One of my most sentimental gaming possessions is my original boxed copy of Shinobi for the Sega Master System. Ported from the 1987 arcade release, this challenging side-scrolling platformer was a feat to complete, but I remember finally bringing down the leader of the bad guys. The SMS version has some interesting differences compared to the arcade version, which I think I only ever played one time at an arcade many years ago. For the Sega Ages release on Switch, Team M2 used the arcade version to re-present to players. It’s certainly understandable that they would do so from a technical standpoint given that the arcade version looks like slightly better and has the additional requirement of freeing the kidnapped members of the Orobo clan, but it’s too bad that M2 didn’t also include the SMS port.
Regardless, what you get here is a still very competent and fun side-scrolling action platformer. Featuring five distinct chapters with four levels each, players will guide Shinobi (who looks weird to me un-masked as he is in the arcade version) closer into the depths of the enemy stronghold. Along the way, you will have to deal with a variety of enemies, including gun-toting mercs and ninjas, and some big bosses. Shinobi throws shurikens and carries a sword, not to mention ninja magic (one of my favorite phrases growing up). Though a short game, as most arcades were designed to be, it’s also a tough game, again how most arcade games were designed to be.
With the Sega Ages version, however, M2 took this into account and included quite a few features to help players get the most out of this fun and challenging game. The ability to save your game at any time and to use a new ninja magic ability that lets you reverse time (think Price of Persia rewind ability) is quite cool and fun. Four difficulty settings and the ability to tweak the speed of enemy projectiles is neat, but maybe not super useful. A new AGES mode puts the ninja master Joe Musashi in an all white gi and gives him a one-hit kill ability. This certainly makes the game much easier to play through and it’s worth playing that way once anyway. I also really like how you can revisit favorite stages with the stage select option. Other fan-service goodies like artwork and being able to listen to the background music tracks are cool and welcomed bonuses as well.
Shinobi is an all time classic and deserves another reboot as far as I’m concerned. The Sega Ages release on Switch gives players the arcade original with some cool optional modifications to make it more fun and engaging, not to mention easier as well. I really would have liked to have had the SMS version included here, but this is still a great, polished release as is.
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