Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn Review

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a return of the NES classic for the new generation, bringing back memorable gameplay and challenging gameplay along for the ride. Brought to life by Tengo Project and ININ games, this retro 2D action sidescroller hearkens back to the good old days of 8-bit action fun, dated mechanics and all.

Will you take up the challenge? Strap on that ninja sword and kusari-gama and bring a friend to take on the challenge of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn!

To The Right, To The Right

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn enters the retro sidescroller action genre, which has seen a resurgence in recent years with titles like Cyber Shadow and The Messenger. While these games have set a high bar, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn offers a unique take with its smoother, cartoon-like visuals, which may appeal to some but might disappoint those expecting a closer homage to 8-bit aesthetics.

The game leans more towards 16-bit graphics, which, while still retro, misses the mark for purists seeking a true 8-bit experience. The soundtrack, however, successfully captures the retro vibe, appealing to fans of electronic music.

The game does away with modern tutorials, staying true to its retro roots by leaving players to figure out mechanics on their own. A digital manual is available in the options menu, which can be a helpful resource after a few trial-and-error attempts.

From the outset, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn feels like a classic action sidescroller, complete with unforgiving difficulty that titles from an older time were known for. Players have a single health bar that depletes until death, after which they can restart from the last checkpoint. While there is no limit to the number of continues, the placement of checkpoints can vary, adding to the challenge.

Players start with a ninja sword and kusarigama chain, and can collect various ninja tools such as shuriken, melee weapons, bombs, guns, and healing items. These tools are limited in use and can be frustrating to manage, as only the next tool in the sequence can be used unless others are discarded.

Energy can be charged for powerful ninjutsu attacks or to enhance the ninja sword to shoot energy waves. However, taking damage reduces energy, making dodging a crucial survival skill. Mobility options include wall hanging, roof sticking, and balancing on the sword to evade attacks, so players are not totally out of options.

Threats Incoming

The game features a variety of enemies, from regular grunts to heavies, and smaller enemies that act as traps. Collisions with enemies decrease the life bar, and pitfalls, while not fatal, can compound damage when combined with enemy hits. These obstacles abound, and will challenge players throughout the duration of the game, and will prove to be a tough outing for those uninitiated in these types of games.

Boss battles are a definite highlight, with well-designed patterns that make each encounter feel like a puzzle. Completing the six total levels in arcade mode unlocks time trial levels, adding to the game’s replayability.

As players progress, they can store money earned from deaths to purchase ninja tools for future runs. Frequent deaths may reward players with onigiri for healing, which is certainly a lifeline once the frustration sets in, but the game’s difficulty can be a barrier for some as there are times when the game can be a bit unforgiving. Co-op play can help mitigate the challenge and add to the fun, should you find a friend to share in the fun.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a game for retro enthusiasts and speedrunners who enjoy challenging levels. However, its high difficulty, even on normal mode, may limit its accessibility to a broader audience, especially its lack a strong narrative hook like The Messenger and Cyber Shadow.

Verdict: Wait For It…

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a game tailored for retro enthusiasts and speedrunners seeking a challenging sidescroller. However, it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer a strong narrative or a more accessible gameplay experience.

Depending on your skill level, finishing the game may take a brisk couple of hours, but the general difficulty of the game reminiscent of titles from the past ensure that gameplay, and frustration, will last longer than usual.

*Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn was reviewed on the PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.