Shinobi

Rescue hostages and defeat bosses in fast‑paced ninja action

gameHack & Slash hack and slash beat 'em up adventure

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Our Verdict

Best for

Retro arcade enthusiasts craving tight ninja combat and high‑score challenges

Skip if

Gamers who want forgiving difficulty or modern graphics

What is Shinobi?

The game features unlimited shuriken, close‑range punches and kicks, and a power‑up that transforms your attacks into explosive gunfire and katana slashes. Master timing, memorize enemy patterns, and use the one‑time ninja magic per stage to clear the screen and achieve high scores.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$19.99

developerTeam Shinobi

publisherAsmik Corporation, Virgin Mastertronic, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., The Sales Curve

age ratingPEGI 12, ESRB E10+

multiplayerSingle player, Multiplayer

critic score60/100

release date1987-11-16

Key Features of Shinobi

Rescue multiple hostages per stage to unlock power‑ups and progress.

Transform shuriken into explosive bullets and switch to katana attacks when powered up.

One‑time ninja magic per stage instantly eliminates all on‑screen enemies.

Each mission ends with a unique boss battle that tests timing and strategy.

Bonus stages after the first four missions reward extra lives for flawless performance.

Score system rewards completion without using special attacks and remaining time.

Three‑minute timer per stage adds urgency and bonus point potential.

No continues after the final mission, emphasizing skillful play.

Use Cases for Shinobi

Arcade enthusiasts

Enjoy classic arcade difficulty and high‑score competition.

Retro gamers

Experience authentic 1987 ninja action on modern hardware.

Speedrunners

Master stage layouts and timers to achieve record times.

Score chasers

Optimize play without special attacks to maximize points.

Pros & Cons of Shinobi

Pros

Classic arcade feel with tight controls
Varied power‑up system adds strategic depth
Challenging boss encounters
High replay value for score hunting

Cons

One‑hit death can be unforgiving
Limited continues reduce accessibility
Graphics are dated by modern standards

Frequently Asked Questions

How many missions are in Shinobi?

There are five missions, each consisting of three or four stages.

Can I continue after the final mission?

No, continues are disabled once the fifth mission begins.

What weapons does Joe Musashi have?

Unlimited shuriken, punches, kicks, and a power‑up gun with explosive bullets plus a katana slash.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

The game includes both single‑player and multiplayer options.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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Shadow Dancer is a 1989 action platformer where a ninja master and his faithful dog battle a terrorist group planting time bombs across the city. Players traverse four missions, defusing explosives and confronting enemies in fast‑paced side‑scrolling combat. The game retains its retro arcade feel while offering tight controls and memorable pixel art, making it a timeless challenge for platform enthusiasts.

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