after being sacrificed for Jacquio's goal in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''. She goal. [[spoiler:She gets resurrected by the Dragon Sword's magic in the ending.
ending]].
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating the firstboss in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', boss, Dando the Cursed, Ryu meets a mysterious army operative who pulls a gun on him. Before Ryu can react, the man shoots...to fires a shot...[[spoiler:to finish off the monstrous Dando, who Ryu hadn't quite finished off.off]].
'''Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos,''' known in Japan as '''Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashin Ken (忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣)''' [[note]]literally, '''Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness'''[[/note]]) and in Europe as '''Shadow Warriors II: The Dark Sword of Chaos''', is a [[SideView side-scrolling]] PlatformGame developed and published by Creator/Tecmo for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem. The second of the NES ''Ninja Gaiden'' trilogy, was released in North America and Japan in 1990, and in Europe in 1992.
A year has passed since the events of the first game. Ashtar, [[TheManBehindTheMan who was actually the one behind Jacquio]], has learned of his minions' defeat, and plans an EvilScheme to open up the Gates of Darkness and TakeOverTheWorld. This sets off a chain of events where Ryu Hayabusa must once again be called upon to stop the forces of Darkness and save the world.
One of the most infamously difficult games for the NES, ''Ninja Gaiden II'' basically codified NintendoHard along with ''Castlevania.'' Its unforgiving nature is offset somewhat by its gorgeous graphics which hold up even today, truly innovative use of cut scenes -- similar to its predecessor -- and that [[AwesomeMusic/NinjaGaiden bangin soundtrack]].
Not to be confused with ''VideoGame/NinjaGaidenII2008.''
----
!!'''Tropes used in this work include:'''
* AlienSky: As Ryu approaches the gate to the Realm of
* AllThereInTheManual: The names of the bosses and what they're supposed to be, for one.
* AttackDrone: The Shadow Clones
* BackFromTheDead:
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating the first
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* BlindIdiotTranslation: "Dando the Cursed" in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' is supposed to "The Damned One". This one is more forgivable, being an actual swear.
* BloodyBowelsOfHell: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', the last stages take place in the Realm of Chaos. They steadily become more organic, with pulsing organs and faces on the walls, dripping ooze, and veins running across every surface.
* BloodyBowelsOfHell: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', the last stages take place in the Realm of Chaos. They steadily become more organic, with pulsing organs and faces on the walls, dripping ooze, and veins running across every surface.
to:
* BigCreepyCrawlies: Baron Spider, the second boss, summons giant tarantulas.
* BlindIdiotTranslation: "Dando the Cursed"in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' [[https://ninjagaiden.fandom.com/wiki/Dando is supposed to be]] "The Damned One". One" or "The Damned and Cursed." This one is more forgivable, being an actual swear.
given Nintendo's infamous censorship policies at the time.
* BloodyBowelsOfHell:In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', the The last stages take place in the Realm of Chaos. They steadily become more organic, with pulsing organs and faces on the walls, dripping ooze, and veins running across every surface.
* BlindIdiotTranslation: "Dando the Cursed"
* BloodyBowelsOfHell:
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* DemotedToExtra: Clones of the Malice Four, the bosses of the first game, appear as powered-down mooks in the second game.
* DramaticThunder: The way that Ashtar introduces himself in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
* DramaticThunder: The way that Ashtar introduces himself in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
to:
* DamselInDistress: [[spoiler:Irene]] gets kidnapped by Ashtar.
* DemotedToExtra: Clones of the Malice Four, the bosses of the first game, appear as powered-downmooks in the second game.
mooks.
* DramaticThunder: The way that Ashtar introduceshimself in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.himself.
* EvilutionaryBiologist: What [[spoiler:Baron Spider]] used to be.
* DemotedToExtra: Clones of the Malice Four, the bosses of the first game, appear as powered-down
* DramaticThunder: The way that Ashtar introduces
* EvilutionaryBiologist: What [[spoiler:Baron Spider]] used to be.
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* EvilTowerOfOminousness: Both the Tower of Lahja, and later the gate to the Chaos Realm, in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
* {{Hellgate}}: ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' presents a recursive example: an evil-looking tower with a demonic skull for an entrance, which leads to the antechamber of the Realm of Chaos. And inside ''that'', an altar upon which the actual gates can be opened.
* HeroicSacrifice: Back in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', not only is it heavily implied that Robert died while [[HoldTheLine he held the line]] to protect Ryu's back, but ''the Dragon Sword itself'' makes a sacrifice to revive Irene at the end.
