Скачать или смотреть Shinobi [Unlicensed] (NES) Playthrough

Playthrough of Shinobi, Tengen's unlicensed 1989 action game for the NES.

Shinobi for the NES, released in 1989 by Tengen without Nintendo’s official license, is a port of Sega’s arcade classic by way of the Sega Master System. Like many unlicensed releases of the era, it is notable both for its unusual distribution and for the compromises it makes in adapting a popular title to the NES hardware. Unfortunately, while the original arcade Shinobi was a landmark action game, this version struggles to capture its spirit.

The story is presented differently from other versions. Rather than following the exploits of series protagonist Joe Musashi against the Zeed organization, the NES manual introduces players to a nameless “Master Ninja” tasked with rescuing the kidnapped children of world leaders from a group called The Ring of Fire. This change in narrative is minor in the grand scheme, but it underscores how disconnected this version feels from its source material, even as it tries to maintain the same broad framework of side-scrolling stages, shuriken combat, hostage rescues, and boss encounters.

In terms of gameplay, the NES Shinobi alters several mechanics. Players now have a life bar instead of the arcade’s one-hit deaths, reducing the need for flawless runs. Saving hostages is no longer mandatory to complete a stage, and rescuing them no longer grants access to stronger weapons. Stage layouts differ significantly from both the arcade and Master System versions, and while the overall flow remains recognizable, these changes strip away much of the precision and tension that defined the original.

Where this port suffers most is in its technical execution. Graphics and sound are extremely limited, with environments and sprites that feel rough even by the NES standards of the late 1980s. More problematic are the controls, which often fail to register inputs when multiple enemies or projectiles are on-screen. This results in a frustrating lack of responsiveness, especially during boss battles where reliable timing is essential. What should be moments of skillful tension often devolve into button-mashing, with success depending more on persistence than precision.

Despite these shortcomings, the NES Shinobi is not without moments of entertainment. The basic structure of the arcade game remains intact, and there is some satisfaction in methodically advancing through the levels, dispatching enemies, and rescuing hostages. However, when compared to the more faithful Master System port or the arcade original, this version feels like a compromised imitation.

Overall, Shinobi on the NES stands as a curiosity rather than a worthwhile way to experience the game. Its unlicensed status, altered mechanics, and underwhelming execution make it an inferior choice for anyone seeking the series’ sharp action. Players looking to enjoy Shinobi at its best would be better served turning to the Master System or PC Engine adaptations, or better still, the original arcade release.