Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Shadow of the Ninja
Certified classic Co-op
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Natsume |
| Publisher | Taito |
| Players | 1–2 players (co-op) |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 14 |
Developed by Natsume and published by Taito, Shadow of the Ninja arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990 as a platformer. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Blue Shadow.
It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Mega Man 3. Among the 191 NES platformers in our database, it ranks #23 by legacy score.
Natsume also made Shatterhand, S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team and The Jetsons: Cogswell's Caper! for the NES.
Shadow of the Ninja supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want a game to beat together with a friend
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Shadow of the Ninja is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Shadow of the Ninja cheats & codes
47 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Continues | SZSNIIVG |
|---|---|
| 9 Continues | PEEVZAIE |
| 1 Continue | PEEVZAIA |
| Don't Lose Energy From Enemy Attacks | GZVXSKSO |
| Don't Lose Energy From Falling | AAVPGIGA |
| Maximum Energy Gained From Potion | APOEOGGA |
Shadow of the Ninja walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Shadow of the Ninja.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Shadow of the Ninja FAQ
When did Shadow of the Ninja come out on the NES?
Shadow of the Ninja was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.
Who made Shadow of the Ninja?
It was developed by Natsume and published by Taito.
Is Shadow of the Ninja multiplayer?
Yes. Shadow of the Ninja supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.
How long does Shadow of the Ninja take to play?
As a platformer, Shadow of the Ninja 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 Shadow of the Ninja 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.