Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Shadow of the Ninja’

Berlin, 29th August 2024 – The wait is over. NatsumeAtari, in partnership with ININ, is proud to announce the global launch of Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn, the highly anticipated reimagining of the classic retro title. Available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S and Steam.

Reliving a Classic, Reinvented for a New Era!

Originally developed by Natsume and released in 1990 for the NES, Shadow of the Ninja (known as Blue Shadow or KAGE in some regions) stood out as a tough-but-fair side-scrolling action game that became a fan favourite among the retro gaming community. The game was praised for its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, two-player cooperative action, and atmospheric level design.

In this thrilling action-adventure platformer, you will use your striking katana, as well as the acrobatic finesse of a ninja to face the advance of powerful enemies. Our fearless heroes, Hayate and Kaede have undergone a major visual upgrade from their original 8-bit models. From the deadly foes to the no-less deadly stages, every part of this title has been faithfully remade in stunning high-quality graphics.

Special attention was dedicated to the already acclaimed 2-player mode, which now features upgraded cooperative gameplay dynamics, refined character interactions, and an overall optimised experience. So, grab a friend and engage in deadly shinobi combat to save the world in this dark action gem Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn!

This remake brings back Iku Mizutani, the star composer who helped create the iconic Natsume sound and renowned tracks for various NES games.

As with the original version, Dynamic Pro handled the illustrations!

The key visuals/character illustrations are also by Dynamic Productions, as was the case with the first version in 1990.

Features and Innovations

• Reimagined Visuals: Fully remastered in stunning high resolution, the game features hand-drawn 2D art mixed with dynamic environments, breathing new life into every corner of the original world.
• Enhanced Combat System: Refined combat mechanics introduce new ninja abilities, combos, and precision platforming that rewards skill and strategy.
• Expanded Storyline: Dive deeper into the lore of the Shadow of the Ninja universe with a completely new designed and added level, providing a more immersive experience.
• Co-op Mode Revamped: The beloved local cooperative mode has been reworked, offering seamless integration and more intense team-based action.
• A Star-Studded, Rockin’ Soundtrack: Play along with the legendary Hiroyuki Iwatsuki and Iku Mizutani’s electrifying guitar riffs and fast-paced melodies.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is available digital for just €19,99 and physical for €29,99 (PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch). There is also a physical PS4 version available from SLG.

For the real retro game music lovers, Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn will also release a Digital Deluxe Edition for PS4/PS5, NSW, and Steam priced at €24.99, that includes the electric digital soundtrack by legends Iku Mizutani and Hiroyuki Iwatsuki!

Source: PR Email

Berlin, 26 January 2024 – Sharpen your katana and ready your ninja stars– the trailblazing, true ninja action game returns! ININ and SLG are excited to announce the pre-order start for the Limited and Collector’s Editions of the upcoming remake Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn (Retail Editions following)! After 33 years, experience a revamped 16-bit style, an improved combat system, a BRAND-NEW level, and an epic soundtrack by the one and only, Iku Mizutani!

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn lands physically on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for 29.99€ and digitally on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC Steam for 19.99€ this Summer. Pre-orders of the Limited and Collector’s Editions are available now at Strictly Limited Games. Fans can also wishlist on Steam today, while the Retail Edition will soon be listed on iningames.com.

Regarded as one of the best two-player co-op games for the Nintendo Family Computer (NES) in the early 90s, Shadow of the Ninja (also known as Blue Shadow in Europe and Australia) propelled NatsumeAtari and TENGO PROJECT into becoming one of action gaming’s greats.

VISUALLY REFINED

In this thrilling action-adventure platformer, you will use your striking katana, as well as the acrobatic finesse of a ninja to face the advance of powerful enemies. Our fearless heroes, Hayate and Kaede have undergone a major visual upgrade from their original 8-bit models. From the deadly foes to the no-less deadly stages, every part of this title has been faithfully remade in stunning high-quality graphics.

COOPERATIVE GAMEPLAY

Special attention was dedicated to the already acclaimed 2-player mode, which now features upgraded cooperative gameplay dynamics, refined character interactions, and an overall optimized experience. So, grab a friend and engage in deadly shinobi combat to save the world in this dark action gem Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn!

LEGENDARY SOUNDTRACK

This remake brings back Iku Mizutani, the star composer who helped create the iconic Natsume sound and renowned tracks for various NES games.

Features

• An Arsenal of Deadly Weapons: Caltrops, shuriken, and more! Departing from the NES original, Hayate and Kaede will have an expanded variety of weaponry!
• Jungle of Concrete and Steel: Five completely recreated stages featuring devious traps and challenging platform puzzles. Plus, a 6th entirely new stage!
• Two Ninjas are Better Than One: Grab a friend and get ready for the critically acclaimed couch co-op!
• A Fresh New Look: Beautiful modern in-game sprite art as a faithful update to the 8-bit original!
• Bringin’ It Back to the 90s: Feast your eyes on the key visuals and characters illustrated by Dynamic Productions, the same remarkable illustrators of the original 90s title!
• A Star-Studded, Rockin’ Soundtrack: Play along with the legendary Hiroshi Iwatsuki and Iku Mizutani’s electrifying guitar riffs and fast-paced retro melodies.

Source: PR Email

Berlin, Germany – August 8th, 2023 – Natsume Atari Inc. and ININ are pleased to announce that a new title, “Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn” is currently in production. Following on the heels of last year’s hit title, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, which sold more than 150,000 units worldwide, this is the fourth 16-bit style remake from TENGO PROJECT.

Announcement Details:

Title: Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn

Release Date: Spring 2024

Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

Supported Languages (9 languages): Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese

Price: TBA

About Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn

This trailblazer in ninja action games is returning after 33 years.

The original title was released on the Japanese Nintendo Family Computer by Natsume Inc. in 1990. At the time, it was one of the most polished Family Computer action games and rated as one of the best two-player coop games. It was also the first of a series of titles that solidified Natsume’s reputation as a master of action games.

Released as SHADOW OF NINJA in North America and BLUE SHADOW in Europe, this classic is finally returning in a completely new production.

Legendary two-player simultaneous action!

The acclaimed 2D ninja action side-scroller with simultaneous two player gameplay returns in this new remake. Choose between the male or female character and work together to defeat challenging enemies.

Incredibly detailed pixel art quality!

The commitment to the 16-bit-style pixel art that was so highly acclaimed in our previous title, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, will be on display again in this latest release. Enjoy the carefully crafted pixel art as it brings the game to life!

Iku Mizutani, the star composer who helped create the iconic Natsume sound, is back on board!

Mr. Mizutani, who created the Natsume soundtrack for the original version of this title as well as the Shatterhand and Medarot series, has been confirmed for this new project. Classic gamers will find delight in his renowned guitar riffs and fast-paced 16-bit melodies!

Dynamic Production is once again taking on the visuals!

As with the 90s original, the key visuals and character illustrations will be handled by Dynamic Production.

Source: PR Email