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77

MONSTER

Star Icon

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn

2024
GenresAction, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableAug 29, 2024
PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
DeveloperTengo Project
Overview

This trailblazer in ninja action games is returning after 33 years. The original title was released on the Japanese Nintendo Family Computer by Natsume Inc. in 1990. At the time, it was one of the most polished Family Computer action games and rated as one of the best two-player coop games. It was also the first of a series of titles that solidified Natsume’s reputation as a master of action games. Released as Shadow of Ninja in North America and Blue Shadow in Europe, this classic is finally returning in a completely new production.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

72

TL;DR

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a 90s-style arcade brawler with a cheesy, action-first narrative and cyberpunk twists, trading depth for fast-paced fun and co-op thrills—perfect for retro purists, but its clichéd plot may leave others wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

72

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn highlight a generally positive reception of its narrative structure, emphasizing its nostalgic appeal and straightforward, action-driven approach. Critics like Nintendo Life and GameMAG praise the game’s "peak '90s cheese" and its blend of feudal Japan with sci-fi elements, framing it as a classic ninja storyline that resonates with fans of retro gaming. Push Square and TheXboxHub note the game’s gritty cyberpunk setting and local co-op play, which enhance its appeal as a cooperative action experience. Additionally, Forbes and Gaming Age commend the inclusion of new stages and gear, suggesting that the story’s simplicity allows for a focus on gameplay mechanics and progression. Many reviewers, including Hey Poor Player and NintendoWorldReport, frame the plot as a compelling backdrop for intense, linear stages, with the mission to overthrow a dystopian dictator or stop a demonic invasion providing a clear and engaging objective. The arcade-style philosophy, as mentioned by Vandal, is seen as a strength, prioritizing fast-paced action over complex storytelling. However, several critics point out the story’s limitations, describing it as overly simplistic or clichéd. Impulsegamer and PlayStation Country both note that the narrative is "basic" and lacks prolonged exposition, serving more as a framework for action than a meaningful or immersive plot. Vandal and ZTGD acknowledge the 90s-era clichés, with the latter stating the story "works well" despite its predictability. GameCritics and GameGrin mention the minimal context provided, with the former highlighting the "mix of human and fantastical enemies" and the latter referencing a "classic ninja storyline" that relies on familiar tropes. While some view this as a nostalgic charm, others might see it as a missed opportunity for deeper world-building or character development. The lack of a "real story to worry about," as PlayStation Country puts it, suggests that the game prioritizes gameplay over narrative substance, which could alienate players seeking more complexity. The overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciating Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn as a throwback to 90s arcade games, where the story is secondary to the action. While the narrative is often criticized for being formulaic or underdeveloped, its simplicity is framed as a deliberate design choice that aligns with the game’s retro aesthetic and fast-paced mechanics. Nintendo Life and ZTGD both acknowledge the cliche nature of the plot but argue it effectively supports the game’s core appeal. Similarly, Push Square and TheXboxHub emphasize the game’s accessibility and focus on stages, which cater to fans of the genre. Despite mixed views on its depth, the majority of reviewers agree that the story, while not groundbreaking, successfully delivers a fun and engaging experience that honors its origins while offering modern enhancements like co-op play and varied game modes. This balance of nostalgia and updated mechanics seems to resonate across platforms, even if the narrative itself is not a standout feature.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a 90s-style arcade brawler with a cheesy, action-first narrative and cyberpunk twists, trading depth for fast-paced fun and co-op thrills—perfect for retro purists, but its clichéd plot may leave others wanting more.

