Mini Review: Shadow of the Ninja Reborn (PS5) - Lovingly Restored Classic Shinobi Action

Shadow of the Ninja Reborn brings the classic Natsume side-scrolling ninja action game to modern audiences, and it remains a worthy experience even some 33 years later. It demands the level of challenge that games released in the 90s often do, but if you're okay with that, it looks better than it ever did and offers an enjoyable adventure across a small variety of game modes. Developer Tengo Project previously restored The Ninja Saviours: Return of the Warriors and Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, and Shadow of the Ninja Reborn continues this tradition of quality.

In the far-off, gritty cyberpunk future of 2029, the world has fallen into chaos, and only two ninjas of the Ryuha Shippu clan can set things right. Hot-headed youngster Hayate and his senior shinobi, Kaede, are both playable and Shadow of the Ninja Reborn offers local co-op play if you can persuade a friend. Arcade Mode is the primary offering and serves up six stages full of cyborgs and augmented soldiers in need of slaying, each capped by a gruelling boss encounter.

There's also Hard Mode if you can stomach additional challenges, but it's a punishing enough game as is. Once you've cleared a stage, it becomes unlocked in Time Attack Mode, which does what it says on the tin. Defeating enemies in any mode will earn you Prep Money, which can then be used to purchase ninja gear to make the next run much more manageable.

Both ninjas wield katana for basic attacks, but Shadow of the Ninja differs from similar titles in its use of additional ninja gear, ranging from shurikens to shotguns. A shadow step dodge can be used for repositioning, and you can even land balanced on the point of your sword in a powerful downward attack. A kusarigama chain allows you to attack in any of eight directions, and there are various acrobatic options like wall running and hanging from the rafters, which are all quite neat.

Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is a worthy addition to the collection of any arcade or retro enthusiast. Even more than three decades later, mobility techniques and ninja gear combine to make it a compelling game, provided you're up to the challenge.