In Shadow of the Ninja for the NES, the “player can select one of two ninja: male (a blue ninja named Hayate) and female (a red ninja named Kaede) — each ninja can run, attack, jump, duck, and hang from railings.” ScrewAttack takes a look back at this title after the break.
Both ninja start out with a short sword, but there are “weapon-pods” in each level that can be broken to obtain new weapons. Powerups to the sword are available, as well as health powerups.
[via Wiki]