A 1990 NES release returns transformed.
Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is a beautiful, hard-as-nails action game from developer Tengo Project.
The fourth entry in Tengo’s 16-bit taste remake series, it’s also arguably the most ambitious.
As a result, everything needed to be completely re-imagined from the ground-up.
The result is some of the finest pixel art ever to grace a screen.
Shadow of the Ninja Reborn sees the developers take their art one step further.
However, the new game is a remake of a 1990 NES ninja action game.
The underlying level layouts also change and the placement of challenges and foes is more nuanced and varied.
I would describe the new level designs as being inspired by the original game more than an actual remake.
This extends to boss battles which are extended and feature additional phases.
The remake, however, not only increases the size of the boss but expands its arsenal.
The initial section leads to a showdown with this metallic worm before reaching a vertical shaft.
Detail is increased across the board, encompassing both sprites and animation.
There are many frames of animation used for every character including the hulking bosses.
As you might imagine, the changes go beyond visuals.
The gameplay has been altered as well.
All of this is intentional in a way that the initially awkward jumping in classic Castlevania games is.
It is challenging but it’s not unfair and that’s the key.
That feels amazing and satisfying.
The enemies often swarm the player and behave erratically, and your reach is very limited.
In terms of gameplay, I could shower it with compliments, but there are some nitpicks too.
you should probably hold R1 and cycle left and right.
It’s OK enough but healing items are also buried within, making it tricky to access them mid-game.
Overall, Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is another triumph for Tengo Project.
