Ninja Kid/Gameplay

Controls

 * : Use the direction pad to move your character around in four direction on the map screen, or to run left and right in each stage.
 * : Press B to fire your currently selected weapon.
 * : Press A to make your character jump. The longer you hold the button down, the higher you will jump.  While jumping, you can direct your character left and right with the direction pad.
 * +: Hold down while pressing A to drop through the current ledge you are standing on, to the ledge below.
 * : Pauses the game.
 * : Press Select to cycle through your available weapon. Your primary weapon is always selected, but you can choose between any of the secondary weapons that you still have ammunition for, or choose none of them to save them for later use, but you must fire off at least one of your most recently acquired weapon before you can switch off of it.

Player
In the American version, you control a young ninja warrior named Kyo whose primary weapon is throwing darts. He has an unlimited supply of them, and their speed is influenced by the ninja's speed when he is throwing them. In the Japanese version, you control the titular character, Kitarou. Kitarou is a yōkai boy born in a cemetery, and aside from his mostly-decayed father, the last living member of the Ghost tribe. Kitarou has an assortment of strange weapons at his disposal, including remote-controlled geta sandals, a detachable hand, also remote-controlled, and a magic chanchanko vest which can protect its wearer from danger. Kitarou's primary weapon is a collection of spiny hairs which he can shoot at enemies like arrows. He also employs a magical ocarina which he can use to summon other yōkai friends of his whenever he needs assistance. Both characters are capable of running quite quickly, and jumping from ledge to ledge. They can also flying on magic floating carpets from when the need arises.

Weapons
Weapons appear from time to time in various places throughout each stage. You can collect only one per stage. Collecting some weapons grants you 20 seconds of invulnerability.

Key Stage Items
These items can be found in every stage, and appear above your life count at the top of the screen.

Stage Bonus Items
These items can be found in every stage as well. However, in order to make them appear, you have to fulfill certain conditions. Forexample, you must either move through a certain place in the stage, or fire in a certain location.

Battle Assistants
In order to call upon a Battle Assistant, you must collect at least one flute or ocarina. To use them, enter a boss battle, run to the left hand side of the room, and squat down. You can only summon one assistant at a time, you can only summon as many assistants as you have flutes for, and you may only summon each assistant once (unless you die).