Shadow Dancer is a side-scrolling action platformer released by Sega for the Master System in 1991. A direct 8-bit adaptation of the original arcade game, it serves as a sequel to Shinobi. You play as a ninja progressing through increasingly difficult stages to dismantle a terrorist organization, armed with shurikens, a katana, and your faithful canine companion.
How to Play
Your objective in each stage is to locate and defuse all the bombs by rescuing the hostages tied to them before the timer runs out, and then head to the exit. You must battle through enemy ninjas, soldiers, and bosses using your attacks and ninja magic.
- D-Pad / Arrow Keys: Move, duck, or climb up/down ledges.
- Button 1 / Z: Attack (throw shurikens from a distance, or strike with your sword up close).
- Button 2 / X: Jump.
- Commanding the Dog: Hold attack to charge the dog meter, then release it to send your dog to bite and distract an enemy.
- Ninja Magic: You can unleash a screen-clearing Ninjutsu magic attack once per stage to get out of a tight spot.
Tips
- Use the dog strategically: Your dog is essential for dealing with shielded enemies or gunmen. Send the dog to distract them, then move in for the kill. Be careful, thoughโif the dog gets hit, it will shrink into a puppy and be temporarily unavailable.
- Conserve magic for bosses: Save your single Ninjutsu magic attack for the end-of-stage bosses, as they have tricky attack patterns that can quickly deplete your lives.
- Memorize enemy spawns: The game is notorious for its high difficulty and limited lives. Taking it slow and learning where enemies appear from the background or drop from above will save you a lot of frustration.
Leave a Comment / Review: