Genesis REVIEWS: Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master

With the third Shinobi on the Genesis, Sega is making a game on the back of a poorly conceived Arcade port, and a well-loved game that is nonetheless overshadowed by other Ninja-themed action games.

It is with Shinobi III that Sega cements the series as part of the Holy Ninja Triad of the 8- and 16-bit generations.

 

16: Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master:-

Year: 1993.
Genre: Action.
Publisher: Sega.
Developer: Megasoft.

 

"He will be a shadow. He will be a Shinobi"

Unlike its predecessors, Shinobi III actually attempts to put together a story for Shinobi's actions. At least with an extensive opening essay. After that, the game basically leaves all pretense of a narrative, and simply lets the action speaks of itself.

In a supposed sequel to The Revenge of Shinobi, the evil organization in that game returned with a vengeance, and Joe Musashi needs to go through 7 levels to put a stop to it. Its all basic stuff, but that's not what you are getting into this game for.

You are getting into it to jet surf over water while throwing knives at some bad guy's face

Each level manages to be unique in such a way as to invite multiple playthroughs through the sheer quality of the game. Unfortunately, playing on older hardware (without save points), you may miss a feature that saves progress, which is a common complaint in action games.

Still, it is a testament to the game's arcade quality that going through the same level several times rarely gets boring. After all, each time, you discover a more efficient way of moving forward, a more effective way to deal with danger. And that is the most important quality in an arcade-type game.


"Although his fighting spirit burns like fire. His mind is still and calm as water "

Retaining its shooter-like gameplay, Shinobi III continues to employ throwing shurikens as the primary method of attack. However, it changes mechanics significantly by ramping up Joe's mobility and speed.

Now, the game invites faster play styles, and because of that, it does reduce the difficulty level overall. Which is okay, since this is the closest to a bad ass ninja experience the franchise came to achieving.

Since each level is a little different, each requires a different utilization of the game's mechanics. Some levels need a more careful approach, with a wait-and-see style. Others invite more speed, with one level adding an annoying platforming section.

Not all levels are as straightforward as the starting forest

While the occasional platforming can be annoying, it manages to express the spirit of this faster iteration of Shinobi. With the ability to wall jump, as well as double jump, performing these ninja feats is a big part of the game's fun.

However, due to the frustrating unpredictability of the double jump, what could have been one of the highlights of the game becomes one of its lowest points.

Other than that, all action mechanics click satisfactorily. Especially with boss battles that are difficult, engaging, and beautifully tense.


"The wings of darkness burn and shake the earth as it lands"

It is obvious that Sega applied all its production experience for the Genesis in making this game. It manages to look and sound simply better than any other action game in the system, and even rivals the best-looking games of the SNES.

Due to the increased speed of the game, anything less than the top-notch sprite animation we see here would have been an obvious letdown. It is then more satisfying to see that these well-animated sprites are also remarkably detailed. Especially the bosses, whose increased size allows for more to show, without sacrificing performance.

You will fight some seriously grotesque monstrosities

Yet, these sprites wouldn't look half as impressive if not for the beautiful level and background design. One level has an impossibly large moon in the background, and somehow, the entire landscape seems to be lit through that moon.

True, some levels do have some boring generic "secret base" look, but the majority of locations and backgrounds are either the perfection of a well-worn level type (forest level), or something new and exciting.

Similarly, the soundtrack is the best in the series and among the best on the Genesis. It doesn't grate in the ears like other, usually non-Sega games, and it manages to be upbeat and exciting throughout.


In Conclusion:

Shinobi III is the culmination of Sega's experience in both the genre and the console. It manages to be one of the most mechanically satisfying Action games in the system, as well as an obvious art production powerhouse.

It doesn't have the interesting lore and look of games like Castlevania or even Strider, but it does make it up by being very good at what it does, and that's being a very good Action-Shooter hybrid starring a Ninja named Joe.

Final: 8/10 (Recommended)

The game's seven stages

Pros:

• Invites multiple playthroughs
• Great gameplay
• Healthy challenge
• Great graphics and soundtrack 

Cons: 

• Basic story
• Some mechanical issues

 

Tips:

1. Conserve your Shurikens, don't waste them on enemies that guard.
2. Do not rush forward; check first to see enemies before they see you.
3. The fourth Ninjatsu skill attacks the bosses, gives you back a spell, and costs you one life. Use it against difficult bosses if you have lives to spare.
4. Look around the stages for more Shurikens and power up.
5. When using a power-up, you can guard against some attacks by moving forward.
6. You are most vulnerable when you jump, so make sure things are clear. 

 

Series:

For those reading one of my Genesis review blogs for the first time, here is the basic concept:

I already reviewed a bunch of SNES games, so, naturally, I am going to review the games of its prime competition. Does the SEGA Genesis stand a chance against the legendary SNES library?

My review series is based on the top 100 list of Retro Sanctuary

Originally, I posted most of my content on a football forum called "Goallegacy," which was the first online community I had ever joined. I found it to be the best place for a football fan (the REAL football, not handegg) to hang out on the internet, but the forum is not as active as it was years ago.

 

Next Game: 

That's it for the Shinobi series on the Genesis. In fact, that is it for the Shinobi series until the PS2 era. Based on the games I played, as well as the reception for the series, I don't understand why it didn't feature on the Sega Saturn. It's a good Action series that probably should have a greater fleshing out in the Saturn era.

Next game in the list, at #12, is Beyond Oasis, an action-adventure game that was released in 1995, after the Saturn was released. From what everyone is telling me, it looks like a good game.

Stay Tuned.

For Previous Genesis Game Reviews:

The List

This blog was originally posted in Destructoid Community Blogs on April 6th, 2018. The blog was slightly edited to fit my newer review format.