Shadow of the Ninja, also known as Blue Shadow in Europe, was a high quality 2D side scrolling action game on the NES released over 30 years ago. It was well regarded for its fun two-player co-op feature. Tengo Project and NatsumeAtari have completely remade this cult classic similar to the recent Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors and Pocky and Rocky Reshrined. Simply put, this is a spectacular remake of a renowned NES original.

Presented through a revamped 16-bit style, Reborn is a visual spectacle. Everything moves with fluidity and exaggerated, eye-catching animations. Intimidating large sprited enemies can fill the screen while bosses and their environmental effects provide impressive set pieces. Visually, this is a remastered retro game done right. Don’t have to worry about that disgusting smearing effect that so many other retro re-releases do these days. The fast-paced electric guitar riff-based soundtrack is just as impressive. However, it is rather odd there is no music when navigating the main menu, making the overall presentation feel unnecessarily empty upon first impression. 

Gameplaywise, this is a quality 2D side scroller but there is one important detail to strongly note. This game is hard. Brutal, in fact, just like Pocky and Rocky Reshrined. Playing co-op with a dedicated partner is essentially mandatory if you want to make any progress. After dozens of attempts, I finally was able to clear the first stage simply because there are unlimited continues and there is a checkpoint right before the boss fight. Without this, there would have been no way I would have been able to even beat the first stage. Then I proceeded to get my ass kicked in stage 2, dying within seconds.  

While the difficulty is a throwback to the original, I wish there was an Easy mode. Admittingly, I simply do not have the skill to see the later stages, which are only unlocked in sequential order. Which leads me to my next frustration – the lack of a save system. Quitting and exiting to the main menu doesn’t save the game. Meaning, you need to play through the super difficult quest from the starting point each time you want to play. Again, it is a throwback to the NES era, but this gameplay mechanic doesn’t hold up well in 2024. Unlimited continues are welcomed. Not having the ability to save/load is most definitely not. It is also confusing that dropping through platforms requires pressing down and jump, a standard for so many platforming games, but climbing a ledge from a hanging position requires tapping up when my first instinct is to press jump. Attacking while hanging is also encumbered.

Newly included in this remake is the ninja weapon system. Found within containers spread throughout each stage are limited use subweapons that vary wildly. Some restore health. Some are melee-based. Some offer ranged attacks. There are dozens available and items can even be purchased before each run if unlocked previously. Defeated enemies drop money which can be used to buy these optional ninja items. Unfortunately, using them is tedious. Tapping a shoulder button selects the next item in line but several can be held at once. To select an item further down the list, the shoulder must be held then tap left/right to select. This takes entirely took long, especially during a boss battle, leaving the player to mostly use the standard sword swipe and chain whip attacks. Perhaps if items could have been assigned to the d-pad for shortcuts, or use the LB/RB to scroll, this could have reduced the subweapon struggle. It is a bit of a shame because so much emphasis is placed on the subweapons. So it quickly becomes frustrating when they cannot be freely used in an instant.

Despite having a few obvious blemishes and a staggering high difficulty, Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is a remake in which to be excited. Like the revival of forgotten Sunsoft IPs and the Cotton re-releases, it is wonderful to see a neglected NES original get the modern treatment it deserves. It also makes me hopeful for other Natsume projects might also be revived one day. Will we get a Car Battler Joe 2? A new Lufia title or a remastered collection? How about a modern remake of the River King games? The well is deep when it comes to Natsume so the future could be bright.

SCORE: 7.5/10

Also Play: Wild Guns Reloaded

For A Less Stressful Co-Op Experience Play: any of the Switch Kirby games

Wait For It: a new Flying Dragon title

By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com

Twitter: @ZackGaz

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