Shinobi (Nintendo 3DS) Review

Although Shinobi on 3DS firmly places its roots in the older games via the historical unlockables in the game, long-time fans will immediately notice differences. Whereas the previous games consisted of basic 2D platforming and fighting at a steady pace, here we have lightning-quick movement speeds, split-second reactions for blocking attacks, and nimble platforming with 3D models on a two dimensional plane. Also, the older games primarily starred Joe Musashi in the lead role as the Shinobi, but here you take control of new character Jiro, who sets out for revenge after a friend betrays him and comes into conflict with the crime syndicate Neo Zeed. This story takes Jiro from 13th century Japan all the way to 2056 as he fights the threat in the future, told through stylish comic-book style cutscenes and minor voicework.

Shinobi’s levels play out in a side-scrolling manner with an effective and responsive amount of control given to the player. Jiro’s primary weapon is his blade for short distance strikes, his shuriken dealing with faraway foes. These tools, used in conjunction with his jumping and acrobatic movesets, make Jiro a force to be reckoned with, and he needs to be as this game has retained the franchise’s trademark immense difficulty; it’s a challenge to get to the end even on the easiest setting. Many gamers would prefer usage of the D-pad for accurate movement, especially on tight and narrow platforms in a 2D game such as this, but Griptonite have adapted Jiro’s movement to the Circle Pad perfectly. Even in the more linear pathway segments of the game, where you’re riding on enemy vans or sprinting along a beaten track on your trusty steed, Jiro responds to the slightest twitch of your thumbs. Sometimes a leap of faith is required for certain parts with unclear platforms, and dying on these will frustrate, but perseverance is key.

Enemies and bosses come in a variety of designs, each with a pattern to learn and dodge - or try to block if you’re feeling daring. Designs tend to repeat, but are enough of an overwhelming challenge altogether as to avert the feel of repetition. The block command stops any attack from hitting, but requires precise timing for its use; no mean feat considering how small some projectiles are and how quick they’re fired at your face. Shinobi pulls no punches, and through its points system shows great potential as a score attack game for completionists.

Although Shinobi’s visuals are by-and-large functional and solid, they rarely venture outside of the original DS’ comfort zone. The 3D effect is applied well to this game, turning the action into a window box of clashing blades and explosions with zero hiccups to the frame rate. The option is never essential to the gameplay, and does sometimes leave a ghosting effect behind on your character avatar; again, not a deterrent or a hindrance. 3DS’ unique abilities are by and large used sparingly in Shinobi; touching one of four symbols on the screen activates a ninja power with differing effects that can turn the tide of battle, but that is the extent of touch support. The gyro sensors are put to use in a later stage when boarding down a river packed with obstacles, and it works well enough there. There isn’t any online support, which would have given the score boards feature a real supercharge, but StreetPass is alive and well, used for exchanging challenge maps (or you can purchase them with Play Coins), from which more rewards of concept art, alternate costumes and the like can be unlocked.

Shinobi’s time in your 3DS is largely determined by how skilled a gamer you are with reaction speeds and patience; this is one game where you will die a lot, and only true sadists will attempt any difficulty higher than normal. The time investment needed to unlock everything, beat all difficulties and accomplish all the game’s achievement requirements could easily rival any meaty role playing game. Shinobi isn’t the best example of the 3DS’ gaming potential, but nevertheless it can be an enjoyable mission to undertake.