81

TL;DR

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a tough, technically brilliant 2D action-platformer that masters nostalgia with modern flair—fluid controls, expanded movesets, and addictive co-op make it a rewarding, nuanced challenge. While some critics gripe about pixel-perfect jumps, clunky climbing, and a punishing save system, the majority praise its strategic combat, fresh level designs, and 'tough but beatable' difficulty. A love letter to classics, it’s hard but fair, testing skill and patience but ultimately satisfying for fans of the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

81

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn as a well-crafted, challenging experience that honors its roots while adding depth. Forbes highlighted its technicality and intricate level design, noting that it offers a "genuine challenge" with tougher enemies compared to the original NES version. Impulsegamer and Nintendo Life emphasized the game’s action-packed loop, with 6 stages, platforming elements, and boss fights that demand "ninja-like reflexes" and persistence. The PS5 and PC reviews, including Gaming Age and GameCritics, lauded the fluid controls, expanded movesets, and variety of weapons, which create a "rewarding" and "nuanced" experience. Hey Poor Player and TheXboxHub appreciated the addictive co-op mode and the strategic focus on character abilities, while Vandal and GameMAG noted the game’s fresh redesign of levels and bosses, along with the versatility of mobility techniques and puzzle-like challenges. These elements collectively paint a picture of a gameplay system that balances difficulty with engaging mechanics, appealing to fans of classic 2D action-platformers. However, some critics pointed to specific flaws that could frustrate players. TheSixthAxis criticized the game for being "too respectful of the original," with levels that feel overly faithful to the NES era, leading to "frustrating pixel-perfect leaps" and "messy climbing controls." ZTGD echoed this sentiment, calling the save system "unconventional" and noting that progress is only recorded by dying, which could test patience. While these critiques are less common, they reflect a concern that the game’s difficulty and design choices might not align with modern expectations, particularly for those unfamiliar with the original. Additionally, GameGrin and GameCritics mentioned the limited availability of health-replenishing items and the need for "memorization" of enemy patterns, which could feel punishing for some. These points, though not the dominant view, suggest that the game’s challenge is not without its hurdles. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay being described as "very good" by the majority. The combination of precise platforming, strategic combat, and co-op mechanics is seen as a strong evolution of the original, with Nintendo World Report and Hobby Consolas praising the expanded movesets and special abilities that add layers of complexity. While some noted the game’s steep learning curve and occasional control quirks, the general sentiment leans toward its rewarding nature, as highlighted by Push Square and GamingTrend, who emphasized its "tough but beatable" design and the satisfaction of mastering its systems. The game’s ability to balance nostalgia with modern refinements, along with its emphasis on skill and replayability, solidifies its reputation as a compelling experience for fans of the genre, even if it occasionally tests the patience of those seeking a more forgiving playstyle.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a tough, technically brilliant 2D action-platformer that masters nostalgia with modern flair—fluid controls, expanded movesets, and addictive co-op make it a rewarding, nuanced challenge. While some critics gripe about pixel-perfect jumps, clunky climbing, and a punishing save system, the majority praise its strategic combat, fresh level designs, and 'tough but beatable' difficulty. A love letter to classics, it’s hard but fair, testing skill and patience but ultimately satisfying for fans of the genre.

88

TL;DR

Critics rave Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn as a stunning visual revival—modern HD pixel art, vibrant 16-bit spritework, and anime flair elevate its 8-bit roots into a nostalgic triumph, with outlets like Forbes and Nintendo Life calling it "breathtakingly gorgeous" and "absolutely splendid." Minor gripes about screen clutter fade against its flawless blend of retro charm and polished aesthetics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

