Sega has a long and storied history in the world of gaming; so does Shinobi, its long running franchise. It started out as an arcade game during the late 80's and since then, has made multiple appearances over several consoles. In 2011,Shinobi was released on the Nintendo 3DS. It turned out to be a good game that should attract newcomers and gaming veterans alike; a classic franchise is brought into modern times.
You play as a ninja whose village is under attack by an opposing ninja clan. You soon find out you were betrayed and you go after who is really behind the attack. What awaits you are multiple stages, filled with enemies, boss encounters and obstacles to overcome. You are armed with your sword and sharp, throwing knives as well as the ability to do special moves and magic spells (with various effects.) Learning all your moves and the ability to block projectiles will help you out immensely as each stage will test your moves and reflexes.
Playing through the main story mode lets you unlock music tracks, cut scenes, artwork and achievements that you can check out anytime from the main screen. Controlling your character is done through using the circle pad while using all of the buttons on the system itself; the touch screen feature is not utilized at all here. With three levels of difficulties available, anyone can go into this game and you can always ramp up the challenge after you beat the game. After you complete a stage, the game automatically saves your progress and rates your performance using letter grades and tells you how long it took you. It also uses a "temporary save" feature (it works by allowing you to save in between the stage you are currently on so you can restart your progress at a later time.)
In addition to the main story mode, you can also try out "challenge" maps that are meant to simulate all of the action you encounter in the normal stages; there are 13 in all waiting to unlock using the 3DS' "play coins" that you earn by walking around with your handheld system. You can trade any maps you've unlocked with other gamers using the StreetPass feature so you don't have to spend the coins.
The PROS: The game looks and sounds great. Gameplay is very reminiscent of earlier Shinobi games but the new moves and points/grade system make it feel like a modern day take on the classic franchise. The cutscenes explain what happens and keeps the story moving. There are plenty of stages to keep you busy and lots of unlockable content waiting to be opened; there's even a section where all of the previous Shinobi games are outlined complete with their own description and facts. For those of you looking for a challenge, you will find it here. The challenge maps are good to try out as it tests out all of the moves you can pull off (they're even more challenging since all it takes is one hit on your character and you have to restart from the beginning.)
The CONS: It doesn't really use the touch screen feature so it depends on whether or not you think it's good or bad. The 3D effects are subtle and are not mind blowing at all. There isn't any online multiplayer features available either; this is strictly a one player experience.
This game turned out better than expected. Fans of the Shinobi games should give this one a shot. From the great graphics, subtle 3D effects, "japanimation" influenced cut scenes, ease of controls and solid gameplay, Shinobi will keep you busy for awhile. Everyone else should read up on it before trying it out as it's not a casual game but is still worth playing.
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Customer reviews
the box is broken, the jacket horny, and the protective plastic of the box is peeled off and torn. Box in very bad condition, I find it hard to believe this is a new product. I ask to receive the same product again, but new. If not, pay it back to me. It is scandalous to buy a product in this condition !!
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Top reviews from other countries
Eduardo P.
Compralo si eres verdadero fan de la saga.
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on February 28, 2020
Compralo si eres verdadero fan de la saga.
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on February 28, 2020
Desde que ví que era Shinobi no dudé en comprarlo ahora para Nintendo 3DS. Tiene gráficos muy atractivos. Me llegó en perfectas condiciones, viene de importación.
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on February 28, 2020
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marcos rolando hernandez
Shinobi a game with new cell shaded graphics, but the feel of a quarter munching arcade machine
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on January 23, 2013Anteo Petkovic
Difficult, Challenging, and Fun!
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on March 19, 2014Carl Goldsmith
Excellent will buy from seller again!
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on August 2, 2021
