Shinobi

by Sega

Product Features

• The long-running series is re-born with next-generation graphics and unlimited gameplay freedom.
• Revolutionary stealth dash allows players to attack enemies in succession.
• Destroy objects to find secret arenas, hidden items, and awesome shortcuts.
• New gameplay mechanics allow players to run along walls, scale buildings and perform multiple attacks with a sword or shuriken.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006LEMX
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: November 12, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (76 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,503 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Looking for a new obsession to keep you up nights? Let me introduce you to Hotsuma, the main character in Shinobi, the much anticipated new action-adventure game from Sega. Fans of the original 2-D game have been waiting seven years for the next installment, and won't be disappointed by this energetic 3-D game for PS2.

The premise hasn't changed much--kill bad guys, kill more bad guys, kill a boss, move on to the next level. You, Hotsuma, are the leader of the Oboro clan. As your clansmen are destroyed, you set out to avenge their deaths by slashing hellspawn and enemy ninjas to death with your powerful sword, Akujiki. As you move through game levels, Akujiki comes alive with power, absorbing the souls of those you kill--and turning against you if you don't keep him well fed. The basic moves--run, jump, slash--are easy to learn, but with each level you must master difficult combos to defeat trickier enemies. Moving quickly and attacking instinctively is essential to killing fast and furiously--each kill gives your sword more power, while each moment of hesitation makes your weapon impatient for blood.

Shinobi, at heart, is a souped-up arcade game with awesome graphics. The anime-style cutscenes woven around the slice-and-dice sequences provide an interesting story, but one that doesn't relate very directly with your job on the streets of postapocalyptic Tokyo. Your moves are cool though--spinning in midair to collect coins that will unlock secret levels, killing three ninjas with a flash of Akujiki, zipping around so fast that a shadow of your ghost remains. It's easy to get caught up in the exhilarating energy of the game. Serious gamers will enjoy confronting bosses, who may take several frustrating tries to kill. But when you finally defeat them, you will feel the power of centuries of samurai. --Maile Bohlmann

Pros:

• Fantastic graphics
• Excellent scripting and voicing
• Fairly easy controls and maneuvers at outset
• Exciting fighting sequences with intense gameplay

Cons:

• Killing early bosses can be unusually difficult
• Long sequences with no save points
• Storyline frames fighting sequences, rather than interacting with them

Product Description

Shinobi returns, hunted by demons, haunted by the dead, and hindered by the very rage that spurs him on. Following a massive earthquake, Tokyo lies in ruin as mysterious forces seek out and obliterate what is left of the Oboro clan. Players take the role of Hotsuma, leader of the Oboro clan, as he battles through the demon-filled streets of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo in search of answers. Using a unique stealth-dash technique, Hotsuma has the ability to move from enemy to enemy so quickly that a ghostly after-image is left behind. This not only confuses Hotsuma’s enemies but is also a key component in chaining attacks together to consecutively destroy hordes of enemies. Ninja magic also provides Hotsuma with the upper hand in more-desperate situations. In addition, Hotsuma has mastered the abilities of running along walls and scaling buildings to reach hidden areas and special foes.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun but difficult action game, June 21, 2003

By 

Michael Pappalardo (Ronkonkoma, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shinobi (Video Game)

I remember playing the very first shinobi in arcades way back in the 80's. Seeing Shinobi return with modern-day gaming technology was a big surprise.

This game is your typical run of the mill action hack 'n slash game. Its not really boring...its alot of fun actually. Most hack 'n slash games get boring rather quickly but Shinobi manages to maintain exciting gameplay throughout most of the game. The soundtrack is sort of Japanese-techno with a quick beat. It sounds somewhat inspired by Japanese Animation. The graphics are pretty decent (though noticeably full of PS2 'Jaggies') and the flowing sash that trails behind your character is very, very cool.

Unfortunately I have noticed that many people complain about the difficulty. Frankly I must agree. The game can be extremely frustrating at times. I found myself spending more time turning it off and walking away from it than sitting through and playing it. When you die in the game you must restart from the beginning of the level, no matter how much progress you made, which is, needless to say, very frustrating. The game is a good challenge but it definitely would've benefit from mid-level save checkpoints.

'Tate' kills are a nice little reward for quick multi-kills. They occur when you killed a group of 4 or more enemies in quick succession. When you kill all of them, you are treated to a brief in-game cutscene with Shinobi striking a pose, sometimes uttering a line, and then watching your enemies fall to bloody pieces around you (again, looking as if inspired by Japanese Animation.) These kills help to fuel your power and will increase the power of your weapon. However, in later levels Tate kills will become very necessary for you to survive, since your sword begins to consume your life. If you go more than 1 minute without killing an enemy, you will die. this becomes very frustrating, since it leaves no time for you to look for secrets. Tate kills also become nearly impossible in later levels since the enemies become stronger. Some cannot even be killed...many enemies requires lots of dashing and jumping to even do damage to their invincible blocking. These incredibly annoying enemies often take so long to beat that the other enemies die before the Tate can be completed.

