Shadow of the Ninja Reborn brings the basic Natsume side-scrolling ninja motion recreation to fashionable audiences, and it stays a worthy expertise even some 33 years later. It calls for the extent of problem that video games launched within the 90s typically do, however when you’re okay with that, it seems to be higher than it ever did and provides an pleasurable journey throughout a small number of recreation modes. Developer Tengo Mission beforehand restored The Ninja Saviours: Return of the Warriors and Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, and Shadow of the Ninja Reborn continues this custom of high quality.
Within the far-off, gritty cyberpunk way forward for 2029, the world has fallen into chaos, and solely two ninjas of the Ryuha Shippu clan can set issues proper. Scorching-headed teen Hayate and his senior shinobi, Kaede, are each playable and Shadow of the Ninja Reborn provides native co-op play when you can persuade a buddy. Arcade Mode is the first providing and serves up six phases filled with cyborgs and augmented troopers in want of slaying, every capped by a gruelling boss encounter.
There’s additionally Onerous Mode when you can abdomen extra challenges, however it’s a punishing sufficient recreation as is. As soon as you’ve got cleared a stage, it turns into unlocked in Time Assault Mode, which does what it says on the tin. Defeating enemies in any mode will earn you Prep Cash, which might then be used to buy ninja gear to make the following run far more manageable.
Each ninjas wield katana for primary assaults, however Shadow of the Ninja differs from comparable titles in its use of extra ninja gear, starting from shurikens to shotguns. A shadow step dodge can be utilized for repositioning, and you’ll even land balanced on the purpose of your sword in a robust downward assault. A kusarigama chain lets you assault in any of eight instructions, and there are numerous acrobatic choices like wall operating and hanging from the rafters, that are all fairly neat.
Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is a worthy addition to the gathering of any arcade or retro fanatic. Much more than three many years later, mobility methods and ninja gear mix to make it a compelling recreation, supplied you are as much as the problem.