Shinobi

 PlayStation 2
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
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  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 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    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 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).    … Expand
  2. Stealthgear
    Nov 13, 2010
    8
    This game is very hard. I can't believe I beat it. Its very close in difficulty to the old Sega Genesis games. I think people forgot that. The level design and combat is pretty cool. I think if you like ninja games this is the best on PS2. This is probably sega's only good game in ten years.
  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 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 actionWhile 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!… Expand
  4. 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 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.
  5. NinjaMafia
    Aug 11, 2003
    9
    This game is an extremely hard, extremely stylish action game. However, don't compare this game to Devil May Cry. Shinobi has a deeper storyline but not DMC gameplay. Okay first the graphics in this ame are okay. The enviroments were a bit repetitive but the character models looked good to me. The sound is a mix of old music (when I say old I mean like stuff you would hear from an This game is an extremely hard, extremely stylish action game. However, don't compare this game to Devil May Cry. Shinobi has a deeper storyline but not DMC gameplay. Okay first the graphics in this ame are okay. The enviroments were a bit repetitive but the character models looked good to me. The sound is a mix of old music (when I say old I mean like stuff you would hear from an SNES) however that brought back some nostalgia. The gameplay may seem repetitive but it is really fun, for me anyway. You can perform a four hit combo, run on walls (which we all know I love) use Ninjutsu (magic) and do a special move called Tate(pronounced Tah-Tay) Tate is basically what happens when you kill four or more enemies in a very fast time, it will go into a cutscene like thing of you doing awesome ninja poses as the enemies fall literally into peices. the Tate will give you more souls to feed your sword and also while killing the enemies, it will power up your sword. Your sword does need souls or else, after a while, will start to drain your life. This feature is suprisingly well put in. The game has enough replay value to keep some people going, like me. First there are two unlockable characters, although they don't have a story of the one, and second, you can unlock movies, art, an extra stage and stuff like that. Overall, shinobi is an awesome game that may not appeal to some people because of its somewhat monotonous gameplay and bad graphics. But people who can look past these problems with have mad fun.… Expand
  6. HusseiniD.
    Apr 7, 2003
    9
    This game is a classic, it beats most of the mediocre games on the PS2. It is very hard, but after a few attempts what seemed almost impossible, isn't. If you have played the original shinobi you should expect this level of difficulty. Lots of games on the PS2 reflect lazy development and make the pc look better, but games like this give the PS2 a fighting chance.
  7. Pokermon
    Jul 12, 2003
    10
    I gave it a freaking 10 because I am not a real gamer so I am not one for the complicated games these days...this game is hard as fu.. but so was all the other Shinobis I played, I never even got to the last level on the Master System version for godsake...but what made me give this game a 10 is that it's freakin fun...it brings you back to the old school when all you needed to know I gave it a freaking 10 because I am not a real gamer so I am not one for the complicated games these days...this game is hard as fu.. but so was all the other Shinobis I played, I never even got to the last level on the Master System version for godsake...but what made me give this game a 10 is that it's freakin fun...it brings you back to the old school when all you needed to know was when to jump, when to slash and when to use your magic....I freakin love this game...give me Greatest of Bob Marley CD, a little ganja, this, Vice City and Madden and I will never leave the house on a Sunday...oh and a large pie from Dominos Pizza, tell him to leave it at the door and if he's looking for a tip go look in his mother's bra...i'm out… Expand
  8. SammytheBull
    Dec 17, 2002
    10
    This game is really great. It is old school to the bone. Many people say it has poor graphics, but I think the graphics fit this game perfectly. It has a very fitting music as well. The story is pretty good as well. I was surprised that I wanted to get through a mission quickly just to see what happened in the story. Then there's gameplay. The gameplay in this game is just so good, This game is really great. It is old school to the bone. Many people say it has poor graphics, but I think the graphics fit this game perfectly. It has a very fitting music as well. The story is pretty good as well. I was surprised that I wanted to get through a mission quickly just to see what happened in the story. Then there's gameplay. The gameplay in this game is just so good, you'll find yourself replaying levels because they are so fun. Some people say this game is way to hard, but I think the difficulty is just perfect. If it wasn't for the poor level design, this game could've been some truly special.… Expand
  9. Brucec.
    Jan 9, 2003
    10
    Wow anybody who thinks this game sucks is an awful person even I the king love this game and fat tony get a life this game may not have a good story but it has great gameplay HAIL TO SHINOBI BAYBEEEEE!!!!!!!
