Retro Joy Lab – Fuel for Retro Joy

[태그:] Shinobi

  • Recommended Ninja Protagonist Games from the 8-bit & 16-bit Era

    (NES / Famicom, SNES / Super Famicom, Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine)

    In the late 1980s and early 1990s, ninjas ruled the arcades and living rooms. Fast, stylish, and often brutally difficult, ninja action games became a staple of the 8-bit and 16-bit generations. Here are two standout titles featuring ninja protagonists on each of the four major systems of the era that still hold up for modern retro players.

    Nintendo Entertainment System (Famicom)

    1. Ninja Gaiden (1988 Japan / 1989 North America) Tecmo’s masterpiece stars Ryu Hayabusa, the Dragon Ninja, on a quest for revenge after his father’s murder. What set this game apart was its cinematic cutscenes (a rarity on the NES), tight wall-climbing and sword combat, and an infamous difficulty curve that still frustrates and delights players today. The combination of precise platforming, secondary weapons (shuriken, fire wheels, etc.), and dramatic storytelling made it a defining ninja experience of the 8-bit generation.

    2. Shadow of the Ninja (1990) Developed by Natsume, this underrated gem lets you play as either Hayate or Kaede (or both in simultaneous co-op) as they infiltrate a dystopian future America ruled by the evil Emperor Garuda. The game features excellent climbing and hanging mechanics, weapon upgrades (katana to kusarigama), and a dark, stylish atmosphere. It plays like a more cooperative, slightly more approachable cousin to Ninja Gaiden and remains one of the best pure ninja action games on the system.

    Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom)

    1. The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (1991 Japan / 1992 North America) Konami’s colorful take on the Ganbare Goemon series follows the mystical ninja Goemon (Kid Ying in the West) and his eccentric partner Ebisumaru (Dr. Yang). Blending side-scrolling action, town exploration, mini-games, and light adventure elements, it offers a much more lighthearted and humorous take on the ninja theme. The dual-character co-op, catchy music, and quirky Japanese humor make it a delightful contrast to the darker ninja games of the era.

    2. Hagane: The Final Conflict (1994 Japan / 1995 North America) You control Hagane, a cyborg ninja rebuilt after his clan is wiped out, seeking revenge and the recovery of a powerful artifact. This late-era SNES title mixes classic ninja moves (wall jumps, flips, multiple weapons including sword, chain, shuriken, and bombs) with a cyberpunk aesthetic. Fast, fluid, and challenging, it feels like a spiritual successor to Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden with impressive 16-bit production values.

    Sega Genesis (Mega Drive)

    1. The Revenge of Shinobi (1989) Joe Musashi returns in this stylish sequel that perfected the formula. Beautiful Stage 1 music by Yuzo Koshiro, smooth ninjutsu powers, and a perfect balance of platforming and combat made this one of the early showcases for the Genesis. The combination of shuriken throwing, sword strikes, and special ninjutsu techniques still feels fantastic.

    2. Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (1993) Widely regarded as one of the best pure action games on the Genesis, Shinobi III gives Joe Musashi even better controls, more varied stages, and a refined difficulty curve. Running, sliding, wall-jumping, and the classic shuriken + sword combat reach their peak here. Many consider this the high point of the classic Shinobi series.

    TurboGrafx-16 (PC Engine)

    1. Ninja Spirit (1990) Irem’s excellent port of their own arcade game stars the ninja Moonlight (Tsukikage) seeking revenge for his father’s death. What makes it special is the ability to switch freely between four weapons (katana, shuriken, bombs, and kusarigama) and the ability to summon shadow clones. The TG-16 version is extremely close to the arcade original and stands as one of the system’s strongest pure action titles.

    2. Shinobi (1989 – primarily Japan) Asmik’s HuCard port of Sega’s classic arcade game brings Joe Musashi to the PC Engine. While it trims some content compared to the arcade (most notably Stage 2 and the bonus stages), the core gameplay, graphics, and speed remain excellent. For fans of the original Shinobi, this is still a very enjoyable version and a nice companion piece to Ninja Spirit on the same hardware.

    These eight games capture the full range of what “ninja game” meant in the 8- and 16-bit eras — from the punishing cinematic platforming of Ninja Gaiden to the colorful humor of Mystical Ninja, the cyberpunk style of Hagane, and the refined action of the Shinobi series.

    Whether you’re rediscovering these classics on original hardware, emulators, or modern re-releases (Nintendo Switch Online, etc.), they remain some of the most satisfying and atmospheric action games of their generation.

  • Shinobi (1987) – The Arcade Ninja Adventure That Tested Our Reflexes

    By Super Asurada 77 – Retro Joy Lab

    Hello everyone, this is Super Asurada 77.

    Back in elementary school, whenever I stopped by the arcade, I could always spot a game where a ninja-like hero threw shurikens across the screen.

    But strangely, this ninja didn’t wear a mask — and he even fired a gun! That alone blew my young mind. When he used the clone technique, it was pure exhilaration. Of course, the game was brutally difficult. As a kid, I could barely make it past the first boss.

    Now, thanks to save states and emulation magic, we can finally enjoy this classic all the way to the end.

    Released by SEGA in 1987, Shinobi was a defining ninja-action arcade game.