88

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

0%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn for its exceptional graphics and visual design, highlighting its ability to modernize retro aesthetics while preserving nostalgic charm. Forbes lauded the game’s “modern pixel art designed for HD displays,” calling it “some of the best in the genre,” while Impulsegamer noted the “16-bit remaster with improved graphical fidelity” that maintains authenticity. Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport celebrated the “tremendous sense of atmosphere” and “breathtakingly gorgeous” 2D spritework, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. Critics like Pure Nintendo and Vandal emphasized the blend of late-'80s arcade vibes with modern enhancements, such as “spectacular pixel art” and “anime-inspired art style,” while GamingTrend and Hey Poor Player praised the “highly detailed and beautifully animated sprite work” and “fluid animations.” The game’s visuals were consistently described as a “sumptuous visual overhaul” that elevates the original’s 8-bit roots into a visually rich experience. While the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, a few critics noted minor drawbacks. Gaming Age mentioned that “some clutter on screen” occasionally detracted from the experience, though they still called the visuals “impressive.” This was the only significant negative point, as most reviewers focused on the game’s strengths. The clutter issue appears to be a rare exception, with no other critics raising concerns about graphical performance or design flaws. The majority of praise centered on the game’s ability to balance retro charm with modern polish, suggesting that any technical or aesthetic shortcomings were either minor or overlooked in favor of its overall visual appeal. The overall consensus among critics is that Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn delivers a visually stunning experience that successfully modernizes its 8-bit origins. With praise from outlets like PlayStation Country, which called the visuals “absolutely splendid” and “surpassing the original NES game,” and TheXboxHub, which highlighted “gorgeous pixel graphics” and “stellar animations,” the game’s visual design is widely regarded as a standout feature. Even critics on different platforms—such as GameGrin, GameMAG, and ZTGD—agreed that the remaster enhances the original’s charm with “lush pixel art,” “improved backgrounds,” and “massive enemies.” While a few minor critiques existed, the overwhelming majority of reviews underscored the game’s ability to captivate players with its vibrant, detailed, and nostalgic visuals, solidifying its reputation as a visually impressive reimagining of a classic title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn as a stunning visual revival—modern HD pixel art, vibrant 16-bit spritework, and anime flair elevate its 8-bit roots into a nostalgic triumph, with outlets like Forbes and Nintendo Life calling it "breathtakingly gorgeous" and "absolutely splendid." Minor gripes about screen clutter fade against its flawless blend of retro charm and polished aesthetics.

82

TL;DR

Critics hailed Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn's sound design as a retro-meets-modern triumph, with Iku Mizutani's revitalized rock-chiptune score praised for its catchy, immersive energy and dynamic atmosphere—a standout revival that blends nostalgia with innovation, though a few noted minor tracks fell short of the hype.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

82

Positive Reviews (80-100)

92%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

8%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, with many highlighting the revitalization of the original score by Iku Mizutani, the game’s original composer. Forbes praised the updated soundtrack for its “very catchy tunes that enhance the gameplay experience,” while Impulsegamer noted the “rock-inspired soundtrack” that “fits well with the action on screen,” emphasizing its complementary role rather than overpowering. Nintendo Life and Gaming Age both celebrated the fusion of rock and chiptune elements, with the latter calling it a “rocking soundtrack” that is “top-notch” and “memorable.” Hey Poor Player and Hobby Consolas lauded the chiptune compositions with “fresh twists on familiar tracks” and “retro-inspired guitar riffs,” respectively, while TheSixthAxis described the music as “grin-inducing guitar-wailing brilliance,” underscoring its energetic and immersive quality. TheXboxHub and ZTGD similarly highlighted the “fitting retro melodies” and “top-tier remixed versions of original tunes,” reinforcing the sense of nostalgia and modern flair that resonates with the game’s action-oriented gameplay. While the majority of critiques were laudatory, a few noted minor shortcomings. Nintendo Life observed that “not all tracks are memorable,” suggesting that the soundtrack’s impact varies across its repertoire. This critique, however, was not echoed by other reviewers, who largely focused on the strengths of the audio design. The absence of broader negative feedback indicates that the music and sound design, though not universally flawless, were consistently effective in enhancing the game’s atmosphere and mechanics. Critics like Vandal and TheSixthAxis also emphasized the dynamic interplay between sound effects and music, with the latter pointing to “lightning, thunder, and rain effects” that create a “palpable atmosphere,” but no reviewer criticized the audio as detracting from the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics was strongly positive, with the sound design and music being a standout feature of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn. The return of Iku Mizutani and the inclusion of Hiroshi Iwatsuki’s contributions were frequently cited as key strengths, blending retro charm with modern energy. While some tracks may not have left a lasting impression, the majority of reviewers agreed that the audio elements “complement the gameplay experience” and “enhance the overall experience,” as noted by Nintendo Life, Hobby Consolas, and TheXboxHub. The game’s soundtrack, described as “spectacular” by Hey Poor Player and “brilliantly enhanced” by PlayStation Country, was seen as a critical component of its appeal, balancing nostalgia with innovation to create an immersive and engaging auditory landscape. This strong critical reception underscores the audio design as a significant achievement in the game’s revival.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics hailed Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn's sound design as a retro-meets-modern triumph, with Iku Mizutani's revitalized rock-chiptune score praised for its catchy, immersive energy and dynamic atmosphere—a standout revival that blends nostalgia with innovation, though a few noted minor tracks fell short of the hype.

