Shinobi for PCE

Review #8125

Shinobi

Missing those ninja throwing star stages

PCE 1989 Asmik Ace Action Action › Gun
Shinobi screenshot for PCE
Screenshot used for review/reference purposes.
3 / 5

Gameplay

Good movement and up to three projectiles on screen makese combat feel good. Uses the multi-plane mechanic from Rolling Thunder. Actually, maybe RT uses it from Shinobi? Either way, it feels weird here because there's no vertical scrolling, so the upper planes are on the screen. You can jump up to the level of enemies above you but you can't attack them without being on their level. Strange.

2 / 5

Level Design

Enemies like to position themselves such that you must perform a perfectly timed throw while jumping, which makes for a ton of cheap deaths and annoying encounters. Plus the shield bearing enemies are terrible to deal with as well. It's a shame because the gameplay mechanics are solid, if uninspiring.
The objective of each stage is to rescue all kidnapped children. Each stage is broken into three show sections follwed by a boss fight. The bosses are insane. I'm convinced that the stage three boss cannot be beat.
Also, where are the between-stage ninja throwing star minigames?

3 / 5

Theme

I was expecting more of a vibe than this gives off. Ryu isn't even wearing a mask, so he looks more like a guy in pajamas than a ninja.

2 / 5

Art Style

Basic but well drawn. Sprites are a highlight, but feature minimal animation.

3 / 5

Audio

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