This game rocks on toast.  Graphically they did extremely well on the DS.  The game takes place on 3d drawn stages that look right at home.  The 3d characters also are done well and have enough detailing to make the models look distinct and very smooth when they are moving.

The control scheme, which worried me most is brilliant.  I can't actually imagine trying to play it on another hand held platform now, I even prefer it over certain elements of the bigger console brothers.  You use the stylus to touch on the screen and Ryu will go that way.  Slide the stylus up and he'll jump.  Slash the stylus overtop of a bad guy in various sword strike ways and you attack.  To block hit any button on the DS, to roll hold block and tap.  It's super intuitive and has a fantastic frenzied feel to it.  Reminds me a lot of sword swinging action on the Wii and this version of Ninja Gaiden would translate well if upscaled and ported to the Wii.

The difficulty feels just right and they've done a good job at positioning save points throughout the game, which is crucial IMO for a hand held game.

This is a definite must buy game for DS owners.  Plus you get a cool sword stylus.

5 out of 5