The Revenge of Shinobi is a side-scrolling action platform video game developed and published by Sega of Japan in 1989. It was the first Shinobi game developed for the Sega Genesis where it would spawn 2 other sequels with similar style of action.
This game is another mainstay of bootleg Genesis/Mega Drive games compilation cartridges containing several games being sold in my country during the 1990s.
The Story
You are the deadly and mystical master ninja known as Musashi. Now you must destroy the evil Neo Zeed organization's army. If you fail, then beautiful Naoko, your beloved, dies!
The Neo Zeed are deadly ninjas too. But you are the master of Shinobi, the art of stealth. Fight the Neo Zeed through 24 treacherous levels, outfight their Kung Fu gangs and mercenaries. The Neo Zeed are unstoppable, but you have got ninja magic as your secret weapon!
The Graphics and Sound
The graphics are just average-looking. The colors are nicely used in some areas together with great-looking backgrounds. The animations are cool, especially the ninja special powers when they are activated.
The background music is like that of samurai and ninja movies style with loud sounds. To get a better feel of its effects, you have to turn the volume on to hear them clearly. The sound effects are okay but not really done well though.
The Gameplay
You control Musashi the ninja to throw shurikens, slash with your sword, and also use ninja magic to defeat enemies. At close range, you use your sword to slash. Then when far away you throw your shurikens. You can also do a somersault by jumping again at the height of your jump and also throw several shurikens during the somersault! If you are in trouble, you can activate the powers of Ninjitsu. Ninjitsus makes you jump higher, have extra shielding, or bring out an energy explosion to kill enemies.
Some bosses can be very difficult at times. But there are plenty of power-ups to get to help you on your way, however. This game can be challenging and you can beat it after you play it with some patience.
The game controls well, though your ninja would have been better if he was a bit faster sometimes.
The replay value is damn good. Try finishing it without using shurikens is a nice enough challenge.
My Verdict
Despite looking a little bit outdated, The Revenge of Shinobi is quite good and highly recommended if you are a fan of 2D action games. The Japanese style enemies, settings, and the bosses are well worth checking this title out for.
Play this action classic on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or do the cheaper way using emulators.