Difference between revisions of "Shadow Dancer"

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(SMS version)
(arcade version)
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (シャドー・ダンサー), known as '''''Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi''''' on the Master System covers, is an action platform game developed by [[Sega]] for the [[Sega System 18]] arcade system in 1989. A port of the game was published by Sega for the [[Sega Master System]], and ports to several home computers were published by [[U.S. Gold]]. It was the first sequel to ''[[Shinobi]]'', alongside ''[[The Revenge of Shinobi]]''.
 
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (シャドー・ダンサー), known as '''''Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi''''' on the Master System covers, is an action platform game developed by [[Sega]] for the [[Sega System 18]] arcade system in 1989. A port of the game was published by Sega for the [[Sega Master System]], and ports to several home computers were published by [[U.S. Gold]]. It was the first sequel to ''[[Shinobi]]'', alongside ''[[The Revenge of Shinobi]]''.
  
−
A similar game titled ''[[Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi]]'' was released for the [[Sega Mega Drive]], which features an entirely different set of levels.
+
A similar game titled ''[[Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi]]'' was released for the [[Sega Mega Drive]], which features an entirely different set of stages.
  
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
Line 83: Line 83:
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 
===System 18 version===
 
===System 18 version===
−
''Shadow Dancer'' expands on the gameplay seen in ''[[Shinobi]]''. Like that game, it is a side-scrolling action game inspired by the likes of [[Namco]]'s ''[[:Category:Rolling Thunder|Rolling Thunder]]''. The original game's moveset remains intact. However, rather than saving children, the task is to defuse bombs (by touching them). All bombs in the level must be defused to get to the next level. Shinobi attacks by throwing shurikens, which are unlimited in supply; if an enemy is close, Shinobi uses a sword or punches or kicks instead. Certain defused bombs turn shurikens to burning shurikens, causing double damage.
+
''Shadow Dancer'' expands on the gameplay seen in ''[[Shinobi]]''. Like that game, it is a side-scrolling action game inspired by the likes of [[Namco]]'s ''[[:Category:Rolling Thunder|Rolling Thunder]]''. The original game's move set remains intact. However, rather than saving children, the task is to defuse bombs (by touching them). All bombs in the stage must be defused to get to the next stage. Shinobi attacks by throwing shurikens, which are unlimited in supply. If an enemy is close, Shinobi uses a sword instead, which can pass through enemy defenses. Collecting half of the defused bombs turns shurikens into burning shurikens, causing double damage until the player completes the stage or loses a life. Shinobi can use ninja magic during battle, which kills all regular enemies or seriously damages the boss.
  
−
Most notably, ''Shadow Dancer'' adds a white dog named Yamato, who follows the protagonist around and can be used to take down enemies. The dog starts barking when Shinobi is crouched. By pressing the attack button while still crouched, the dog attacks the nearest enemy and holds him so that Shinobi can kill him. However, if player takes too long, the enemy pushes back the dog. If damaged, dog shrinks and can no longer assist the player for a duration until he grows back to normal size. Certain enemies, such as enemies with green shields and ninjas armed with swords, are immune to dog attacks.
+
Most notably, the game adds a white dog named Yamato, who follows the protagonist around and can be used to take down enemies. The dog starts barking when Shinobi is crouched. By pressing the attack button while still crouched, the dog attacks the nearest enemy and holds him so that Shinobi can kill him. However, if player takes too long, the enemy pushes back the dog. If damaged, dog shrinks and can no longer assist the player for a duration until he grows back to normal size. Certain enemies, such as enemies with green shields and ninjas armed with swords, are immune to dog attacks. The dog cannot be used during boss fights.
  
−
Shinobi can use ninja magic during battle, which kills all regular enemies or seriously damages the boss. Player can use Tatsumaki (Whirlwind), Fire Dog, or Butsuzo (Buddha) magic. All magic does the same damage and differs only in appearance. The game randomly assigns a spell to player at the beginning of each level.
+
There is no energy meter, so Shinobi loses a life is he is hit by an enemy attacks and must restart the stage from a predetermined checkpoint. Touching an enemy that is not attacking pushes him back without defeating him. Stages are also timed, with the player losing a life if time runs out. Extra lives can be earned in the bonus rounds.
  