    Basic Controls:

    • A Button – Throw Shuriken
    • B Button – Jump
    • C Button – Ninjutsu (clone technique to clear all enemies)
    • ↑ + Jump – Climb up a ledge or wall
    • ↓ + Jump – Drop down a level
    • ↓ + ← / → – Crouch and move

    Insert a coin, and the mission begins.

    Mission 1: “Chase the Terrorists!”

    Time to face the first boss — KEN OH.

    Oops! Accidentally used the clone ninjutsu too early… but that’s fine — we’ve got infinite coins now!

    To climb a wall, press Up + Jump together.
    Rescue the kidnapped children before heading to the boss.

    The boss launches fire attacks and retreats quickly.

    Wait, is that Spider-Man?!
    Back then, nobody cared about licensing. If you could draw it, it was fair game!

    You find yourself surrounded — mentally, you already have a perfect strategy… but your hands betray you.

    Enemies charge like something straight out of Fist of the North Star.

    You think you’ll dodge and counter perfectly — but reality says otherwise.

    The boss escapes again! Let’s go after him.

    Avoid the flames and strike when there’s an opening.
    You know the pattern — now it’s just about execution.
    Use your save and load technique, modern ninja!

    At last, the boss kneels before you.

    Mission 1 is complete!

    Bonus Stage

    You’ll probably fail every time — and that’s okay.
    Don’t risk your life over small things!

    “Nice ninja pose!” … FAIL! 😂

    Mission 2: “Infiltrate the Hideout!”

    Is that Black Turtle? The boss is a helicopter?! Guess that makes sense — a “dark turtle” that flies.

    Press Up + Jump to move across walls.

    The same enemy placements continue to appear.

    Enter the black door.

    Now, color-coded ninjas attack — one hit and you’re dead.

    • Green Ninja!
    • Red Ninja!
    • Blue Ninja!

    Head into the next black door.

    We’re at the harbor — looks familiar? A similar stage appears in The Super Shinobi.

    Enemies jump out from the water.

    Projectiles from below, bullets from above — chaos!

    Forget it. Time for ninjutsu!
    Boom — everything wiped clean!
    Refreshing and satisfying!

    Now to destroy the Black Turtle.

    Helicopter plus ninjas equals nightmare difficulty.
    Use save/load often.
    Attack the front of the chopper.

    Ninjutsu unleashed! Total destruction!

    The Black Turtle explodes

    Mission 2 cleared!

    Mission 3: “Attack the Supply Base!”

    The boss: Mandara

    Bazooka soldiers appear first.

    Then mortar fire — don’t jump blindly, or you’ll regret it.

    Hordes of ninjas attack. Ignore them and head straight into the cave.

    Casually walking into the cave like a pro.

    Arnold cameo? Hang in there, buddy.

    Spider-Man returns. Licensing budget = 0.

    More cave interiors

    this villain clearly has deep pockets.

    Blue ninjas gang up — use your clone ninjutsu!

    Wait, not one — an army of Mandara statues!
    Destroy them quickly or they’ll trap you.
    Aim carefully, or they’ll just spin in place.

    Touch the electric barrier and it’s instant death.

    Finally, the giant Mandara head appears.
    Dodge the fireballs and throw shurikens at its forehead.

    Mandara destroyed — Mission 3 complete!

    Mission 4: “Defeat the Ninja Force!”

    The boss: Lobster, the armored samurai.

    Wave after wave of colorful ninjas — chaos again!

    Their teamwork is so good, it’s almost admirable… almost.

    Enter the gate to face Lobster.

    His attack pattern is simple, but undeniably annoying.

    Then come these strange flying bird-like enemies — odd design, yet thankfully they’re not too tough to handle.

    Now it’s time to face Lobster, the armored samurai boss.

    When his sword drops, throw shurikens at his helmet.

    Repeat until he falls. Easy to say — harder to do!

    Mission 4 cleared!

    Final Mission: “Defeat the Masked Ninja!”

    It’s a masked ninja — mysterious, intimidating, and clearly the final obstacle standing in your way.

    Skeletons throwing bones? Check.

    Once again, if you try to follow the perfect strategy running through your mind, you might die instantly.
    So remember — make full use of the save-and-load technique to survive!

    Head through the entrance to face the final showdown.

    Blue ninjas again… my least favorite.

    And those ponytail guys — I hate their swords even more.

    Still, I press on — I’m going through that entrance no matter what.

    Every room feels like a trap.

    The enemy coordination is unreal.
    Despair sets in… but we push on!

    Finally, the masked ninja appears.
    His first move: deadly electric shock — dodge it!

    Then comes the clone barrage.
    Keep throwing shurikens nonstop — survival depends on it.
    Reminds me of that nightclub boss in The Super Shinobi II.
    Same spirit, same chaos.

    At last, the final boss is defeated.

    Stay down, ninja — the game’s over!

    The End

    • Nakahara went on to form the terrorist group ZEED — the very organization we fight in The Super Shinobi.

    And that’s how the original Shinobi ended — leading to the sequels The Super Shinobi and The Super Shinobi II.

    So, enjoy your retro gaming session, and remember — save states are your true ninjutsu!

    ✅ Retro Joy Lab – Your daily dose of nostalgic energy!
    by Super Asurada 77

    Original article in Korean: [link]