Fighting enemies can sometimes become frustrating. The targeting system is pretty strange...instead of targeting the nearest enemy, it will target the enemy that is often farthest from you or is most directly in your line of view, often resulting in the closer enemies around you getting in some cheap hits. Sometimes in the middle of a combo, Shinobi will freeze in a pose, allowing other enemies to get a good 2 or 3 hits on you. Otherwise, the fighting just takes a little bit of skill and some getting used to, but you will enjoy it.

The commercial was right: Shinobi's back. And in a big way. This is definitely a good game but you must have a high threshold of patience. This game can become very frustrating, resulting in cheap deaths(especially in levels that are just packed with pitfalls) and unbeleivably difficult boss fights lead to many fights being done and over and over. Alot of the levels are very bland and very repetetive as well. But the game has a good story, told through some pretty good cinematics. The American voices aren't that bad either. Usually translated voices are pretty awful, but Shinobi has some decent talent (although the rogue ninja woman has an irritating 'school-girl' type of voice).

If you were a fan of Shinobi in the past, or are looking for a fast-paced action game with a decent story, pick it up. However if you are a casual gamer that isn't looking for much of a challenge, stay away. The difficulty of the game will probably get to you rather quickly.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hack and slash done right, November 27, 2002

By 

Rancor (Frederick MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shinobi (Video Game)

This game, Shinobi is one of this year's best. If you're tired of pre-rendered backgrounds, or useless item fetching, or protect the base missions, then Shinobi is right for you. Forget all the other stuff that makes other games boring. Shinobi concentrates on fast, furious Ninja slice-em-up action.

The origins of this game is old, with roots to the late 80's. I was introduced to the Shinobi line when Revenge of Shinobi for the GBC came out. I've always loved old jump around and slash stuff games. Ninja Gaiden, and old Shinobi, those were great. Now, this game combines the great old type of action, with much improvements.

First of all, the graphics are really something to look at. Whether it's the way Hatsuma stands, or the red scarf flying back as you rush ninjas, the game looks cool no matter what. Eye candy galore! Fast paced action with little to no rest. It's not something newbies will appreciate, as this game is tough. Very tough. In fact, the fast paced action also requires you to plan out and time your moves. It's challenging when you have to keep up with the fast pace, and decide how, who and when to attack. I love it! Enemies can block, and even stun you. Often, levels will take more then a few attempts to complete. Vet gamers will be used to this, however others will be frustrated. If you give up easily, or if you are used to easy games, stay away from Shinobi.

Controls are solid, smooth and fast. While watching someone play Shinobi, you might scratch your head and ask "how the heck do you keep up with that?" With an effective lock on and a managable camera, the action flows smoothly. Think of a more mature, faster, cooler, Kingdom Hearts type of battle. The wild camera adds to the game's style.

Speaking of style, there is a lot of it. Usually in most games "cool moments" are scripted and happen when they are supposed to happen. In Shinobi, "cool moments" happen all the time. Slash four or more enemies with your sword, and they death freeze. Then they all die at the same time, while Hatsuma does a cool ninja pose. No scripts, no planned out events, Shinobi is spontanious action where anything can happen.

Sound is good, while not the best I have heard. The voice acting is nice, and the sounds in the game are well done. Music is good, but not great. The japanese techno semi rock adds to the theme of this game, however it could be better. But sometimes the music can't help but get stuck in your head.

There is replay value to this game, which is the icing on the cake. This isn't like the usual Arcade to console ports. This game has unlockable stuff that is actually worth getting. Estimate 40 hours to unlock, which gives it a good amount of time. Even when you do unlock everything, Shinobi is still a blast to play! It's a game you will want to re visit, even when late 2003 rolls around.

With fast paced action, good graphics, average sound, and replay value, Shinobi seems to be one of the best games of the year. Something that gets to the roots of ninja games, pure raw uncut fast action. Fun to play, and a break from pre-rendered backgrounds and item fetching. While not for everyone, with its above average challenge level. Old vets that seem to be bored to death with the dullness of ordinary games should pick this one up. Even newcomers should check this one out. Once you get the hang of it, Shinobi is one of the best gaming experiences. In short, it's Hack and Slash done right.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hardcore gamers, enjoy! Casual gamers, beware!, August 23, 2006

By 

Abram J. Taylor (KY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shinobi (Video Game)

With its neon-lit visuals that are spare yet beautiful, its atmospheric sound and music, and above all, its innovative and well-implemented game play mechanics, Shinobi is sure to be a winner with any true connoisseur of Action/Adventure games. A word of warning, however: Shinobi is not in the least for casual gamers, i.e., those who are unwilling to be trounced time and time again before being able to successfully complete a level or defeat a boss, and/or those disdainful of gameplay mechanics or control schemes that are in any way a departure from the norm.