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

64

TL;DR

Hard-hitting Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a nostalgic throwback with technical cracks. Nintendo Switch shines with stability, PS5 impresses with smooth controls and a polished remaster, and PC offers adaptable controls. But PS5’s input lag, clunky menus, and steep difficulty spikes, plus PC’s twitchy controls and Xbox’s save quirks, create a jarring mix. While retro charm and core mechanics hold strong, inconsistent performance across platforms highlights a critical need for tighter optimization—nostalgia alone can’t mask these flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

64

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn receives mixed but generally favorable feedback across platforms, with some standout positives. On the Nintendo Switch, Forbes notes a stable experience with no specific technical issues, suggesting the game runs smoothly on the hybrid console. For the PS5, Gaming Age highlights that controls feel "smooth and responsive," while TheXboxHub praises the "very well done" remastering, even if technical details aren’t explicitly addressed. On PC, GameGrin acknowledges that while some controls are tricky with a thumbstick, switching to a D-pad offers a solution, indicating adaptability. These platform-specific strengths—stability on Switch, polished remastering on Xbox, and flexible control options on PC—underscore the game’s potential to deliver a solid experience with proper optimization. However, the negatives are more pronounced, particularly on the PS5. GamingTrend points to "control issues, particularly with the timing of actions and the power-up selection menu," while Hey Poor Player criticizes "input lag, cumbersome inventory menu, and inconsistent special techniques." TheSixthAxis and Vandal echo similar concerns, noting "unnecessarily fussy controls," "confusing inventory management," and "near unscalable difficulty spikes." On PC, GameGrin and GameMAG report "tricky controls" and "delayed actions," which can disrupt combat flow, while on Xbox Series X, ZTGD highlights "issues with the menu for selecting sub weapons" and an "unconventional save system" requiring players to die to save progress. These platform-specific flaws, especially on PS5 and PC, suggest that while the game is functional, it struggles with consistency and user-friendly design. The overall consensus among critics is that Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn has a strong foundation but is hampered by technical inconsistencies. While Gaming Age and TheXboxHub praise the game’s stability and remastering, others like Hey Poor Player and ZTGD emphasize that control and UI issues detract from immersion. The PS5’s challenges with input lag and menu navigation, combined with PC’s control sensitivity and Xbox’s save system quirks, reveal a fragmented experience. Despite these hurdles, the game’s core mechanics and retro charm remain compelling, with some critics (e.g., GameGrin) suggesting workarounds to mitigate flaws. The mixed reviews reflect a balance between the game’s nostalgic appeal and the need for tighter technical execution, particularly on platforms where performance and controls are less refined.

TL;DR

technical performance

Hard-hitting Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a nostalgic throwback with technical cracks. Nintendo Switch shines with stability, PS5 impresses with smooth controls and a polished remaster, and PC offers adaptable controls. But PS5’s input lag, clunky menus, and steep difficulty spikes, plus PC’s twitchy controls and Xbox’s save quirks, create a jarring mix. While retro charm and core mechanics hold strong, inconsistent performance across platforms highlights a critical need for tighter optimization—nostalgia alone can’t mask these flaws.