  10. UltimateShinobiFan
    Feb 11, 2003
    10
    This game is awesome, any shinobi fan would be open minded to this, this game may be repetitive as hell, but yet it is fun as hell, great controls, amazing game play, and a little flawed, but just enough for you to have fun, the first two levels are kind of lame, then it gets reallly fun and challenging. Reviewers gave this game low scores because those sissies, claimed "it is to hard", This game is awesome, any shinobi fan would be open minded to this, this game may be repetitive as hell, but yet it is fun as hell, great controls, amazing game play, and a little flawed, but just enough for you to have fun, the first two levels are kind of lame, then it gets reallly fun and challenging. Reviewers gave this game low scores because those sissies, claimed "it is to hard", my ass dude, i am playing the game on hard mode, and it is a decent difficulty level. If you watch this game, you may think it looks repetitive but don't let looks decieve you, trust me, i was disappointed when i sawa my friend play it, but when i put my hands on it i was in love with the game. Crappy level desighns, Bleh, seriously, as long as you know where to go you guys should not even care. If you are a real shinobi fan you should really try this one out. It is a great thrill and an amazing, underrated game. Buy this one, or at least give it a rental.… Expand
  11. SIN
    Mar 19, 2003
    9
    A lot of people don't know how to rate games. Basing the game on how hard it is is just stupid. The only reason people say its hard because the games that are made nowadays are just plain easy. For anyone who "claimed" to play the original Shinobi and said this one was to hard is full of sh*t. THe original shinobi was hard too and did not give me problems. I have this game a 9 A lot of people don't know how to rate games. Basing the game on how hard it is is just stupid. The only reason people say its hard because the games that are made nowadays are just plain easy. For anyone who "claimed" to play the original Shinobi and said this one was to hard is full of sh*t. THe original shinobi was hard too and did not give me problems. I have this game a 9 because it is a good actions game. Its just hard enought to keep you from beating it in one try. I've tryed a lot of actions games and just destroyed them in a few hours its good to see shinobi is a hard. There are some flaws but its a good game for those who need something to spend a lot of time on… Expand
  12. Ninrin
    Jul 31, 2003
    10
    The other shinobis compared with this new shinobi game are just one piece of s**t.
  13. Shinobi
    Aug 12, 2004
    10
    It makes me feel like a badass, plays silky smooth, and looks goregous. That pretty much says it all.
  14. ShortyD
    Nov 18, 2002
    10
    Hey Graham G go suk a big one u big fruit, how dare u not respect ones opinion u little braqt, if i knew where u lived i would go and beat u down myself. NO one has the time to write the essays u write. Go GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!! Dont bother listening to this @$$hole, now that i got that off my chest, go play this game it brings back the old feel of the shinobi game. the reviewrs are Hey Graham G go suk a big one u big fruit, how dare u not respect ones opinion u little braqt, if i knew where u lived i would go and beat u down myself. NO one has the time to write the essays u write. Go GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!! Dont bother listening to this @$$hole, now that i got that off my chest, go play this game it brings back the old feel of the shinobi game. the reviewrs are wrong this game is actually kind of easy. Who really cares about the level desighn. All i want is action baybee. If you are a fan of the series go get this game unless ur a little queer like Graham G. Tarik T., Vern V im with u all the way, i only took the time to write this paragraph to back u up homies, do yo gang t hang.… Expand
  15. GeorgeC.
    Dec 22, 2002
    10
    This game is ALL action! This game is as hard as you trying to put down the controller while playing it. The music also has good beats that you will never get tired of, just remember... if one part gets too hard, put down the controller and stop playing it FAST... to prevent yourself throwing the controller around in anger.
  16. KennyS.
    Feb 28, 2003
    9
    This game is very good. To all those who say its repetitive i think you're just trying to insault it for its difficulty. Yes this game is a challenge but that's what real gamers want. If u want a tough great looking hack and slash no nonsense game buy shinobi if you want to be a sissy or complain bout difficulty go play solitare you spinless coward.