−
There is no energy meter, so Shinobi loses a life is he is hit by an enemy attacks and must restart the level from the beginning. Touching an enemy that is not attacking pushes him back without defeating him.
+
====Ninjutsu spells====
 +
All magic does the same damage and differs only in appearance. The game assigns a spell to player at the beginning of each stage. Ninjutsu spells can be used during boss battles.
 +
 
 +
Normally, these techniques can only be used once per stage, but if the player continues the game by inserting more coins and pressing {{Start}}, Shinobi restarts the stage with two units instead of one.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Tatsumaki Magic
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Shadow Dancer Arcade, Ninjutsu Spells.png | 2 | crop_width=38 | crop_height=22 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Summons tornadoes to destroy all enemies on screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Fire Dog Magic
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Shadow Dancer Arcade, Ninjutsu Spells.png | 2 | crop_width=38 | crop_height=22 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=22}}
 +
| desc=Summons fire dogs to destroy all enemies on screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Butsuzo Magic
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Shadow Dancer Arcade, Ninjutsu Spells.png | 2 | crop_width=38 | crop_height=22 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=44}}
 +
| desc=Summons a Buddha to destroy all enemies on screen.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
====Items====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Time Bomb
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Some enemies drop a Time Bomb when they are defeated, which Shinobi can collect for a bonus.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Bonus Points
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=24 | crop_height=17 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| sprite2={{sprite | Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=24 | crop_height=17 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=17}}
 +
| desc=Most Time Bombs give 500 or 1,000 bonus points when collected.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Pow
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=24 | crop_height=17 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=34}}
 +
| desc=Collecting half of the Time Bombs gives a Pow bonus, which upgrades shurikens into burning shurikens, which do double damage and bypass enemy defenses.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
====Missions====
 
====Missions====
Line 95: Line 135:
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Airport
 
| title=Airport
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1-1.png
−
| desc=Set in an airport. After securing the main building, Shinobi must eliminate the terrorists in the apron and then fight the boss inside an airplane. The boss of the level is a large enemy who wears samurai armor and is believed to be a robot. He attacks using bouncing fireballs and can only be hurt by attacking his arms when he raises it to throw fireballs. This boss also appears in the first round of the Mega Drive version.
+
| screenshot2=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Set in an airport. After securing the main building, Shinobi must eliminate the terrorists in the apron and then fight the boss inside an airplane. The boss of the stage is a large enemy who wears samurai armor and is believed to be a robot. He attacks using bouncing fireballs and can only be hurt by attacking his arms when he raises it to throw fireballs. This boss also appears in the first round of the Mega Drive version.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Train Yard
 
| title=Train Yard
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 
| desc=Takes place inside a train yard and later on a moving train. Shinobi faces an armed locomotive which fires energy bolts. The boss can only be hurt by hitting the flashing optic sensor, which goes up and down across the locomotive's front armor.
 
| desc=Takes place inside a train yard and later on a moving train. Shinobi faces an armed locomotive which fires energy bolts. The boss can only be hurt by hitting the flashing optic sensor, which goes up and down across the locomotive's front armor.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Sewers
 
| title=Sewers
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-1.png
−
| desc=Starts in a ruined building and later continues in an alligator-infested sewer. The boss of the level is a tall, leotard-wearing woman who attacks the player with steel slabs. She can only be hurt when she is throwing the slabs, during which time she deactivates the shield protecting her. A similar-looking boss appears in the third round of the Mega Drive version, with different attacks and different clothing.
+
| screenshot2=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Starts in a ruined building and later continues in an alligator-infested sewer. The boss of the stage is a tall, leotard-wearing woman who attacks the player with steel slabs. She can only be hurt when she is throwing the slabs, during which time she deactivates the shield protecting her. A similar-looking boss appears in the third round of the Mega Drive version, with different attacks and different clothing.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Launch Facility
 
