Shadow of the Ninja

Infobox VG
title = Shadow of the Ninja


developer = Natsume
publisher = Natsume
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|JP=August 10, 1990cite web | url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/nes/data/587607.html | title= 'GameFAQ" | accessmonthday=July 25 | accessyear=2008 ] vgrelease|NA=January 1991cite web | url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/nes/data/587607.html | title= 'GameFAQ" | accessmonthday=July 25 | accessyear=2008 ] vgrelease|EU=July 25, 1991cite web | url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/nes/data/587607.html | title= 'GameFAQ" | accessmonthday=July 25 | accessyear=2008 ]
genre = Platformer
modes = Single player, Cooperative
ratings =
platforms = NES
media = 2-megabit cartridge
requirements =
input = NES Controller

"Shadow of the Ninja" is a side-scrolling platform video game published in 1991 by Natsume for the Nintendo Entertainment System, and was originally released under the title "KAGE" in Japan ("Kage" means "shadow" in Japanese language).

The object of the game is to save the world from an evil emperor by defeating enemies throughout progressing levels in order to reach and defeat him. The game supports up to two players. Because of the content regulations in Europe at the time concerning the depiction of ninjutsu and violent martial arts, the game was retitled as "Blue Shadow" in these countries.

Plot

The game is set in the year 2029 A.D. An evil, oppressive Emperor Garuda has taken over New York City, causing the deaths of many people. In response to the oppression, two 'shadows' (ninja) by the names of Hayate and Kaede rise up to stop him.

Gameplay

The player can select one of two ninja: male (a blue ninja named Hayate) and female (a red ninja named Kaede). Each ninja can run, attack, jump, duck, and hang from railings. Both ninja start out with a short sword, but there are "weapon-pods" in each level that can be broken to obtain new weapons. Powerups to the sword are available, as well as health powerups.

The player's health bar decreases when falling in a pit or getting hit by an enemy's attack. If a player loses all of their health, he or she will have five chances to continue. However, in two-player cooperative mode, the continues are shared between the two players.

If the player has more than half their life bar remaining, and holds down the attack button, the ninja will eventually perform a lightning attack that does considerable damage to every enemy on screen at the expense of half the amount of a full lifebar.

Characters

Hayate-The male ninja hero. He dresses in purple and initially carries a katana. Of the two ninjas, his basic attack range is furthest, and he has a higher endurance to damage.

Kaede-The ninja heroine. She dreses in orange and initially carries a katana. She is faster both in movement and in attack speed than her counterpart. However, her basic weapon range is shorter, and she takes an extra bar of damage compared to Hayate when hit.

Garuda-A dictatorial ruler and crimelord. He conquers a futuristic New York City by lanching nuclear weapons, and then sending an invasion force of machines and martial artists.

Captain Hawk-The Commander of Garuda's sky forces. He is a boss.

The Golden Samurai-A champion of Garuda that attacks in many pieces.

Missle Man-Garuda's robot henchman leader.

tages

*Docks - The docks comprise a series of three levels played on a boat, the docks, and a warehouse.
*Sewers - The sewers is a two-level section, followed by a boss section
*City - This level is played on the remains of the ruins of New York skyscrapers. Unlike every other level, it has only one scene, but is long and is broken up into sections (should the player die).
*Air Fortress - This area is fought above the ruins of New York.
*Garuda's Palace - Here is the last level, where eventually the player fights Garuda, the final boss.

"Ninja Gaiden Shadow" connection

The game is also widely believed to be later bought by Tecmo and altered the game to fit in with the Ninja Gaiden series as "Ninja Gaiden Shadow". However, due to the vast dissimilarities between the two game engines, as well as the different platforms the two appear on (NES for Shadow of the Ninja and the original Gameboy for Ninja Gaiden Shadow.), this rumor has been proven false.

References

External links

*moby game|id=/shadow-of-the-ninja|name="Shadow of the Ninja"
* [http://www.classicgaming.com/rotw/sotninja/ "Shadow of the Ninja" at classicgaming.com]