76

TL;DR

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn thrives on hard-hitting replayability, packing co-op, speedrun-friendly mechanics, unlockables, and a retro challenge that rewards skill mastery. Critics praise its difficulty, customization, and multiplayer focus, calling it a must-play for enthusiasts. But flaws linger: Arcade Mode’s unclear saves, no practice mode, a brief 1-3 hour campaign, and minimalist design may frustrate newcomers or casual players. While retro charm hooks fans, its streamlined approach and technical hiccups risk limiting broader appeal. Still, dedicated players will find a satisfying loop of competition and progression.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

76

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of reviewers highlight the strong replay value of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, emphasizing its diverse gameplay modes and features that encourage multiple playthroughs. Forbes praises the game’s inclusion of new gear, hard mode with altered enemy behaviors, and cooperative play, while Impulsegamer and Nintendo Life note unlockable sub-weapons, challenge runs, and co-op opportunities as key draws. GamingTrend and Push Square commend the hard mode and speedrun-friendly mechanics, with Vandal specifically pointing to online leaderboards and a sixth stage as additions that enhance longevity. Hobby Consolas and Hey Poor Player also highlight the retro challenge and local co-op as elements that keep the experience engaging, and Gaming Age and GameGrin appreciate the time attack and arcade modes, which cater to players seeking mastery and competition. These critiques collectively underscore the game’s focus on difficulty, skill progression, and multiplayer interaction as significant strengths. However, some critics point to limitations that could hinder replayability. NintendoWorldReport criticizes the lack of a clear save system in Arcade Mode, which may frustrate players, while GameCritics notes the absence of a proper practice mode, a feature that could improve accessibility for newcomers. PlayStation Country and TheXboxHub mention the game’s minimalistic design and short main campaign, with GameMAG observing that the core experience lasts only one to three hours depending on skill. Additionally, TheSixthAxis argues that the game’s retro aesthetic and lack of modern design elements might restrict its appeal to broader audiences. These concerns suggest that while the game’s challenge and modes are compelling, its streamlined structure and certain technical shortcomings could deter players seeking more depth or flexibility. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn delivers solid replay value through its emphasis on difficulty, customization, and multiplayer. While some highlight the need for more content or features (like GameCritics’ practice mode or NintendoWorldReport’s save system), the majority agree that the game’s mechanics—such as time trials, co-op play, and unlockable gear—create a rewarding loop for dedicated players. Critics like Vandal and GamingTrend stress its appeal to speedrunners and hardcore enthusiasts, while others, like Pure Nintendo and Hobby Consolas, acknowledge its brevity but still find it satisfying. The game’s retro charm and focus on mastery seem to resonate with its target audience, even if it doesn’t fully address all accessibility or modernization concerns.

TL;DR

replay value

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn thrives on hard-hitting replayability, packing co-op, speedrun-friendly mechanics, unlockables, and a retro challenge that rewards skill mastery. Critics praise its difficulty, customization, and multiplayer focus, calling it a must-play for enthusiasts. But flaws linger: Arcade Mode’s unclear saves, no practice mode, a brief 1-3 hour campaign, and minimalist design may frustrate newcomers or casual players. While retro charm hooks fans, its streamlined approach and technical hiccups risk limiting broader appeal. Still, dedicated players will find a satisfying loop of competition and progression.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

