Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn. Review
Sharpen your blades and ready your shuriken—Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is slicing its way back into the spotlight this summer! This isn't just a mere port; it's a powerful recreation that breathes new life into the NES title. After 33 years of lurking in the shadows, this classic ninja action game returns, ready to captivate a new generation of gamers while reigniting the passion of long-time fans.
A Revival Like No Other
Developed by the iconic Tengo Project—whose team members originally worked on the classic NES title over three decades ago—Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a testament to the timeless appeal of this trailblazing action game. With the backing of ININ Games, this reimagined gem will launch on August 29, 2024, across all major platforms, including PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Visually Stunning and Faithfully Remade
The first thing you’ll notice in Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is the vibrant, modernized graphics that somehow manages to still pay homage to the original 8-bit aesthetic. Every sprite, every environment has been meticulously recreated
in stunning detail, from the neon-lit cityscapes to the ominous industrial complexes. The game's fearless protagonists, Hayate and Kaede, have undergone a major visual overhaul, that embodies the same fierce spirit while boasting a fresh new look.
Enhanced Gameplay with a Classic Feel
This isn’t just a visual upgrade. The gameplay has been fine-tuned as well to better be enjoyed by a modern game audience without alienating old school gamers, maintaining the tight controls and very challenging platforming that made the original a standout. Special attention has been given to the two-player co-op mode, a feature that originally set the game apart. Now, with refined cooperative dynamics and optimized character interactions, you and a friend can team up for an even more exhilarating ninja adventure.
That is not to say that the game is easy, each level is a big challenge even on normal, but with a solid continue system and the ability to collect coins that can give you upgrades at the start of a level the game manages to maintain the feel that completing it is in reach and trial and error is not as punishing as some classic games could be. Of course, if you want to be hard on yourself you do not have to accept any continues and push for that deathless run at any time.
The game comes with a bunch of features and modes.
But that’s not all—Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn introduces an entirely new level, adding to the original five stages of intense action. With devious traps, challenging platform puzzles, and an expanded arsenal of weapons at your disposal, including caltrops and shuriken, the game offers an experience that feels both fresh and nostalgically familiar.
Legendary Soundtrack
No retro revival would be complete without an epic soundtrack, and Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn delivers in spades. The game features a star-studded musical lineup, with legendary composers Iku Mizutani and Hiroyuki Iwatsuki returning to deliver electrifying tracks that perfectly capture the essence of 90s gaming. Their fast-paced retro melodies and guitar riffs will have you on the edge of your seat as you slash through enemies with ninja precision.
Get a Sneak Peek with the Playable Demo
Can’t wait until the full release? You don’t have to! A playable demo is available now on Xbox, with versions for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch coming soon. This demo lets you experience nearly an entire level in both single-player and local co-op modes, giving you a taste of the thrilling ninja action that awaits. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to step into the shadows and experience this modern-retro masterpiece.
If you are into ninja games, want to see more ninja games or relive the old classic then don’t wait—sharpen your katana, gather your ninja stars, and prepare for an unforgettable journey. Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is clearly a celebration of what made action platformers legendary in the first place and the developers love shines through in the final product. Get ready to emerge from the shadows and reclaim your honor as a true ninja warrior!
Release Date: August 6, 2024 (on switch and steam March 2024)
