Status Reset_Tears Jan 14, 2020
The Shinobi games of the 8 and 16-bit days are a solid bunch. Generally they are action platformers, but the original Shinobi was an arcade title that was a challenge requiring level memorization and quit reaction time. Shadow Dancer is reminiscent of the arcade original, but this time our shuriken-throwing ninja hero is accompanied by a dog.
The dog is …
The Shinobi games of the 8 and 16-bit days are a solid bunch. Generally they are action platformers, but the original Shinobi was an arcade title that was a challenge requiring level memorization and quit reaction time. Shadow Dancer is reminiscent of the arcade original, but this time our shuriken-throwing ninja hero is accompanied by a dog.
The dog is actually something of a game-changer, giving you a new way to tackle each situation you face. You can time your own attack just right, or you can time the dog's stun attack just right -- allowing you to follow through to finish the enemy off afterward without fear of sudden one-hit death. (Well, at least from that specific enemy.) There's a risk-reward factor there too though. If the dog gets hit in the process, it turns into a helpless puppy (a very cute little puppy, but still) and can't be used for assist attacks for a while.
This is a game where you'll die a lot, but as you learn the levels you'll progress a little farther. It's an addicting entry for the Shinobi series, and probably my second-favorite after Shinobi 3.