Sega Ages: Shinobi

 Switch
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. NintendoWorldReport
    Jan 24, 2020
    70
    I liked Shinobi a lot, even though the experience was very quick. The controls felt good and tight, there were some clever enemies (especially towards the end) and the entire concept of being a ninja is a real cool idea. Shinobi is a fleeting experience, but not one that I don’t regret having.
  2. GameSpew
    Jan 23, 2020
    70
    Shinobi isn’t the best game in the series – that accolade belongs to Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master – but it’s still a classic, and it’s still very much playable. Like all of the SEGA AGES entries, it’s fairly priced considering the additional features, so if you’ve ever enjoyed combating ZEED as Joe Musashi it’s worth picking up. It’s just a shame that AGES mode focuses on making the game easier rather than changing the gameplay up.
  3. COGconnected
    Jan 23, 2020
    60
    Although Shinobi likely isn’t going to gain any new fans from this release, it is a comprehensive, well put together, package for the original game. It contains every modern enhancement I could think of, and for only $8, it’s a steal for all Shinobi fans.
  5. Cubed3
    Apr 13, 2020
    50
    As always, M2 has done a commendable job at preserving a piece of gaming history. Shinobi was an early and influential action title that set things in motion for greater things to come. The amazing Mega Drive sequels would cement the franchise as a legitimate action platformer franchise that gave SEGA an edge over Nintendo. Even the two highly underrated PlayStation 2 releases could give Capcom a run for its money with their take on 3D character action. Only the most die-hard of retro game enthusiasts will get something out of SEGA AGES Shinobi. Everyone else would find a much more enjoyable experience with the other Shinobi instalments found in the SEGA Mega Drive Classics compilation, or by just downloading Shinobi (2002) onto a PlayStation 3 off of PSN.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Switch Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. JJtheTexan
    May 1, 2023
    8
    Absolutely the best way to play Shinobi (as of 2023). Lots of great quality-of-life features and little enhancements, alongside a puristAbsolutely the best way to play Shinobi (as of 2023). Lots of great quality-of-life features and little enhancements, alongside a purist version of the arcade original. Be ready for an old school challenge!… Full Review »
  2. Jonboy777
    Jan 23, 2020
    8
    This is a near perfect conversion of the arcade classic from the 1980s. M2 are impressive with their very good conversions. There areThis is a near perfect conversion of the arcade classic from the 1980s. M2 are impressive with their very good conversions. There are different modes and difficulty levels to suit different gamers. You can even rewind time on this version if you wish. The coin guzzler from the 80s brought back to life on the Nintendo Switch! Nice one M2!… Full Review »
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