  17. Shinobi****ingrulez!
    May 18, 2003
    10
    This game is awesome.so all you haters shut the **** up.
  18. TheMACHiNESMiTH
    Aug 25, 2004
    8
    This game is TrueOlDSkool! Lets face it..Gone are the days when games used to be played for the sake of being just played. Nowadays Everyone wants an interactive story that keeps changing every 5 secs. and will ultimately lead to the end of the game within, oh say, 5 hrs? The game is to REMIND you...This is how it all began! The Old HArdcore amongst us (me included!) will definitely This game is TrueOlDSkool! Lets face it..Gone are the days when games used to be played for the sake of being just played. Nowadays Everyone wants an interactive story that keeps changing every 5 secs. and will ultimately lead to the end of the game within, oh say, 5 hrs? The game is to REMIND you...This is how it all began! The Old HArdcore amongst us (me included!) will definitely remember the helicopter boss from the original or the Spiderman/Bot thing crawling on the walls...(sigh) Graphically not too hot, but lets face it compared to its 2-d counter parts its evolved a million years! The tunes all typical of the era back then (but again evolved to suit todays game music standards) BUT the Movies "Ay Mon! Tis the True Spank Business!" it has all the frills of the old classic anime i.e. Brothers, outcasted maiden ninjettes, resurrection etc. and in some cases the movies out do some of the box office smashes in terms of special effects (wait till you see the matrix-type scene...It had my mates & I in bouts of laughter! Dodging bullets in slo-mo? Pffft, only for wusses!) Gameplay? Just like the original: no thinking, all slashing (I dont use the ninja stars...too bothersome) but I like the combo-sequence idea I especially like the TATE slash thing (1. coz its cool and I can dispatch bosses in one hit and still have it look cool 2. TATE in my language means...male testis (how I laughed!) and that proves it...you need balls to play Shinobi-and if you dont like the game then you dont have balls! Simple! … Expand
  19. Nancy
    Jul 19, 2005
    10
    Shinobi is sooo awesome! I just finished playing it finally, after dying like a million times but it's all worth it. The simplicity of hack and slash to make it to the next level is the best way to go. No room for confusion by endlessly searching for powerups and whatnot, Hostuma, Moritsune, and Joe have all the power you'll ever need! I loved everything about this game, even theShinobi is sooo awesome! I just finished playing it finally, after dying like a million times but it's all worth it. The simplicity of hack and slash to make it to the next level is the best way to go. No room for confusion by endlessly searching for powerups and whatnot, Hostuma, Moritsune, and Joe have all the power you'll ever need! I loved everything about this game, even the monotonous levels...atleast you won't be confused on where to go as Akujiki is sucking away at your soul! This game is awesome, end of story. Even though this game is as hard as fu**, it's really really good and refreshing!… Expand
  20. KevinB.
    Jul 11, 2006
    9
    well look at these losers...EuroGamer? who the hell is that? yeah the game is extremely difficult and the music? well its kinda crappy...but that didnt stop me..i played my own music and spent months on the game and beat it...i was dancing around for at least 30 mins..its extremely rewarding as the masters at gamepro says it is.
  21. VernV.
    Nov 14, 2002
    10
    This game is the sh.t. I'm talking all the way i rented it at first but after that i bought it and now i can't put the dam thing down!!!!!
