A Sega arcade Shadow Dancer sequel continuing the Shinobi saga with a dog partner. Technically dated, pleasant and faithful to the Shinobi spirit.
Your verdict
Category
Action1 player12+
Description
Joe Musashi alias Shadow Dancer battles the Zeed clan and saves his son in this Sega Mega Drive action game. Published by Sega, released in Japan in March 1991. Action game with the shinobi and his dog attacking in tandem, varied urban levels and Zeed clan bosses.
Shadow Dancer - The Secret of Shinobi review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
In the lineage of the Shinobi games, Sega's music weaves nervy, atmospheric themes that accompany Joe Musashi's leaps and strikes. The FM chip unfurls an effective melodic tension, between oriental mystery and the urgency of the action. This classy soundscape serves the ninja's elegance with brio.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Short"
Technical info
💾0,33 MB📅01/03/1991
Published by Sega
Shadow Dancer - The Secret of Shinobi (Mega Drive) price, value & rarity
Shadow Dancer The Secret of Shinobi is the international edition of Sega/Yuji Naka's game, Megadrive port of the Shinobi arcade with dog companion.
Is Shadow Dancer - The Secret of Shinobi still worth playing in 2026?
A ninja platformer by Sega adapted from arcade, Shadow Dancer The Secret of Shinobi offers a ninja adventure with a fighting dog companion. The polished Japanese art direction, precise combat system and spectacular ninjutsus make it a good entry in the Shinobi saga. The dog companion brings a unique strategic dimension. For anyone fond of video game ninjas or seeking an overlooked Shinobi, a warm recommendation still valid today on Mega Drive without any hesitation for genre fans truly here indeed for any returning fan now.
