The GG Shinobi brings the Sega ninja franchise to Game Gear. Platform action with five shinobi with distinct powers, varied levels and sword combat. An excellent Game Gear-exclusive classic.
North American pressing in revision A, which patches several difficulty steps and a specific second-stage boss crash present in the original unrevised version. The cartridge is commonly found, but identifying the Rev A marking on the label remains the key criterion for collectors after the polished version rather than the buggy launch run, now its own distinct niche on the Game Gear Shinobi market.
An underrated gem
Inventive down to its structure, this Shinobi lets you pick the order of stages and free colourful ninjas with distinct powers who join your roster. Its ambition was somewhat masked by stiff difficulty and a plain presentation. Fans of demanding action and clever level design will find more depth here than meets the eye.
Is Shinobi still worth playing in 2026?
An action platformer by Sega, The GG Shinobi offers a ninja adventure on Game Gear with an original system allowing you to unlock and then play five ninjas with specific powers. The non linear structure between levels brings a welcome freshness, and the dark art direction works very well on the machine. The handling stays precise and the pacing well dosed. For anyone who loves 8 bit video game ninjas or seeks a quality portable Shinobi, a warm recommendation still valid today truly here on Sega's handheld in this catalogue.