| title=Launch Facility
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-1.png
−
| desc=Takes place inside a spaceport. The oss of the level is a woman carrying a naginata. She can only be hurt after she swipes her weapon, which makes her vulnerable for a second.
+
| screenshot2=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4 Boss 1.png
 +
| screenshot5=Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4 Boss 2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Takes place inside a spaceport. The boss of the stage is a woman carrying a naginata. She can only be hurt after she swipes her weapon, which makes her vulnerable for a second.
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
====Bonus rounds====
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Shadow Dancer Arcade, Bonus Stage.png|width=200|Bonus round}}
 +
Between each mission, there is a bonus stage seen from a first-person perspective where Shinobi he tosses shuriken at enemy ninjas dropping down from a building. The player is awarded an extra life for successfully completing the bonus round, but it is failed if a ninja makes it to the bottom and attacks Shinobi.
  
 
===Master System version===
 
===Master System version===
−
The game is a faithful adaptation of the arcade game with some omissions and changes. Unlike the arcade version, it is not necessary to find bombs to defuse, though some enemies drop bombs that provide bonuses when touched. Shinobi walks with {{left}} and {{right}} and crouches with {{down}}. He can move while crouching with {{downleft}} and {{downright}}. The screen only scrolls forwards in this version, so the player cannot backtrack. Shinobi attacks with {{1}} by throwing shurikens at long range or using his sword on nearby enemies. Shurikens are unlimited. He jumps with {{2}}. Stages have multiple floors, which can be jumped between with {{up}}+{{2}} and {{down}}+{{2}}. Enemies on different floors cannot attack or be attacked.
+
The game is a faithful but abridged adaptation of the arcade game. Unlike the arcade version, it is not necessary to find bombs to defuse, though some enemies drop bombs that provide bonuses when touched. Shinobi walks with {{left}} and {{right}} and crouches with {{down}}. He can move while crouching with {{downleft}} and {{downright}}. The screen only scrolls forwards in this version, so the player cannot backtrack. Shinobi attacks with {{1}} by throwing shurikens at long range or using his sword on nearby enemies. Shurikens are unlimited. He jumps with {{2}}. Stages have multiple floors, which can be jumped between with {{up}}+{{2}} and {{down}}+{{2}}. Enemies on different floors cannot attack or be attacked.
  
 
Shinobi has a special ninjutsu ability that can be used once per stage with {{up}}+{{1}} to eliminate all enemies on screen. The ability is shown as an icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Shinobi is also accompanied by a canine companion named Yamato, though Yamato is not visible when not attacking and does not follow Shinobi around in this version of the game. While Shinobi is crouched, the icon changes to a picture of a dog. Once the icon has changed over completely, Shinobi summon his canine companion to attack by pressing {{1}} (while still crouched). Yamato holds the enemy in place for a duration and prevents him from attacking, allowing Shinobi to move in for the kill. This can be done up to three times per stage. Ninjutsu abilities and Yamato cannot be used during boss fights.
 
Shinobi has a special ninjutsu ability that can be used once per stage with {{up}}+{{1}} to eliminate all enemies on screen. The ability is shown as an icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Shinobi is also accompanied by a canine companion named Yamato, though Yamato is not visible when not attacking and does not follow Shinobi around in this version of the game. While Shinobi is crouched, the icon changes to a picture of a dog. Once the icon has changed over completely, Shinobi summon his canine companion to attack by pressing {{1}} (while still crouched). Yamato holds the enemy in place for a duration and prevents him from attacking, allowing Shinobi to move in for the kill. This can be done up to three times per stage. Ninjutsu abilities and Yamato cannot be used during boss fights.
  
−
The game retains the one-hit kills of the arcade version (in contrast to the health gauge in the Master System version of ''[[Shinobi]]''). Shinobi loses a life when he is attacked by an enemy, though only bumping into an enemy does not do harm. Extra lives can be earned in the bonus rounds, which are played after each stage is completed.
+
The game retains the one-hit kills of the arcade version (in contrast to the health gauge added to the Master System version of ''[[Shinobi]]''). Shinobi loses a life when he is attacked by an enemy, though only bumping into an enemy does not do harm. There is no time limit in this version. Extra lives can be earned in the bonus rounds, which are played after each stage is completed.
  
