The Cyber Shinobi Deep cut
Sega Master System · Action / Platformer
Shinobi
Certified classic
| System | Sega Master System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1988 |
| Genre | Action, Platformer |
| Developer | SEGA |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Shinobi |
| ESRB | E10+ |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 18 |
Shinobi is an action game released in 1988 for the Sega Master System, developed by SEGA. It blends action and platformer elements.
It landed about 2 years into the Master System's life. Other notable Master System releases from 1988 include Double Dragon, R-Type and Wonder Boy in Monster Land. Among the 64 Master System action games in our database, it ranks #1 by legacy score.
It is part of the Shinobi series; on the Master System you can also try Shadow Dancer, The Cyber Shinobi and Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi. The series also appears on other systems with Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Genesis) and The Revenge of Shinobi (Genesis). SEGA also made Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Phantasy Star and Hang-On for the Master System.
Shinobi is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
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)
- you want to experience one of the Master System's defining games
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 cheats & codes
18 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | 00C0-7A02 |
|---|---|
| Invincible | 00C0-6C06 |
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 Master System games today
The Master System library is full of colorful arcade-style games that are easy to pick up. Many titles also appear in Sega's official compilations.
Shinobi FAQ
When did Shinobi come out on the Master System?
Shinobi was released for the Sega Master System in 1988.
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 "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 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.