Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a nostalgia-filled release for fans of classic NES titles, reimagining the 1990 original with modern sensibilities while staying true to its core. Developed by Tengo Project and published by ININ and NatsumeAtari, this remake brings the fast-paced ninja action of Shadow of the Ninja back to life, with slicker visuals and refined gameplay. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
The game’s story remains straightforward, showing its original 8-bit roots. Set in a dystopian future where a shadowy empire has taken control, players step into the ninja boots of Hayate and Kaede, two warriors tasked with taking down the evil forces that threaten to plunge the world into darkness. While the narrative doesn’t break any new ground, it serves as an adequate backdrop for the action that follows. Fans of the original will appreciate the faithful homage to the NES classic, with a few fresh twists thrown in for good measure.
From a gameplay perspective, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a well-polished side-scrolling action platformer, blending tight combat mechanics with challenging platforming sections. The game retains the fast-paced combat of the original while introducing modern features like an expanded arsenal of weapons and new gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Players can wield classic ‘ninja’ weapons like the katana and shuriken, but new tools like caltrops and other gadgets add tactical depth to the action. The combat feels satisfying, with fluid controls that are responsive and intuitive, making it easy to chain together attacks and dodge enemy blows.
One of the standout features of this remake is its cooperative mode, allowing two players to tackle the game together locally. This mode was one of the defining features of the original Shadow of the Ninja, and its inclusion here is a welcome nod to the game’s couch co-op roots. Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend, the game’s six stages offer a variety of challenges, with traps and puzzles that keep the action from becoming repetitive.
Visually, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a significant upgrade from its 8-bit predecessor. The game’s modern sprite art retains the feel of the original while bringing a new level of detail to both characters and environments. The futuristic cityscapes and industrial settings are nicely rendered, and the fluid animations of the ninjas and enemies make each encounter feel dynamic. The visual upgrade is complemented by a fantastic soundtrack, featuring contributions from Iku Mizutani, who composed the original game’s music and returns for the remake. His signature fast-paced, retro-style guitar riffs perfectly match the game’s pace, creating a satisfying auditory experience.
However, despite these improvements, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn isn’t without its flaws. Some players may find the difficulty spikes a bit overwhelming, especially in the later stages where the platforming becomes more punishing and the enemies harder to beat. While the challenge is part of the game’s appeal, it can sometimes feel unfair, especially for those not familiar with the hardcore nature of older platformers. Additionally, the relatively short length of the (six level) campaign may leave some players wanting more, particularly given how much fun the core gameplay loop is – we wish they had added a few more missions for “Reborn”.
In conclusion, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a successful homage to a classic game, updating it for modern consoles while keeping its retro charm intact. The addition of new weapons, improved visuals, and the fantastic co-op mode make it a joy to play, even if the difficulty can sometimes feel unbalanced. Fans of the original will love this faithful remake, while newcomers will find plenty to enjoy as well. If you’re a fan of retro-styled action games, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is well worth your time.
Score: 7.3/10
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