* {{Hellgate}}: ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' presents a recursive example: an evil-looking tower with a demonic skull for an entrance, which leads to the antechamber of the Realm of Chaos. And inside ''that'', an altar upon which the actual gates can be opened.
* HeroicSacrifice: Back in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', not only is it heavily implied that Robert died while [[HoldTheLine he held the line]] to protect Ryu's back, but ''the Dragon Sword itself'' makes a sacrifice to revive Irene at the end.
to:
* EvilTowerOfOminousness: Both the Tower of Lahja, and later the gate to the Chaos Realm, in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
Realm.
* HalfHumanHybrid: [[spoiler:Baron Spider]], who WasOnceAMan.
* {{Hellgate}}:''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' This game presents a recursive example: an evil-looking tower with a demonic skull for an entrance, which leads to the antechamber of the Realm of Chaos. And inside ''that'', an altar upon which the actual gates can be opened.
* HeroicSacrifice:Back in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', not Not only is it heavily implied that Robert [[spoiler:Robert]] died while [[HoldTheLine he held the line]] to protect Ryu's back, but ''the Dragon Sword itself'' makes a sacrifice to revive Irene at the end.
* HalfHumanHybrid: [[spoiler:Baron Spider]], who WasOnceAMan.
* {{Hellgate}}:
* HeroicSacrifice:
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* MaskPower: Ashtar from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' wears a smooth, faceless metal mask with only thin slits for eyes... or maybe the eyes ''are'' part of the mask.
to:
* MaskPower: Ashtar from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' wears a smooth, faceless metal mask with only thin slits for eyes... eyes...or maybe the eyes ''are'' part of the mask.mask?
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%%* ObstructiveForeground: Used in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' intentionally, with infuriating results.
%%* SayMyName: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', multiple times.
%%* SayMyName: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', multiple times.
to:
%%* SayMyName: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', multiple times.
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* YouShallNotPass: Robert's battle against the demons in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
to:
* WombLevel: The Realm of Chaos, as mentioned above. It's incredibly visceral for an 8-bit game, too.
* YouShallNotPass: Robert's battle against thedemons in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.demons.
----
* YouShallNotPass: Robert's battle against the
----
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Deleted line(s) 9 (click to see context) :
* CutSong: "Inevitable" in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', which can only be heard with an NSF player.
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None
Added DiffLines:
* AlienSky: As Ryu approaches the gate to the Realm of Chaos in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', he's greeted by an eerie violet sky with strange stars hanging too close to the surface.
* AttackDrone: The Shadow Clones from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', which follow in Ryu's footsteps ''precisely'' and attack when he does, at no cost. He can have up to two clones out at a time.
* BackFromTheDead: Irene after being sacrificed for Jacquio's goal in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''. She gets resurrected by the Dragon Sword's magic in the ending.
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating first boss in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', Dando the Cursed, Ryu meets a mysterious army operative who pulls a gun on him. Before Ryu can react, the man shoots...to finish off the monstrous Dando, who Ryu hadn't quite finished off.
* {{BFS}}: The titular Dark Sword of Chaos is just gigantic, yet Ashtar can wield it easily with one hand.
* BlindIdiotTranslation: "Dando the Cursed" in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' is supposed to "The Damned One". This one is more forgivable, being an actual swear.
* BloodyBowelsOfHell: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', the last stages take place in the Realm of Chaos. They steadily become more organic, with pulsing organs and faces on the walls, dripping ooze, and veins running across every surface.
* ComicBookAdaptation: The ''Magazine/NintendoPower'' Strategy Guide for ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' followed the game's story between gameplay tips and tricks as a fully drawn comic book. [[https://i.imgur.com/27udNXC.jpg Ryu's encounter with Ashtar]] is a stand-out moment.
* CutSong: "Inevitable" in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', which can only be heard with an NSF player.
* DemotedToExtra: Clones of the Malice Four, the bosses of the first game, appear as powered-down mooks in the second game.
* DramaticThunder: The way that Ashtar introduces himself in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
* EvilCounterpart: As far as the NES games go, it's explicitly stated that the [[TitleDrop Dark Sword of Chaos]] is this to the Dragon Sword, having been forged from a demon's bones as opposed to a dragon's fang.
* EvilTowerOfOminousness: Both the Tower of Lahja, and later the gate to the Chaos Realm, in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
* {{Hellgate}}: ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' presents a recursive example: an evil-looking tower with a demonic skull for an entrance, which leads to the antechamber of the Realm of Chaos. And inside ''that'', an altar upon which the actual gates can be opened.
