Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Sega Game Gear
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega Corporation, Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Shinobi (1991)
Released in 1991 for the Sega Game Gear, Shinobi is a side-scrolling action game developed by Sega. It is the first Shinobi game developed specifically for a portable game platform. The player controls Joe Musashi, a ninja who must fight his way through hordes of enemies to rescue his kidnapped master.
Shinobi is known for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Game Gear’s hardware. The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups, as well as a unique “chain” system that allows players to string together combos to defeat enemies.
Gameplay
Shinobi is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls Joe Musashi, a ninja who must fight his way through hordes of enemies to rescue his kidnapped master. The game is played from a third-person perspective, and the player can move Joe left and right, jump, and attack.
Joe can attack enemies with a variety of weapons, including shurikens, swords, and bombs. He can also use his ninja skills to perform special moves, such as wall-jumping and sliding.
One of the unique features of Shinobi is its “chain” system. When Joe defeats an enemy, he can continue to attack other enemies without breaking his combo. This allows players to string together long combos to defeat multiple enemies quickly.
Weapons and Power-Ups
Shinobi features a variety of weapons and power-ups that can help Joe on his mission. Weapons include shurikens, swords, and bombs. Power-ups include health upgrades, speed boosts, and invincibility.
Joe can find weapons and power-ups by defeating enemies or by breaking open crates. He can also purchase weapons and power-ups from shops that are located throughout the game.
Levels
Shinobi consists of five levels, each with its own unique theme and enemies. The levels are:
- Forest
- Cave
- Factory
- Castle
- Throne Room
Each level is filled with hordes of enemies that Joe must defeat in order to progress. The levels also feature a variety of traps and obstacles that Joe must avoid.
Bosses
At the end of each level, Joe must defeat a boss in order to progress. The bosses are powerful enemies that require Joe to use all of his skills and weapons to defeat.
The bosses in Shinobi include:
- Giant Bat
- Giant Spider
- Giant Snake
- Giant Robot
- Evil Master
Graphics and Sound
Shinobi’s graphics are impressive for a Game Gear game. The characters and backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the animations are fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay.
Difficulty
Shinobi is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The difficulty curve is well-balanced, and players will find that they can progress through the game with practice. The game also features a variety of difficulty settings, so players can choose the difficulty level that is right for them.
Reception
Shinobi was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Game Gear’s hardware. Shinobi was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Shinobi is considered to be one of the best games on the Game Gear. It is a classic side-scrolling action game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Legacy
Shinobi has had a lasting legacy in the video game industry. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo Switch. Shinobi has also been featured in several compilations and remakes.
The Shinobi series has continued to grow over the years, with new games being released on a variety of platforms. The latest game in the series, Shinobi RefleX, was released in 2022 for the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Shinobi is a classic side-scrolling action game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Game Gear’s hardware make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
