Shinobi
Shinobi is a 1987 action game developed by Sega, a side-scrolling title starring the ninja Joe Musashi on a mission to rescue kidnapped children from the criminal syndicate Zeed. Armed with unlimited shuriken at range, a sword or fists for close combat, and powerful screen-clearing ninjutsu magic, the hero fights across varied stages of enemies, mid-bosses, and end bosses.
The game challenged players to free all the hostages hidden throughout each level, which was required to reach the boss, while facing waves of gun-toting thugs, other ninja, and even a Bruce Lee-inspired foe. Its limited ninjutsu spells could clear the screen or grant temporary power in emergencies, and distinctive pseudo-3D bonus stages where players deflected incoming attackers helped cement Shinobi as one of Sega's definitive arcade action series.
Shinobi spawned a long line of sequels across arcades and consoles, including the acclaimed The Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III. The original remains playable through Sega retro collections and emulation for players who enjoy classic ninja action.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Shinobi, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Messenger Indie | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Cyber Shadow Indie | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Shinobi: Art of Vengeance | € 29,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors | € 19,99 | Not on Steam | PlayStation, Switch |
The Messenger Indie
€ 19,99An indie ninja action-platformer with retro roots and a time-bending twist.
The Messenger runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Cyber Shadow Indie
€ 19,99An indie ninja action-platformer directly inspired by 8- and 16-bit ninja classics like Shinobi.
Cyber Shadow runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
€ 29,99Sega's 2025 revival of the series, hand-animated 2D ninja action built on the Mega Drive games.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors
€ 19,99A remake of Taito's ninja brawler with redrawn sprites, the same era of arcade ninja action.
The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors runs on PlayStation, Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox.
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