 
====Ninjutsu spells====
 
====Ninjutsu spells====
Line 210: Line 270:
 
==Versions==
 
==Versions==
 
===Master System version===
 
===Master System version===
−
''Shadow Dancer'' on the Master System retains a lot of the arcade game's content, but simplifies the graphics and sound to better suit the hardware. Level layouts are slightly different, and the decision to use sprites similar in size to the arcade version means that fewer enemies can appear on screen at any one time. Sprite flicker is a common sight, and entire sections of levels are removed to save space. Unlike the arcade version, players cannot backtrack during either side-scrolling or boss sections, limiting player to a very small section of the screen during the boss fights.
+
''Shadow Dancer'' on the Master System retains a lot of the arcade game's content, but simplifies the graphics and sound to better suit the hardware. Stage layouts are slightly different, and the decision to use sprites similar in size to the arcade version means that fewer enemies can appear on screen at any one time. Sprite flicker is a common sight, and entire sections of stages are removed to save space. Unlike the arcade version, players cannot backtrack during either side-scrolling or boss sections, limiting player to a very small section of the screen during the boss fights.
  
−
The most striking omission in the Master System version of ''Shadow Dancer'' is the dog as an active character, but it is still available as a game mechanic. When a valid target is onscreen, the player must crouch. While crouched, the ninja magic icon will slowly transform into a a dog head. When the icon is completely full, it will move to the target enemy's location. Pressing attack will cause the dog to appear out of nowhere and attack the enemy. If no valid target exists, the icon will not move and pressing attack while crouched will perform a normal attack. The dog can be called only three times each level.
+
The most striking omission in the Master System version of ''Shadow Dancer'' is the dog as an active character, but it is still available as a game mechanic. When a valid target is onscreen, the player must crouch. While crouched, the ninja magic icon will slowly transform into a a dog head. When the icon is completely full, it will move to the target enemy's location. Pressing attack will cause the dog to appear out of nowhere and attack the enemy. If no valid target exists, the icon will not move and pressing attack while crouched will perform a normal attack. The dog can be called only three times each stage.
  
−
The Master System version retains the first-person shuriken-throwing bonus rounds, but the one between the second and third level is the same bonus round used by the Mega Drive version, which makes player to jump from a tall building and attack ninjas in a downward shoot-'em-up fashion.
+
The Master System version retains the first-person shuriken-throwing bonus rounds, but the one between the second and third stage is the same bonus round used by the Mega Drive version, which makes player to jump from a tall building and attack ninjas in a downward shoot-'em-up fashion.
  
 
Like the Master System version of ''[[Shinobi]]'', ninja magic cannot be used during boss fights. In addition to the previously mentioned problem of being confined to a small section of the screen, this makes the boss fights even more difficult than the arcade version.
 
Like the Master System version of ''[[Shinobi]]'', ninja magic cannot be used during boss fights. In addition to the previously mentioned problem of being confined to a small section of the screen, this makes the boss fights even more difficult than the arcade version.

Revision as of 03:38, 17 April 2023

For the Sega Mega Drive game, see Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi.

n/a

  • System 18
  • Master System
  • Amiga
  • Amstrad CPC
  • Atari ST
  • Commodore 64
  • ZX Spectrum

ShadowDancer S18 title.png

ShadowDancer SMS Title.png

ShadowDancer Amiga Title.png

ShadowDancer CPC title.png

ShadowDancer ST title.png

ShadowDancer C64 Title.png

Notavailable.svg

Shadow Dancer
System(s): Sega System 18, Sega Master System, Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
Publisher:
Arcade (System 18)
Sega Master System
Sega
Amiga
Amstrad CPC
Atari ST
Commodore 64
ZX Spectrum
U.S. Gold
Developer:
Genre: Action[3][4]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Arcade (System 18)
JP		 ¥? ?
Arcade (System 18)
US		 $? ?






























