Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi

About

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is a side-scrolling action game where you play a ninja battling through waves of enemies in a dystopian New York City. You wield an array of weapons from the genre, monsoon swords, smoke bombs, and ninja stars, while dodging attacks and chaining combos. A loyal dog companion follows you, occasionally knocking enemies offscreen. The game’s tight controls and escalating difficulty make each level feel like a brutal but rewarding fight. Stages alternate between urban chaos and shadowy landscapes, with boss battles that test your timing and strategy. The game’s standout feature is its dog sidekick, a quirky addition that adds a layer of strategy. Critics praised its pacing and responsiveness in 1990, and modern re-releases on Steam and Wii Virtual Console bring it to newer audiences. While it doesn’t connect directly to the Shinobi series, it borrows the character and style, offering a self-contained story about a ninja fending off a monstrous threat. Over 30 years later, its mechanics hold up, with a 78% rating on aggregated scores. It’s a relic of early '90s action gaming that still satisfies with its raw, no-frills combat.

Storyline

A.D 1997, New York City Having vanquished the evil crime empire Neo Zeed, Shinobi was not heard from again. His combat ninja skills were not needed in a peaceful world. But a new threat arose. In a reptilian form that lived on vicious instinct alone. The colossal monster moved slowly and quietly, and its attack was relentless. The souls unfortunate enough to live became 'hostages' mass panic swept the streets. It remained only for Shinobi to take action. The ninja of the shadows. His weapons were stealth and quickness of attack. His only allies when facing over whelming force. Relying on ninja weapons and magic, Shinobi fought on. Assisted by his faithful dog. This is the story of their defiance..