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Shinobi
忍 -SHINOBI-
Nov 1987 |
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Mark III / Master System ver.
Sega did an excellent job in bringing Shinobi to the Sega Mark III. Despite playing at a much slower pace than the arcade, it introduces a slew of interesting new features.
The 'one-hit-dead' architecture has been dropped in favour of a 'Life' energy bar, and rescuing hostages now grants extra energy and various weapon power-ups (Nunchaku, bombs). Also, new magic attacks can now be earned by completing the bonus games, and stored for later use.
In all it's an excellent Mark III release, and the FM sound is worthy of note (although this was inevitably lost for its worldwide Master System release). It's a far more 'home' experience than its arcade counterpart, and an interesting template for the gameplay of Sega's next console release of the series, The Super Shinobi (1989). |
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PC Engine ver.
One year after the Mark III version came the PC Engine effort, developed by third party Asmik (who would also release a PC Engine version of Power Drift).
At first glance it strikes as an excellent version - the visuals and sound are near perfect, the characters are large and the gameplay is lightning fast.
It's upon closer inspection that the package falls short: there are no close range attacks (and therefore no 'Special Bonus'), no bonus games, fewer enemy types, and worst of all the entirety of Mission 2 (arguably the best level in the game) is missing.
A crying shame, since everything else is there in superb style. When considered as a 1989 release it's still a lot of fun - it's just that when so much has been stripped away there isn't much meat left on the bone... At least the Mark III version features tons of nice extras to keep you busy; all there is here is a barren shell.
But still - it's one hell of a shell. |
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Shinobi
忍 -SHINOBI-
SEGA MARK III |
DETAILS
| Format |
Sega
Mark III |
| Released |
19
June 1988 |
| Publisher |
Sega |
| Product
ID |
G-1353 |
| Size
(cm) |
14
x 10 x 2.5 |
| Weight
(kg) |
0.12 |
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The Mark III Shinobi plays at a much slower pace than the arcade, but it also adds tons of interesting extras.
A stunning version in every respect!
Standard 'Gold Cartridge' packaging, 2Mbit
cartridge, monochrome booklet. |
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Shinobi
忍 -SHINOBI-
PC ENGINE |
DETAILS
| Format |
PC
Engine |
| Released |
8
Dec 1989 |
| Publisher |
Asmik |
| Product
ID |
AS01001 |
| Size
(cm) |
14.2
x 12.4 x 1 |
| Weight
(kg) |
0.10 |
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Asmik's
PC Engine version does the exact opposite to the Mark III: it keeps the fast pace of the arcade, but it looses
too much in the process (no bonus games, no Mission 2, no punch
or sword).
Still a great version though!
Standard PCE case, 3Mbit HuCard, monochrome booklet. |
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Legend of Joe Musashi Shinobi Music Collection
レジェンド オブ ジョー・ムサシ SHINOBI 忍 ミュージックコレクション
SOUNDTRACK |
DETAILS
| Format |
Audio CD |
| Released |
23 July 2009 |
| Publisher |
Wave Master |
| Product
ID |
WM-0626~9 |
| Size
(cm) |
14.2
x 12.4 x 1 |
| Weight
(kg) |
0.13 |
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'Shinobi', 'Sega Mark III' and 'Sega'
are registered trademarks of Sega Corporation
'PC Engine' and 'NEC' are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation
Shinobi TM & © 1987 Sega All Rights Reserved
Page content, design & layout © 2012 Arcade Gear |
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