Shadow Dancer is a 1989 arcade action platformer developed by Sega, serving as the direct sequel to the hit game Shinobi. Players control a master ninja tasked with defusing time bombs planted by a terrorist syndicate across a futuristic city. The defining feature of the game is your loyal white dog companion, Yamato, who fights alongside you and can be commanded to pin down enemies, adding a strategic layer to the fast-paced, shuriken-throwing combat.
How to Play
The objective in each stage is to locate and defuse all the time bombs scattered throughout the level before reaching the exit to face the boss. You are armed with unlimited shurikens for long-range attacks and a sword for close-quarters combat.
- Movement: Arrow Keys to move, crouch, and aim jumps.
- Attack: Z or X (throws shurikens; uses sword when close).
- Jump: X or C (press Up + Jump to leap between upper and lower planes).
- Ninjutsu (Magic): Space or Enter (clears the screen or deals heavy damage, usable once per stage).
- Command Dog: Hold Attack while crouching to send Yamato to attack an enemy.
Tips
- Use Yamato to pin down enemies equipped with shields or firearms, leaving them completely vulnerable to your attacks.
- Be careful not to send your dog into enemy fire. If Yamato takes a hit, he shrinks into a defenseless puppy and will be unavailable until he grows back later in the level.
- Save your single-use Ninjutsu magic for emergencies or to deal massive damage to the stage bosses.
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