Sega Master System
EU 		9009
Sega Master System
UK 		£32.9932.99[7] 9009
Sega Master System
AU
Sega Master System
MX
Sega Master System
BR
Sega Master System
KR 		GB4010JG
Amiga
ES
Amiga
UK 		£24.9924.99[9]
Amiga
UK
(Kixx)
Atari ST
UK 		£24.9924.99[9]
Amstrad CPC
ES
(Cassette)
Amstrad CPC
ES
(Disk)
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Cassette) 		£10.9910.99[10]
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Disk)
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Kixx)
Commodore 64
UK
(Cassette) 		£10.9910.99[10]
Commodore 64
UK
(Kixx)
ZX Spectrum
ES
(Cassette)
ZX Spectrum
UK
(Cassette) 		£10.9910.99[10]
ZX Spectrum
UK
(Kixx)

Shadow Dancer (シャドー・ダンサー), known as Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi on the Master System covers, is an action platform game developed by Sega for the Sega System 18 arcade system in 1989. A port of the game was published by Sega for the Sega Master System, and ports to several home computers were published by U.S. Gold. It was the first sequel to Shinobi, alongside The Revenge of Shinobi.

A similar game titled Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was released for the Sega Mega Drive, which features an entirely different set of stages.

Story

“ 忍法の修行に励む若者のもとには、忠実なる一頭の忍犬がいた。 一方、都市の中心では、テロ集団が暴虐の限りをつくし、 あろうことか街のいたる所に時限爆弾を仕掛け始めたのであった。 若き忍者とその相棒の忍犬は、仕掛けられたすべての爆弾を回収するとともに、テロ集団をあやつる悪の組織を壊滅するため、果敢にも行動を開始した。 „



“ The young Ninja battles together with his faithful pet dog. In the center of the city, a group of terrorists are committing known to man, including the planting of time bombs throughout the metropolis. Our youthful hero and his canine companion courageously set out to gather all the explosives placed by the evil gang and annihilate the syndicate that manipulates them. „


In the Master System version, the main character is named Takeshi in the manual and Fuma in the attract sequence. No relationship to Joe Musashi is mentioned in either case. He is tasked with preventing a terrorist organization named Asian Dawn from taking control of an orbital space weapon system.

At the time of release, Shadow Dancer was not strictly affiliated with Shinobi in terms of plot, though the set-up is very similar to the original arcade game. The naming of the characters varies between home versions of the game, as do their motives.

Gameplay

System 18 version

Shadow Dancer expands on the gameplay seen in Shinobi. Like that game, it is a side-scrolling action game inspired by the likes of Namco's Rolling Thunder. The original game's move set remains intact. However, rather than saving children, the task is to defuse bombs (by touching them). All bombs in the stage must be defused to get to the next stage. Shinobi attacks by throwing shurikens, which are unlimited in supply. If an enemy is close, Shinobi uses a sword instead, which can pass through enemy defenses. Collecting half of the defused bombs turns shurikens into burning shurikens, causing double damage until the player completes the stage or loses a life. Shinobi can use ninja magic during battle, which kills all regular enemies or seriously damages the boss.

Most notably, the game adds a white dog named Yamato, who follows the protagonist around and can be used to take down enemies. The dog starts barking when Shinobi is crouched. By pressing the attack button while still crouched, the dog attacks the nearest enemy and holds him so that Shinobi can kill him. However, if player takes too long, the enemy pushes back the dog. If damaged, dog shrinks and can no longer assist the player for a duration until he grows back to normal size. Certain enemies, such as enemies with green shields and ninjas armed with swords, are immune to dog attacks. The dog cannot be used during boss fights.

There is no energy meter, so Shinobi loses a life is he is hit by an enemy attacks and must restart the stage from a predetermined checkpoint. Touching an enemy that is not attacking pushes him back without defeating him. Stages are also timed, with the player losing a life if time runs out. Extra lives can be earned in the bonus rounds.