  22. KyleB.
    Nov 15, 2002
    10
    This wonderfully old school game is a great release from the constant stealth approach from the more popular ninja and ninja like games. This game is completely straight forward, bad guys teleport in and you deal with them in a few seconds. This game, contrary to what most people say, does not have bland back grounds. They are perfect for the game and the enemies do not look unoriginal. This wonderfully old school game is a great release from the constant stealth approach from the more popular ninja and ninja like games. This game is completely straight forward, bad guys teleport in and you deal with them in a few seconds. This game, contrary to what most people say, does not have bland back grounds. They are perfect for the game and the enemies do not look unoriginal. The game is though very, very, very, very difficult. That goes along though with shinboi's proud tradition of great difficulty. The ninja magic is fun to watch and the stealth dash is very cool indeed. Every time you perform a 'tate' you get the satisfaction of a nifty one liner and watching the enemies fall to pieces behind you. This game is a very good action game and should not be overlooked by anyone but people who become very easily frustrated by constant repition.… Expand
  23. tyler
    Dec 28, 2002
    10
    sweet attacks and a deadly sword makes this game extremly enjoyable. But Your gunna need about $500.00 for all the controllers you will be going through
  24. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 27, 2023
    8
    The PS2's "Shinobi" was part of a series of revivals (Rygar, Contra, Mortal Kombat, etc.) released in the early 2000's. It was also the first title to emulate the fast stylish action of "Devil May Cry". The game is structured like an old-school arcade game. It features linear levels that conclude with a boss fight. However, the catch is you have to keep killing to keep your health bar fromThe PS2's "Shinobi" was part of a series of revivals (Rygar, Contra, Mortal Kombat, etc.) released in the early 2000's. It was also the first title to emulate the fast stylish action of "Devil May Cry". The game is structured like an old-school arcade game. It features linear levels that conclude with a boss fight. However, the catch is you have to keep killing to keep your health bar from dwindling down to zero. This is a tough game and unfortunately, the camera system isn't up to speed with the on-screen movements. It's also too repetitive. Yet, despite its flaws, "Shinobi" is good, challenging fun. I would rate it with an 8 out of 10.… Expand
  25. shootingstars99
    Aug 29, 2019
    8
    One thing this game gets immediate points from me for is the arcade feeling to the game, that and the level of difficulty that the game presents after about the first two areas. The game takes the training wheels off extremely fast, and then you are forced to adapt, figure out some of the advanced mobility strategies, find optimal ways to kill enemies quickly to increase your damage outputOne thing this game gets immediate points from me for is the arcade feeling to the game, that and the level of difficulty that the game presents after about the first two areas. The game takes the training wheels off extremely fast, and then you are forced to adapt, figure out some of the advanced mobility strategies, find optimal ways to kill enemies quickly to increase your damage output and keep the sword from draining your health.

    One complaint is that the environments were pretty repetitive and had the same few textures throughout the whole level, especially area 3. If you weren't constantly moving forward, it was extremely easy to get lost, because there were no landmarks to reference, that area in particular probably had level design on par with Bubsy 3D. The rest, while not as poorly designed, weren't eye candy by any means.

    The combat in the game is simple, yet has a fair amount of options and execution to it at higher levels of game play, as optimal strategies are needed to make any kind of headway the further you dive into the game. It is nowhere near as deep of combat as something like Ninja Gaiden or a fighting game, but it still requires thought and a decent grasp on the strategies that do and do not work in the game to succeed. There is a lot of risk vs reward embedded in the combat engine.

    Overall, solid game play, but as far as aesthetic choices, let's just say that wasn't the development team's strong suit. I hope none of them decide on a career change and become interior designers.    … Expand
  26. Wolf_Desk
    May 31, 2019
    10
    Best ninja game for the PS2! Playing as the most cool looking ninja just fighting off monsters and possessed ninjas while feeding your blood thirsty sword is the definition of a badass ninja. This was the Dark Souls of the PS2 generation and most of the negative reviews on here are saying stuff about the difficulty and that's what people say about Dark Souls and it is one of the mostBest ninja game for the PS2! Playing as the most cool looking ninja just fighting off monsters and possessed ninjas while feeding your blood thirsty sword is the definition of a badass ninja. This was the Dark Souls of the PS2 generation and most of the negative reviews on here are saying stuff about the difficulty and that's what people say about Dark Souls and it is one of the most highly reviewed games out there. So yeah this game is fun and is well worth the pickup if you find it at your local game shop.… Expand
  27. LaSanta
    Oct 28, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very challenging game with a really interesting narrative. The fact that his sword is slowly killing him as you’re trying to take down these enemies and go from place to place makes game very tense. I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout the whole game. The design of the main character is awesome looking, the enemies have cool designs as well. One of best hack and slash games ever and one of the best p games of the ps2 era. Wish we could get another Shinobi game someday.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Into Liquid Sky
    58
    There's very little need for strategy and the gameplay may grow weary to some, but it does manage to have tons of style, challenge and action to spare.
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  2. GameSpot
    76
    Those looking for a game with lots of challenge and a distinct sense of style would do well to check out Shinobi.
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  3. GameSpy
    74
    A decent tribute to its source material, but fails to capture its best qualities.
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