Released by Sega in 1987, Shinobi is a classic side-scrolling arcade action game that helped define the ninja platformer genre. You take on the role of Joe Musashi, a modern-day ninja fighting against the criminal syndicate Zeed to rescue kidnapped students. With its memorable stages, precision shuriken combat, and challenging boss fights, it remains a standout title of the late 80s arcade era.
To progress through each stage, you must rescue all the hostages scattered throughout the level before moving on to the boss. Use the arrow keys to move, crouch, and enter doors. Press Z to attack (throwing shurikens from a distance or using a katana up close), X to jump, and C to use your screen-clearing ninjutsu magic. Press Shift to insert a coin and Enter to start.
- Master the high jump: Pressing jump and up together allows Joe to leap between floors, which is essential for dodging enemies and reaching hostages.
- Save your magic: You only get one ninjutsu attack per stage, so reserve it for when you are overwhelmed or facing the stage boss.
- Watch out for gunners: Enemies with firearms will shoot quickly if you stand on their level. Duck to avoid their shots, or jump to a different floor to take them out safely.

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