The player-character, Hostuma, controls very responsively and has a host of groovy ninja moves at his disposal, including wall running, double jumping and a very neat dashing ability which can be executed consecutively on the ground, once in the air under normal circumstances, and an additional time immediately after striking an opponent while airborne. This means that if you have a swarm of aerial opponents about you, you can leap to one, strike him down, dash to the next, and repeat until the entire group is decimated, all without touching the ground. Hostuma's dash also has another, special application, aside from the fairly standard uses of evading attacks, reaching and attacking enemies quickly, and traveling longer distances in the air by combining it with double jumping every time Hotsuma dashes, he leaves behind an after-image. If you dash away from an enemy and leave them standing before an after-image, most of the time the foe will attack it instead of pursuing you, giving you a window of opportunity to strike. This can be a life-saver at times (particularly on Level 3-A, in which you are set upon by hordes of highly aggressive, sword-wielding zombie dogs).

Even with just the mechanics described above, Shinobi would have had very good gameplay. What really makes the gameplay great, however, is the Tate (pronounced tah-tay) system, the proper employment of which allows you to cut down a large group of opponents quickly with a minimum of hassle. Every time you defeat a foe who is by his lonesome, he falls immediately. However, if you are fighting two or more foes, each foe leading up until the last will be frozen in place a short time after defeat and your sword will become just a little stronger, making it much easier to "freeze" successive foes. After the last opponent falls, or when you wait too long before defeating the next -- at which time the frozen enemies fall regardless of those remaining -- your sword returns to its original power, so it is in your best interest to hit your enemies as quickly as possible. Killing three or fewer enemies in rapid succession, however, while advantageous because of your sword's power accretion, is not a true Tate; that comes into play when you quickly defeat four or more opponents, whereupon you are rewarded with a stylish cutscene in which Hostuma performs a sword flourish and all enemies fall together. It is especially advantageous to attack all the weakest enemies of a group first, since that makes it easier to down the real toughies, direct, drawn-out confrontations with whom might result in significant damage to yourself. In fact, some tougher foes take much more trouble and time to defeat if you don't Tate them. This goes doubly true for the bosses; it is far more satisfying, but far quicker to defeat a boss by quickly freezing the various demons he/she has conjured until you have amassed enough power to Tate the big baddy along with them. Nothing feels more awesome than vanquishing a big, bad boss beast with one sword stroke! A final word about Tate: Hotsuma's demon sword, Akujiki, requires constant nourishment in the form of dark energy, which you gain automatically upon defeating a foe. Wait too long between feedings, and the sword will begin to drain your life. A Tate however, will usually fill up your sword's hunger gauge, and if you make it a habit to Tate whenever possible, Akujiki will almost never go vampiric on you.

Shinobi's graphics are quite simple when compared to most games of its generation, but they are beautiful in that simplicity. There is no gross over-texturing, as evident in disappointments like Halo 2 and The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, as each object is textured just enough to give it personality. Also, neither the character models nor environments are polygon-rich, but the hard angles resulting from the relatively low-poly count never look ugly, having been placed so that they fall into line with the game's art design. Due to this graphical economy, slow-down is almost completely absent. The dark, brooding colors highlighted by bright neons, along with the game's unusual character and enemy designs, lend the game an 80's anime aesthetic. Since all of the game's character models have so much personality in-game, it is easy to imagine that they lost little in the translation from design to implementation; the enemies, and most especially the boss characters, are all very interesting to look at and well-animated, and Hotsuma himself, with his flowing red scarf, four-eyed helmet and confident demeanor, will surely go down in video game history as one of the most stylish player-characters ever.

Overall, Shinobi's sound is exceptional. The grunts, slashes, clashes, explosions and the like are all pretty standard, though never inadequate. The chorus of death cries let out by a flock of enemies during Tate, however, is really titilating! The Japanese voice acting, though there is little of it, is excellent, and really lends itself to atmosphere-building. Kudos to Sega's U.S. branch for not excluding the Japanese track and forcing us to listen to the kind of lack-luster English dub-drivel that has marred many a game imported from Japan! By far the best part of Shinobi's sound is its wonderful techno music. It has a fast enough pace to perfectly compliment the quickly-moving gameplay, yet is so thoughtfully composed that at the same time it projects an atmosphere of complex mysticism.

If you are up to the challenge, I cannot recommend this game enough. I am at a loss to understand why so many supposedly hardcore gamers, even editors at some major video game review mags, regard it shabbily. I can only surmise that they are indeed not hardcore gamers, that they are only willing to scarf down one deriviative FPS or cookie-cutter sports title after another, completely unknowing of what a great Action/Adventure truly is. What happened to you, Sega? Put Sonic on ice for a while and get back to making games like this!