The Cyber Shinobi Deep cut
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Platformer
Shinobi
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1989 (originally 1987) |
| Genre | Action, Platformer |
| Developer | Tengen |
| Publisher | Tengen |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Shinobi |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 6 |
Shinobi is an action game released in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Tengen. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987. It blends action and platformer elements.
It landed about 4 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1989 include Mother, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and DuckTales.
It is part of the Shinobi series. The series also appears on other systems with Shinobi (Master System) and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Genesis). Tengen also made Toobin', Klax and Cyberball for the NES.
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)
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
7 codes on file (Game Genie). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | SZEOLXVK |
|---|---|
| 1 Life | AANOLAZA |
| 6 Lives | IANOLAZA |
| 9 Lives | AANOLAZE |
| Infinite Life Energy | SZNIPNVK |
| Turbo Running | IEKONILA |
Shinobi walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Shinobi.
If you like Shinobi, the Matrix also picks…
Mega Man Classic
Mega Man 2 Classic
Mega Man 3 Classic
Mega Man 4 Classic
Mega Man 5 Classic
Darkwing Duck Classic
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.
Shinobi FAQ
When did Shinobi come out on the NES?
Shinobi was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989; the original game dates back to 1987.
Who made Shinobi?
It was developed by Tengen.
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.