Reviewed
06.26.2002
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Ancient
/ Sega
Format
4
Megabit
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Dec.
2, 1989
(Japan)
Dec.
2, 1989
(USA)
Oct.
1990
(EUR)
Exclusive
Yes
(until 2009)
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Side
Genre
Action/Platform
Player(s)
1
Options
6
Button
Mega
Key
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
| Intro |
|
> With the release of the world's first true 16-bit console, Sega
needed great games to draw gamers away from Nintendo's highly
successful 8-bit NES. As expected, Sega drew heavily
on their arcade roots. The Super Shinobi / The Revenge of Shinobi
(TROS) began a new series for Joe Musashi, as Shadow
Dancer is the true sequel to the original arcade Shinobi.
> The Neo Zeed has assassinated your sensei and kidnapped the beautiful
Naoko. You are Joe Musashi, the master ninja. The secrets of
Shinobi
are at your disposal; the art of stealth and Ninjitsu -- the ninja magic.
You must destroy this vicious army while rescuing her from the clutches
of their evil leader.
> If you want the Japanese version, titled The Super Shinobi,
then go for it. There is no noticeable difference between the American
and Japanese releases, except the second American edition doesn't have
the Godzilla, Spiderman and Batman look-alikes. |
| Graphics |
|
> When this game reached the market in 1989, its graphics were state-of-the-art.
It features dynamic locales, multi-scrolling gameplay, parallax backgrounds,
and sprites galore! The eight districts you'll see are Ibaraki Province,
Tokyo, The Military Base, Detroit, Area Code 818, Chinatown, New York,
and the Neo Zeed Marine Stronghold. Each is uniquely depicted, and
full of various enemies and bosses. One of my favorite locales is
the Tokyo Waterfall. I was amazed (and still impressed) at the special
effect to make the water animate and appear realistic. The character
animation is great too, as Musashi and his foes have many unique moves.
There's no downside in this department. |
| Control |
|
> Excellent; tight; rewarding. TROS has a simple control system which
can be mastered quickly. At your disposal are Ninjitsu (the Arts
of Thunder, Fire Dragon, Floating, and Pulverizing), attack (various types
depending on position and power-up), and jump. You can also crouch,
double jump (for extra height), 8 Shuriken spread, and jump down.
Power-ups abound as well. You'll come across Power Packs (increase
strength and abilities), +5 Shuriken, +20 Shuriken, Small Heart (+2 HP),
Large Heart (+Full HP), Musashi (1-up), and Ninjitsu (the ability to use
it is limited). Some of the jumps needed to advance are tricky, but
the tight control and practice will get you there. I have fond memories
of how long it took me to pass the Tokyo Waterfall and Marine Stronghold
Searchlight areas for the first time. |
| Sound |
|
> All you need to know is who composed the musical score: Yuzo Koshiro.
Even the critics never thought the Z-80 was this capable, which somehow
comes as no surprise (LMAO). There isn't a song on TROS that is anything
other than awesome! The sound effects are sweet too. Many games
that followed tapped this game's library of effects. |
| Fun |
|
> There are 8 stages and 24 levels in all to complete. This is no
small task, as TROS is challenging, yet attainable. Action games,
especially the ninja type, don't get much better than this. After
finishing this game, you'll come to appreciate "The Code of the Shinobi"
too. |
| Bottom Line |
| >
At least initially, the critics thought Sega just had well
known titles without substance for its fledgeling console. However,
The
Revenge of Shinobi helped define the Genesis as the
leading 16-bit console of choice. It's still fun and challenging
to this day, assuming you like ninja action. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.4 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 9.6 | Sound: 10 | Fun: 9.0 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