* HeroicSacrifice: Back in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', not only is it heavily implied that Robert died while [[HoldTheLine he held the line]] to protect Ryu's back, but ''the Dragon Sword itself'' makes a sacrifice to revive Irene at the end.
* TheLegionsOfHell: What will pour out of the Gate of Darkness to the [[{{Hell}} Realm of Chaos]] if Ashtar's ritual is completed. Many foes in the games already hail from there.
* MaskPower: Ashtar from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' wears a smooth, faceless metal mask with only thin slits for eyes... or maybe the eyes ''are'' part of the mask.
* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: [[AwesomeMcCoolName Funky Dynamite]], a man-sized mutant lizard cyborg with a jetpack and plasma guns.
%%* ObstructiveForeground: Used in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' intentionally, with infuriating results.
%%* SayMyName: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', multiple times.
* SleevesAreForWimps: Robert T. Sturgeon is a devoted follower of this philosophy.
* SwordBeam: The Dark Sword of Chaos can shoot off what looks like ball lightning.
* YouShallNotPass: Robert's battle against the demons in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
* AttackDrone: The Shadow Clones from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', which follow in Ryu's footsteps ''precisely'' and attack when he does, at no cost. He can have up to two clones out at a time.
* BackFromTheDead: Irene after being sacrificed for Jacquio's goal in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''. She gets resurrected by the Dragon Sword's magic in the ending.
* BaitAndSwitchGunshot: After beating first boss in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', Dando the Cursed, Ryu meets a mysterious army operative who pulls a gun on him. Before Ryu can react, the man shoots...to finish off the monstrous Dando, who Ryu hadn't quite finished off.
* {{BFS}}: The titular Dark Sword of Chaos is just gigantic, yet Ashtar can wield it easily with one hand.
* BlindIdiotTranslation: "Dando the Cursed" in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' is supposed to "The Damned One". This one is more forgivable, being an actual swear.
* BloodyBowelsOfHell: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', the last stages take place in the Realm of Chaos. They steadily become more organic, with pulsing organs and faces on the walls, dripping ooze, and veins running across every surface.
* ComicBookAdaptation: The ''Magazine/NintendoPower'' Strategy Guide for ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' followed the game's story between gameplay tips and tricks as a fully drawn comic book. [[https://i.imgur.com/27udNXC.jpg Ryu's encounter with Ashtar]] is a stand-out moment.
* CutSong: "Inevitable" in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', which can only be heard with an NSF player.
* DemotedToExtra: Clones of the Malice Four, the bosses of the first game, appear as powered-down mooks in the second game.
* DramaticThunder: The way that Ashtar introduces himself in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
* EvilCounterpart: As far as the NES games go, it's explicitly stated that the [[TitleDrop Dark Sword of Chaos]] is this to the Dragon Sword, having been forged from a demon's bones as opposed to a dragon's fang.
* EvilTowerOfOminousness: Both the Tower of Lahja, and later the gate to the Chaos Realm, in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
* {{Hellgate}}: ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' presents a recursive example: an evil-looking tower with a demonic skull for an entrance, which leads to the antechamber of the Realm of Chaos. And inside ''that'', an altar upon which the actual gates can be opened.
* HeroicSacrifice: Back in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', not only is it heavily implied that Robert died while [[HoldTheLine he held the line]] to protect Ryu's back, but ''the Dragon Sword itself'' makes a sacrifice to revive Irene at the end.
* TheLegionsOfHell: What will pour out of the Gate of Darkness to the [[{{Hell}} Realm of Chaos]] if Ashtar's ritual is completed. Many foes in the games already hail from there.
* MaskPower: Ashtar from ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' wears a smooth, faceless metal mask with only thin slits for eyes... or maybe the eyes ''are'' part of the mask.
* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: [[AwesomeMcCoolName Funky Dynamite]], a man-sized mutant lizard cyborg with a jetpack and plasma guns.
%%* ObstructiveForeground: Used in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'' intentionally, with infuriating results.
%%* SayMyName: In ''The Dark Sword of Chaos'', multiple times.
* SleevesAreForWimps: Robert T. Sturgeon is a devoted follower of this philosophy.
* SwordBeam: The Dark Sword of Chaos can shoot off what looks like ball lightning.
* YouShallNotPass: Robert's battle against the demons in ''The Dark Sword of Chaos''.