77

MONSTER

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

77

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its faithful recreation of the original NES classic while elevating it with modernized visuals, sound design, and gameplay mechanics. Forbes, Impulsegamer, and Nintendo Life highlight the game’s technical excellence, noting its “stunning visuals,” “excellent sound design,” and “retro charm” that appeals to both nostalgia-driven fans and newcomers. Gaming Age and Vandal commend the remake’s balance between preserving the original’s essence and expanding it with enhanced graphics, a memorable soundtrack, and improved replayability. Nintendo World Report and Pure Nintendo emphasize the game’s challenging, arcade-style combat, which they describe as a “refreshing challenge” and a “tough-as-nails” experience that aligns with the spirit of early 90s platformers. The consensus is that Reborn successfully bridges the gap between retro and modern gaming, offering a polished, engaging experience that honors its source material. However, several critics point to notable flaws that may deter some players. NintendoWorldReport and Hobby Consolas criticize the game’s punishing difficulty, lack of save system clarity, and limited lives, which they argue can frustrate modern audiences. PlayStation Country and Hey Poor Player highlight technical issues, such as a “horrid inventory system” and “control issues,” while TheSixthAxis notes that the game’s devotion to its predecessor might feel outdated for players seeking more modern mechanics. Additionally, some reviewers, like Nintendo World Report and Hobby Consolas, mention the short campaign length and lack of substantial new content, which could leave fans of longer experiences wanting more. These critiques suggest that while Reborn excels as a retro homage, its design choices may not resonate with all players, particularly those accustomed to more forgiving or feature-rich modern games. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a commendable remake that successfully modernizes a classic while retaining its core appeal. Nintendo Life and Vandal argue that the game “expertly builds upon the original” and “modernizes a classic NES platformer,” making it a worthwhile experience for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. TheXboxHub and ZTGD echo this sentiment, calling it a “must-play” for fans of the NES era and praising its “precise gameplay” and “top-tier music.” While some critics, like TheSixthAxis, question its relevance to a broader audience, the majority agree that Reborn strikes a balance between nostalgia and innovation. The game’s strengths in presentation, challenge, and replayability outweigh its shortcomings, solidifying its place as a standout title for fans of retro platformers and a compelling entry in the modern remaster landscape.

TL;DR

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a hard-hitting nostalgia bomb with stunning visuals, a killer soundtrack, and brutal 90s-style combat—yet its punishing difficulty, clunky controls, and short campaign alienate modern players. A faithful, if flawed, homage that’s a must-play for retro purists, but its old-school quirks may limit its appeal.

77

MONSTER

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Reviews

55 reviews found

95

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Aug 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a fantastic remake that expands on the classic title without losing its essence. Highly recommended for its challenging gameplay, great visuals, and memorable soundtrack.

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90

Forbes

Nintendo Switch

Aug 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is praised as an all-new and lovingly crafted game that excels in technical gameplay and stunning visuals, offering a refreshing challenge and high enjoyment.

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Full review

90

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Sep 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is praised for its meticulous design and high replayability, successfully evolving an NES classic into a modern platformer.

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Full review

86

Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

Sep 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn is a faithful remake that offers challenging gameplay, improved graphics, excellent sound design, and high replay value. Despite some minor issues like clunky item changing, it is well worth trying for fans of the original.

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80

PlayStation Country

PlayStation 5

Sep 12, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn is praised for its retro remake done right, with gorgeous visuals, great music, and challenging gameplay, but criticized for its horrid inventory system and lack of features.

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Full review

80

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Aug 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn expertly builds upon the original NES classic, offering retro charm and a tough challenge that stands tall even among modern 'neo-retro' platformers. Recommended for fans of early Nintendo games.

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79

Vandal

PlayStation 5

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn successfully modernizes a classic NES platformer with excellent graphics, addictive gameplay, and enhanced replay value. While it retains some outdated design elements and technical issues, it remains a highly enjoyable experience for fans of the original and newcomers alike.


79

Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Aug 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is praised for its faithful remake, beautiful pixel art, powerful music, and additional content. Criticisms include the game's challenging nature, limited lives, and short duration.

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75

Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Sep 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is an exceptionally difficult arcade-action game best enjoyed with a friend, appealing to those familiar with challenges from early '90s NES action games.

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75

GameGrin

Sep 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a challenging game that updates the original while maintaining its essence, offering a good experience for fans of challenging platformers.

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Full review
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