Ninjutsu spells

All magic does the same damage and differs only in appearance. The game assigns a spell to player at the beginning of each stage. Ninjutsu spells can be used during boss battles.

Normally, these techniques can only be used once per stage, but if the player continues the game by inserting more coins and pressing  START , Shinobi restarts the stage with two units instead of one.

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Ninjutsu Spells.png
 Tatsumaki Magic
Summons tornadoes to destroy all enemies on screen.
Shadow Dancer Arcade, Ninjutsu Spells.png
 Fire Dog Magic
Summons fire dogs to destroy all enemies on screen.
Shadow Dancer Arcade, Ninjutsu Spells.png
 Butsuzo Magic
Summons a Buddha to destroy all enemies on screen.

Items

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png
 Time Bomb
Some enemies drop a Time Bomb when they are defeated, which Shinobi can collect for a bonus.
Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png
Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png
 Bonus Points
Most Time Bombs give 500 or 1,000 bonus points when collected.
Shadow Dancer Arcade, Items.png
 Pow
Collecting half of the Time Bombs gives a Pow bonus, which upgrades shurikens into burning shurikens, which do double damage and bypass enemy defenses.

Missions

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1-1.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1-2.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1 Boss.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1-1.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1-2.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 1 Boss.png

Airport
Set in an airport. After securing the main building, Shinobi must eliminate the terrorists in the apron and then fight the boss inside an airplane. The boss of the stage is a large enemy who wears samurai armor and is believed to be a robot. He attacks using bouncing fireballs and can only be hurt by attacking his arms when he raises it to throw fireballs. This boss also appears in the first round of the Mega Drive version.

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-1.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-2.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-3.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-1.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-2.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2-3.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 2 Boss.png

Train Yard
Takes place inside a train yard and later on a moving train. Shinobi faces an armed locomotive which fires energy bolts. The boss can only be hurt by hitting the flashing optic sensor, which goes up and down across the locomotive's front armor.

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-1.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-2.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-3.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3 Boss.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-1.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-2.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3-3.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 3 Boss.png

Sewers
Starts in a ruined building and later continues in an alligator-infested sewer. The boss of the stage is a tall, leotard-wearing woman who attacks the player with steel slabs. She can only be hurt when she is throwing the slabs, during which time she deactivates the shield protecting her. A similar-looking boss appears in the third round of the Mega Drive version, with different attacks and different clothing.

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-1.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-2.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-3.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4 Boss 1.png

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4 Boss 2.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-1.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-2.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4-3.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4 Boss 1.png

  • Shadow Dancer Arcade, Stage 4 Boss 2.png

Launch Facility
Takes place inside a spaceport. The boss of the stage is a woman carrying a naginata. She can only be hurt after she swipes her weapon, which makes her vulnerable for a second.

Bonus rounds

Shadow Dancer Arcade, Bonus Stage.png

Bonus round

Between each mission, there is a bonus stage seen from a first-person perspective where Shinobi he tosses shuriken at enemy ninjas dropping down from a building. The player is awarded an extra life for successfully completing the bonus round, but it is failed if a ninja makes it to the bottom and attacks Shinobi.

Master System version

The game is a faithful but abridged adaptation of the arcade game. Unlike the arcade version, it is not necessary to find bombs to defuse, though some enemies drop bombs that provide bonuses when touched. Shinobi walks with Left and Right and crouches with Down. He can move while crouching with Down-left and Down-right. The screen only scrolls forwards in this version, so the player cannot backtrack. Shinobi attacks with 1 by throwing shurikens at long range or using his sword on nearby enemies. Shurikens are unlimited. He jumps with 2. Stages have multiple floors, which can be jumped between with Up+2 and Down+2. Enemies on different floors cannot attack or be attacked.

