Game Boy · Action / Platformer
Ninja Gaiden Shadow
| System | Game Boy |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 |
| Genre | Action, Platformer |
| Developer | Natsume |
| Publisher | Tecmo |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Ninja Gaiden |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 6 |
Developed by Natsume and published by Tecmo, Ninja Gaiden Shadow arrived on the Game Boy in 1991 as an action game. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Shadow Warriors. It blends action and platformer elements.
It landed about 2 years into the Game Boy's life. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1991 include Metroid II: Return of Samus, Final Fantasy Adventure and Yoshi. Among the 97 Game Boy action games in our database, it ranks #19 by legacy score.
It is part of the Ninja Gaiden series. The series also appears on other systems with Ninja Gaiden (NES) and Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES). Natsume also made Amazing Penguin, Tail 'Gator and Spanky's Quest for the Game Boy.
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 an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Ninja Gaiden Shadow 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.
Ninja Gaiden Shadow cheats & codes
30 codes on file (GameShark, Other codes). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | 01029CC0 |
|---|---|
| Invincibility | 01029BC0 |
| Infinite Fire Blasts | 010393C0 |
Ninja Gaiden Shadow walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Ninja Gaiden Shadow.
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Playing Game Boy games today
Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.
Ninja Gaiden Shadow FAQ
When did Ninja Gaiden Shadow come out on the Game Boy?
Ninja Gaiden Shadow was released for the Game Boy in 1991.
Who made Ninja Gaiden Shadow?
It was developed by Natsume and published by Tecmo.
Is Ninja Gaiden Shadow multiplayer?
No. Ninja Gaiden Shadow is a single-player game.
How long does Ninja Gaiden Shadow take to play?
As an action game, Ninja Gaiden Shadow typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Ninja Gaiden Shadow 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.