Shinobi

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 33
  3. Negative: 2 out of 33
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. G4 TV
    100
    An exemplary model for anyone who misses the constant, uninterrupted gameplay that made great 8-bit and 16-bit games the classics they have become.
  2. GamePro
    90
    The challenge may be too steep for some, but it’s ultimately rewarding for determined gamers.
  3. Armchair Empire
    87
    The extremely high level of difficulty will leave some gamers a whimpering heap in the corner... But if you don’t mind a challenge, expect an extremely fun, rewarding experience.
  5. Cinescape
    83
    If you can get past the cheap deaths, bottomless pits and no save points, you’ll have a great time with this remake of a classic.
  6. Game Informer
    80
    If you want nonstop action with the right amount of difficulty and ingenuity, toss back a few shuriken with Shinobi. [Dec 2002, p.117]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. All Game Guide
    80
    Perhaps the best and certainly the most unique thing about the game is Hotsuma’s thirsty-for-blood sword, which keeps the action at a brisk pace by forcing gamers to keep moving and keep killing.
  8. PSX Nation
    80
    Unapologetic about being old-school hard... It’s a rude awakening to how soft and cuddled the masses have become toward games that demand as much from them as they do from the game-makers.
  9. GameShark
    80
    If you're looking for a great action game, with absolutely no thinking required go pick up Shinobi, right now. You won't be disappointed.
  10. GameZone
    80
    An extremely difficult, linear, yet well-polished game. While it has its flaws, the game design is excellent, and the graphics are nice.
  11. IGN
    78
    I'm not sure if there's such a thing as "too hard," but if you don't have any problem with that designation, it belongs on Shinobi.
  12. GamingWorld X
    77
    The problem is that the game feels like one continuous palette-swap, and with the exception of difficulty, there is little to differentiate one level from another. And don't get me started on the camera.
  13. GameSpot
    76
    Those looking for a game with lots of challenge and a distinct sense of style would do well to check out Shinobi.
  14. GamerWeb Sony
    75
    It’s incredibly fun, and incredibly addicting. It’s just too bad that the camera system is incredibly flawed.
  15. Games Radar
    75
    Bags of style and tons of good ideas - all crowbarred into a game that's slightly too monotonous to sustain them. [PSM2]

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
11
#11 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 57
  3. Negative: 5 out of 57
  1. DasBaronne
    Jan 28, 2013
    10
    HACK AND SLASH GOODNESS! This game did NOT make it to the Dreamcast, however it made up for it by being on the PS2 instead (marking the startHACK AND SLASH GOODNESS! This game did NOT make it to the Dreamcast, however it made up for it by being on the PS2 instead (marking the start of hack n slash games across all other 6th generation consoles). This is now on PSN , so I recommend purchasing it.
    The storyline CAN be a bit slow if you're not too speedy with finishing each level (the story is divided into cut-scenes that are shown AFTER completing a level).
    The camera can be annoying. The game CAN be hard, but REMEMBER that without this game, alot of hack n slashers like Ninja Gaiden / Bayonetta wouldn't exist (Ninja Gaiden: Black Edition even nodded to this game via an unlockable costume).    … Full Review »
  2. MudRipChar
    Mar 5, 2019
    9
    This game is pure risk/reward. Every aspect of the gameplay tries to teach you to be more daring with how you play, which in turn canThis game is pure risk/reward. Every aspect of the gameplay tries to teach you to be more daring with how you play, which in turn can completely backfire on you. After loads of practice, your muscle memory will take over and the stylish action is incredibly cool. If you're looking for a serious challenge, check out this beast of a game.… Full Review »
  3. mashedtatter
    Mar 3, 2017
    9
    While it certainly isn't the best Shinobi game (that honor goes to Shinobi III), it's in the top five for sure. Personally, I'd rank it as myWhile it certainly isn't the best Shinobi game (that honor goes to Shinobi III), it's in the top five for sure. Personally, I'd rank it as my third favorite. The Shinobi series had been dead for a while, owning to the fact that the Sega Saturn game failed to live up to the standards set by Shinobi III. But in 2003, Sega surprised the world by unleashing a 3D hack and slash platformy action version of Shinobi on the PS2. And man, it's good! Tough as nails as expected of the Shinobi series, with a silly plot, even sillier enemies, and amazingly well done music. It's also pretty cheap to get a copy these days, whether you got physically or digitally for PS3/PS4. Please check it out for some classic arcadey fun!… Full Review »
See all user reviews »