Shinobi C64 box art

Commodore 64 · Action / Platformer

Shinobi

SystemCommodore 64
GenreAction, Platformer
DeveloperSega
PublisherSega
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesShinobi
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 5

Developed by Sega, Shinobi arrived on the Commodore 64 as an action game. It blends action and platformer elements.

It is part of the Shinobi series; on the C64 you can also try Shadow Dancer. The series also appears on other systems with Shinobi (Master System) and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Genesis). Sega also made Golden Axe, Altered Beast and Zaxxon for the C64.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Shinobi is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Shinobi walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Shinobi.

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Playing C64 games today

C64 games loaded from cassette or floppy disk, and many reward patience and practice. The THEC64 reissues make original-style play easy on modern TVs, and Rec0m88 supports the C64 if you own your games.

Shinobi FAQ

Who made Shinobi?

It was developed by Sega.

Is Shinobi multiplayer?

No. Shinobi is a single-player game.

How long does Shinobi take to play?

As an action game, Shinobi typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Shinobi on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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