The Super Shinobi

This is one of my favorite video games of all time and it's my second favorite (ironically) in the "Shinobi" trilogy and game series. This game came out at the time when Genesis was just starting out, so it made sense that the second entry would come, and this game helped give Genesis the booster it needed. I remember as a kid, hearing about the sequel to one of my favorite video games of all time really blew me away as the sequel for video games, movies and everything at the time was still a novel concept. But also seeing this sequel let me know that video gaming in general was truly entering a new era and it was just full speed ahead.

Really like the graphical presentation, when I saw them for the first time, I thought of how awesome they were. This not just showed how much the franchise changed but had that sense of maturity, as we see a dark, gritty, dangerous atmosphere which fits as this would be the perfect playground for ninjas. But most importantly really gave the game that feel that you really were in an action/martial art film; which also makes sense as the 80s and 90's the action genre was big; however, what mainly important was it gave you the feeling you are the action hero, and you alone have to survive but also the power to stop the forces of evil.

The character models are also great, like some of the bosses you fight, two favorites of mine were "Spiderman" and "Batman" ok not really, they were both imposters, but still this is the closest we got to fighting both comic action icons.

One of the things I really like about the game is that the levels are well designed, you still have that go from point A to B element, but the way in which you get to point B isn't the usual straight forward walk, here you take certain turns in places to get there. Seeing this showed how each of the levels had a great amount of depth. But the other thing about them was it also helped contribute to the uniqueness of them as we see each of the levels you go through are different and never repeat themselves.

Gameplay is solid, control is spot on it's some of the same control that you would expect from any Shinobi game. However, there were some refinements in this sequel that helped make it unique from the last game and of course have become a permanent stable in the "Shinobi" games afterward. For one thing you have a double jump, or you summersault in the air. This move is a little tricky to execute at first, but you get use to it, as you must jump in the air but then in midair press jump again and you have your summersault; I always thought it was cool and felt right as summer saults are part of the things in martial arts films.

Another is that you can perform a strong attack, while you're somersaulting, you're able to throw multiple throwing daggers in midair. This creates a bladed arc where each of the throwing daggers will destroy all within your parameter. However, use this sparingly and emergencies only as it will drain out your ammo supply quick.

Speaking of emergencies, you have your usual ninja magic, however unlike in the first game where you're just granted on power, you have an assortment of theme of your choosing; each are useful depending on the situation. All have a unique function, for example there is the lighting that creates a force field around you. Which I always found cool let alone why this couldn't have been another ability for Sailor Jupiter from "Sailor Moon." But anyway, to me it reminded me of the star in the "Super Mario" franchise it gave you that feel of invincibility. But just like the star this force field doesn't last long, but also the fact is just like in the first game you can only use ninja magic once so use it wisely.

Of course, one of the biggest highlights is the music, which is great as this game has some of my favorite video game tracks of all time. Almost hard to decide as each of them is so good in their own way, only thing you need to know is each of them just sing out ninja action and adventure.

Second time around sometimes makes the cut, and this vintage classic does.

Rating: 4 stars.

Revenge of shinobi is one of the greatest video games ever made. Dont believe me ? Well look at all the good things it has to offer : Excelent graphics , well detailed levels , bad guys who explode when defeated and some pretty ingenious level bosses. Whats not to love eh ?

Also , the intense music provided by yuzo koshiro compliments the shuriken hurling action nicely and the fact that the main character is so damn slick looking only adds to the games greatness .

If you want a gameplaying experience more pure and exciting than a lot of high powered action games out there today , pick up (or by all means download )Revenge of shinobi today and see how adicted you get.

My skills have obviously gotten rusty over the years as this was a game that as a kid I was able to win, no problem. I managed to win it again as an adult and my hands are achy and I would have had no chance without using the save states that you can use for the game I got, basically a PS4 game that has several Genesis games on it. It is a sequel, but I am not sure what the first game was as there are so many games with the title of Shinobi. I wonder if it is the one where you rescue people tied up, but that feature is not in this game, but is featured in another ninja game Shadow Dancer. It gets confusing, but what isn't confusing is that this is a fun game.

The story, the corporation that the guy in this game one is out for revenge and begin killing all the ninja and such. They kill the ninja's master and capture his girlfriend so he begins his quest for revenge and rescue. He will go through many environments on his way to the corporations offshore facility where the main bad guy dwells in a maze that I have no idea how I got through as a kid because it was confusing. I was wondering that thing for awhile before I finally found the exit now!

The game play has you throwing shurikens, swinging a knife and kicking. If you get a power up you can use a sword and your shuriken are way stronger. Throughout the game, you go through a stage dived into two levels and a boss battle. The boss battles are all pretty fun, but the newer version made me sad as in the original Japanese version you actually fought both Spider-man and Batman in one level and Godzilla in another. Our version you got to fight Spider-man and Godzilla, but Batman was turned into an actually bat. Now, in this latest version Batman is still a bat, but now Spider-man is pink and Godzilla was a walking skeleton. This made me sad.

So, this is a really fun and challenging platformer game with cool fights and very difficult stages. Sometimes you get the jump timed wrong and you do not do the somersault needed to get to the next ledge and so you die! There is also the danger of running out of shuriken; however, that can be alleviated by simply going to the options and putting the shuriken on 00 and after about 20 seconds it turns into an infinity symbol and you are good to go! Trust me, you will need a never ending supply of throwing stars to last through the hordes of rival ninjas and mercenaries!

It's safe to say that anyone who had a Mega Drive back in the day had Revenge of Shinobi. The game was very popular indeed, but I wonder just how many people actually managed to finish it. The difficulty level is extremely high, and the frequently awkward stage design will having you screaming bloody murder.

Shinobi's master has been killed in Japan, and his girlfriend Naoko has been kidnapped by the Neo Zeed Corporation (the plot of virtually every video game from this era) and it's up to him to traverse 8 stages across Asia and America, wiping out generic bad guys, to get her back. Each stage is broken up into three relatively small segments (2 areas and a boss fight) but trust me...you will lose many, many lives.

It feels very much like the first Streets of Rage, sharing several of the programmers, though if you ever do manage to finish it I can't see any appeal in coming back, as it really is so punishing.

Revenge of Shinobi does stand up as a classic of era regardless of its shortcomings as the graphics and design are very good, especially so early in the 16-bit consoles lifetime.

Graphics A- Sound B Gameplay B- Lasting Appeal C

I love this game. Put an end to the vile terror organisation known as "Neo-Zeed" I got this game for my PC and my Sega MegaDrive(Genesis). I just have to find the first-original Shinobi for my Sega Master System. I love the music as composed by Koshirosan. Ironically, the villains in this game were Batman, Godzilla, Spider-Man & The Incredible Hulk. I laughed when I faced those bosses. Shinobi has always been and always will be the best game series in years to come. I also own Shadow Dancer for my Genesis. I also must get Shinobi III. You are Joe Musashi, a martial arts teacher. This is one of the best Genesis launch titles. Before owning a Genesis, This game was in Sega Smash Pack Volume one for the PC.