Hissatsu!

About

Hissatsu! is an action platformer where you control four distinct assassins in feudal Japan. Before each stage you pick two characters to take on missions that involve sneaking past guards and battling tough bodyguards. Switch between your chosen assassins mid level to use their unique attacks and abilities. The stages mix platforming challenges with direct combat as you work toward each mission’s target. Story scenes play before and after levels to bookend the action with brief cutscenes. The ability to swap between characters mid fight adds a layer of strategy not common in beat em ups of the era. Bodyguards in each stage serve as mini bosses that test your chosen assassin’s skills. While the visuals and mechanics lean into mid 90s Saturn capabilities the focus on varied character abilities keeps the gameplay fresh. Originally released in 1996 it still holds up as a solid blend of platforming and action with a clear Japanese ninja movie vibe.