Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is a 1990 side-scrolling action game developed and published by SEGA Enterprises for the Sega Genesis. A follow-up to the arcade hit Shinobi, it puts you in the role of a ninja fighting through waves of armed enemies across a series of increasingly dangerous stages. The game’s defining feature is your canine companion — a trained attack dog that fights at your side and can be commanded to lunge at enemies, briefly pinning them while you attack or reposition.
How to Play
Move with the arrow keys. Your three action buttons map to S (A), X (B), and Z (C) on the keyboard; Start is Enter. Your primary ranged attack is a shuriken throw, and your dog can be ordered to charge enemies to stun them. You also carry a limited stock of ninjutsu — a powerful technique that handles crowds at close range. In stages with hostages, hitting them with shurikens is penalised, so aim carefully in tight spaces. Save states write to your browser storage, so you can pick up mid-stage on a return visit.
Tips
- Command the dog to stun a tough enemy, then close in — the pin window is short, so move immediately.
- The dog can be knocked out by enemy hits; in heavy-fire areas, hold it back rather than lose it early.
- Save your ninjutsu for boss fights or moments when you are cornered — stock does not carry between stages.
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