Joe Musashi
The ninja protagonist controlled by the player. He fights through enemy territory to rescue the kidnapped children.
Documented for this version
Arrow UpArrow DownArrow LeftArrow Right | Move and crouch |
|---|---|
A | Jump |
B | Attack The attack uses the currently available close-range or thrown weapon. |
How it plays
Joe Musashi advances through side-scrolling stages filled with soldiers, creatures, traps, and platforming hazards. The objective is to defeat enemies, rescue hostages where applicable, and reach a boss at the end of each area.
Players can move, crouch, jump, attack at close range, and throw projectiles. Power-ups can improve the weapon or grant special attacks, while limited lives and continues make progress management important. Stages use a fixed sequence of encounters rather than an open map.
Plan your run
Stay at a safe distance when possible and attack enemies before they enter striking range. Crouching is useful against some projectiles and low attacks.
Rescue hostages and collect weapon upgrades when the route is safe, but avoid rushing into groups. Learn boss attack patterns and preserve special attacks for difficult encounters.
Meet the cast
The ninja protagonist controlled by the player. He fights through enemy territory to rescue the kidnapped children.
Before you begin
Use jumps to avoid crowded ground encounters rather than fighting every enemy at close range.
Watch the edges of the screen; enemies often enter immediately after scrolling.
Save powerful attacks for bosses or dense enemy formations.
Shinobi is a side-scrolling action platformer developed by Sega and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989. Players control the modern ninja Joe Musashi as he fights through enemy-held locations to rescue kidnapped children and defeat the criminal organization behind the attacks. The game combines running, jumping, crouching, close-range strikes, and thrown weapons, with limited special attacks adding tactical options. Its stage-based structure reflects the arcade original while adapting the action for home play. The NES version is generally regarded as a demanding conversion with responsive basics, recognizable Shinobi mechanics, and notable differences from the arcade game.
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