Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (1990)

Introduction

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is a side-scrolling action game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. It was released in Japan in December 1990 and in North America and Europe in 1991. The game is the second installment in the Shinobi series, following The Revenge of Shinobi, but it is not a direct sequel. Instead, it is a loose adaptation of the 1989 arcade game Shadow Dancer.

Gameplay

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi plays similarly to other side-scrolling action games of the era, such as Ninja Gaiden and Strider. The player controls a ninja named Hayate, who is tasked with rescuing his kidnapped master from the evil sorcerer Zanzou. Hayate is armed with a sword, throwing stars, and magic spells. He can also use his agility to climb walls and jump over obstacles.

One of the unique features of Shadow Dancer is the inclusion of a canine companion named Yamato. Yamato can be used to attack enemies, sniff out hidden items, and even revive Hayate if he is killed.

The game is divided into six stages, each with its own uniqueボス. The stages are set in a variety of locations, including a forest, a castle, and a volcano.

Graphics and Sound

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is one of the most visually impressive games on the Sega Genesis. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of traditional Japanese music and more modern rock and techno tracks.

Critical Reception

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound. It was also one of the first games to be released for the Sega Genesis, and it helped to establish the console as a major force in the video game industry.

Legacy

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is considered to be one of the best side-scrolling action games of all time. It has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Wii, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. The game has also been included in several compilations, such as the Sega Genesis Collection and the Shinobi Anthology.

Conclusion

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is a classic side-scrolling action game that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and sound are all top-notch, and it is sure to provide hours of enjoyment for fans of the genre.

Additional Information

  • Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was developed by a team led by Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create the Virtua Fighter and Shenmue series.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who is also known for his work on the Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog series.
  • Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was one of the first games to feature a canine companion. This idea would later be used in other games, such as Okami and The Last of Us.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Shinobi 2,” but the name was changed to “Shadow Dancer” to avoid confusion with the previous game in the series.
  • Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi has been referenced in several other video games, including Streets of Rage 2 and Yakuza 0.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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