As a fan of retro games, I was very interested to dive into “Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn,” a remake of the classic Natsume side-scrolling ninja action game from the ’90s. With Tengo Project at the helm—who previously impressed me with their work on “The Ninja Saviours: Return of the Warriors” and “Pocky & Rocky Reshrined”—I had high hopes for this remake. While this game may not be everyone’s cup of tea anymore, the nostalgic person in me was not disappointed.
The year is 2029, and the world is a bleak, dystopian place. As Hayate and Kaede, two elite ninjas, it’s our mission to navigate this harsh world and save the nation from an oppressive force. From the moment I stepped into the first level, it was clear that Tengo Project had poured a lot of love into this remake. The game retains the intense challenge of the original, something I appreciated as a fan of old-school difficulty. Modern games often hold your hand, but here, every enemy encounter and platforming section demanded precision and skill. The game’s six stages, including a brand-new fourth stage, offer a variety of environments to battle through. Each one is complex and expansive, filled with devious traps and challenging platform puzzles that kept me on my toes. The addition of this new stage was a pleasant surprise and in a way that was natural rather than tacked on.
What stood out immediately was the visual upgrade. The original NES game had a certain charm with its 8-bit graphics, but that isn’t really a modern preference anymore, so “Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn” takes it to a bit upgraded new level. The high-quality sprite art brings the characters and the environment to life in a way that honors the original while making it feel fresh for a new generation. Hayate and Kaede, in particular, look fantastic, with detailed animations that make every move feel fluid and impactful.
The gameplay itself is fast-paced and rewarding. Armed with a striking katana and an expanded arsenal of deadly weapons, I felt like a true ninja, slicing through enemies with finesse. The controls are tight, and the combat is satisfying, especially when you pull off a perfect combo or dodge a series of attacks. The tool shop is a nice touch, allowing you to customize your loadout with various tools like caltrops and shuriken, giving you the flexibility to approach challenges in different ways. One of the game’s strongest features is its cooperative play. The original was praised for its 2-player co-op, and this remake carries that torch proudly. Playing alongside a friend as Hayate and Kaede is a blast. The game’s difficulty ramps up significantly, but having a partner makes it all the more satisfying when you overcome the odds together. Whether you’re coordinating attacks or just trying to survive, the co-op mode adds a layer of strategy and fun that’s hard to beat.
A big part of what made the original game so memorable was its soundtrack, and I’m thrilled to say that the remake does not disappoint in this area. The music has been updated by the original composer, Iku Mizutani, whose work I’ve admired for years. His electrifying guitar riffs and fast-paced retro melodies are a perfect fit for the game’s intense action. The soundtrack not only enhances the atmosphere but also gets you pumped for the battles ahead. Fans of retro music and Mr. Mizutani’s work will find a lot to love here.
While this genre isn’t for everyone, “Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn” is a solid example of how to bring a classic game to modern audiences. It captures the spirit of the original while offering enough new content to keep things fresh. The challenging gameplay, stunning visuals, and rockin’ soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. For twenty bucks (or maybe even less, if you’re a fan of the original or just love a good ninja game, “Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn” is well worth your time. Just be prepared for a tough but rewarding experience.
8/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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