System: Amiga
Release date: July 1994

Hang ten and hurl shurikens with Surf Ninjas on the Amiga, the July 1994 beat-’em-up from Creative Edge Software that ties movie tie-in mayhem to a tropical ninja twist. Based on the cheesy ’93 flick, this side-scrolling scrapper sends surf bros Johnny and Adam against evil hordes—but does it still ride the wave in 2025? Let’s dive in and see if this ninja surf fest is a barrel of fun or a wipeout.

Gameplay: Surf, Punch, and Ninja Your Way Through

Surf Ninjas plonks you in the flip-flops of the film’s teen heroes, battling ninjas, thugs, and bosses across beachy levels packed with palm trees and pagodas. The controls are punchy for jumps, kicks, punches, and special moves like boomerangs or surfboard smashes. You’ll dash through side-scrolling stages, collecting power-ups and health pick-ups while dodging traps and enemy swarms. Co-op mode lets a mate join the fray, turning solo scraps into chaotic tag-team triumphs.

The wipeout? The difficulty spikes like a rogue wave, with cheap hits and relentless foes that’ll have you yelling “Cowabunga… no!” The controls can feel floaty, and the short campaign wraps up quicker than a lunch break. Still, the frantic action and movie nods keep you paddling like a pro surfer chasing the perfect swell.

Graphics: Tropical Pixels with a Cheesy Glow

Vibrant, sun-soaked stages burst with detail—from crashing waves to bamboo scaffolds. Sprites for Johnny and Adam strut with cocky flair, their ninja flips and surf stunts animated with decent fluidity. Enemies range from goons to giant crabs, all rendered in a colourful palette that screams early ’90s tie-in. The beachy vibe and explosive effects make every brawl a visual splash.

Sound: Funky Beats and Ninja Clangs

A laid-back funk soundtrack with groovy basslines matches the surf-ninja mashup, looping through levels without too much earache. Sound effects—fist crunches, shuriken whirs, and enemy yelps—are punchy and arcade-crisp, adding to the beat-’em-up buzz. The music’s repetition might have you humming your own theme, but it captures the film’s goofy energy like a well-timed wipeout.

Replayability: Short Waves, Endless Rides

With a handful of levels, branching paths in co-op, and high-score chases, Surf Ninjas offers light replay value for quick blasts. Teaming up with a pal amps the fun, and mastering combos or boss patterns adds a dash of challenge. The brevity and tough spots might limit long hauls, but it’s ace for nostalgic ninja sessions or movie marathon tie-ins. One more run? Why not—the beach is calling.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Surf Ninjas on the Amiga is a daft, disposable delight that blends beat-’em-up brawn with surf flick silliness into a guilty-pleasure romp. Its zippy action, sunny visuals, and funky tunes make it a breezy play, even if the cheap deaths and short length crash like a bad wipeout.