Shadow of the Ninja (aka Blue Shadow)

Shadow of the Ninja (aka Blue Shadow)

Shadow of the Ninja is a side-scrolling action-platformer published by Natsume for the NES, released in 1990, and it is known for its fast-paced gameplay, tight controls, and high-quality presentation. You play as a ninja, Hayate, or his female partner, Kaede, who must infiltrate a heavily fortified enemy stronghold to stop a tyrannical general from using a powerful weapon to take over the world. The gameplay involves platforming, combat, and using a variety of ninja weapons, including a sword, shurikens, and a grappling hook, with a focus on precision, speed, and strategy. A unique feature is the "weapon" system – you can collect power-ups to upgrade your weapons, and you can also use the grappling hook to reach high areas and swing across gaps, adding a layer of verticality and exploration to the gameplay. The levels include various environments like forests, castles, and enemy bases, each with unique enemies, traps, and challenging boss encounters. The game includes a two-player cooperative mode, allowing you to team up with a friend. A trivia: the game was developed by Natsume, known for their high-quality NES titles, and it is considered one of the best action-platformers on the system, often compared to "Ninja Gaiden." The graphics are colorful and detailed, with a ninja theme and smooth animations. The music is intense and fast-paced, with an electronic and driving soundtrack. Critics praised the co-op play, the tight controls, the weapon variety, and the overall polish and challenge. It supports two players. Shadow of the Ninja is a fantastic and underrated action-platformer.