TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine · Action / Platformer
Shinobi
| System | TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine |
|---|---|
| Released | 1989 (originally 1987) |
| Genre | Action, Platformer |
| Developer | Asmik |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Shinobi |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 6 |
Developed by Asmik and published by SEGA, Shinobi arrived on the TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine in 1989 as an action game. This TurboGrafx-16 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987. It blends action and platformer elements.
It belongs to the TurboGrafx-16's earliest wave of games. Other notable TurboGrafx-16 releases from 1989 include Vigilante, Volfied and Dungeon Explorer. Among the 21 TurboGrafx-16 action games in our database, it ranks #8 by legacy score.
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).
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
5 codes on file (Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Emulator memory codes codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | 1f07e5:06 |
|---|---|
| No Rescues Needed | 1f082c:00 |
| No Enemy Spawns (turn off before you reach bosses) | 1f079f:01 |
| Instant boss Kill (turn off once boss is defeated) | 1f07eb:00 |
| Start on Final Boss | 1f07e2:03
1f07e3:03 |
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…
The Cyber Shinobi Deep cut
The Revenge of Shinobi Deep cut
ActRaiser Classic
Flashback Classic
Mega Man X Classic
Mega Man Classic
Playing TurboGrafx-16 games today
The TurboGrafx library is a shmup fan's dream and full of games most Western players never tried. The TurboGrafx-16 Mini and Nintendo Switch Online have brought many of them back.
Shinobi FAQ
When did Shinobi come out on the TurboGrafx-16?
Shinobi was released for the TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine in 1989; the original game dates back to 1987.
Who made Shinobi?
It was developed by Asmik and published 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.