Shinobi has a special ninjutsu ability that can be used once per stage with Up+1 to eliminate all enemies on screen. The ability is shown as an icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Shinobi is also accompanied by a canine companion named Yamato, though Yamato is not visible when not attacking and does not follow Shinobi around in this version of the game. While Shinobi is crouched, the icon changes to a picture of a dog. Once the icon has changed over completely, Shinobi summon his canine companion to attack by pressing 1 (while still crouched). Yamato holds the enemy in place for a duration and prevents him from attacking, allowing Shinobi to move in for the kill. This can be done up to three times per stage. Ninjutsu abilities and Yamato cannot be used during boss fights.

The game retains the one-hit kills of the arcade version (in contrast to the health gauge added to the Master System version of Shinobi). Shinobi loses a life when he is attacked by an enemy, though only bumping into an enemy does not do harm. There is no time limit in this version. Extra lives can be earned in the bonus rounds, which are played after each stage is completed.

Ninjutsu spells

Each stage gives the player a predetermined ninjutsu spell that can be cast once to kill all enemies on screen.

Shadow Dancer SMS, Ninjutsu Spells.png
 Tatsumaki Magic
Summons tornadoes to destroy all enemies on screen.
Shadow Dancer SMS, Ninjutsu Spells.png
 Fire Dog Magic
Summons fire dogs to destroy all enemies on screen.
Shadow Dancer SMS, Ninjutsu Spells.png
 Butsuzo Magic
Summons a Buddha to destroy all enemies on screen.

Items

Shadow Dancer SMS, Items.png
 Time Bomb
Some enemies drop a Time Bomb when they are defeated, which Shinobi can collect for a bonus.
Shadow Dancer SMS, Items.png
 Bonus Points
Most Time Bombs give 1,000 bonus points when collected.
Shadow Dancer SMS, Items.png
 Pow
Every fifth Time Bomb gives a Pow bonus, which empowers Shinobi's shurikens.

Missions

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 1.png

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 1 Boss.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 1.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 1 Boss.png

Airport
Map: 1️⃣ 

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 2.png

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 2.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 2 Boss.png

Freight Train
Map: 1️⃣ 

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 3.png

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 3 Boss.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 3.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 3 Boss.png

Sewer
Map: 1️⃣ 

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 4.png

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 4 Boss 1.png

Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 4 Boss 2.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 4.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 4 Boss 1.png

  • Shadow Dancer SMS, Stage 4 Boss 2.png

Launching Pad
Map: 1️⃣ 

Bonus rounds

Shadow Dancer SMS, Bonus Stage 1.png

Shadow Dancer SMS, Bonus Stage 2.png

Bonus rounds

Bonus rounds are played after completing each stage. There are two bonus rounds.

The first is similar to the arcade version. Ninjas are traveling down a building, and Shinobi must throw shurikens at them from a first-person perspective. Shinobi moves his hands with Left or Right and throws shurikens with 1 or 2. The round is failed if a ninja makes it through and attacks Shinobi.

The second is similar to the Mega Drive version. Shinobi jumps off a building and throws shurikens at ninjas as he is falling. Shinobi moves with Left or Right and throws shurikens with 1 or 2.

In either round, the player is rewarded with an extra life for killing all of the ninjas.

Versions

Master System version

Shadow Dancer on the Master System retains a lot of the arcade game's content, but simplifies the graphics and sound to better suit the hardware. Stage layouts are slightly different, and the decision to use sprites similar in size to the arcade version means that fewer enemies can appear on screen at any one time. Sprite flicker is a common sight, and entire sections of stages are removed to save space. Unlike the arcade version, players cannot backtrack during either side-scrolling or boss sections, limiting player to a very small section of the screen during the boss fights.

The most striking omission in the Master System version of Shadow Dancer is the dog as an active character, but it is still available as a game mechanic. When a valid target is onscreen, the player must crouch. While crouched, the ninja magic icon will slowly transform into a a dog head. When the icon is completely full, it will move to the target enemy's location. Pressing attack will cause the dog to appear out of nowhere and attack the enemy. If no valid target exists, the icon will not move and pressing attack while crouched will perform a normal attack. The dog can be called only three times each stage.

The Master System version retains the first-person shuriken-throwing bonus rounds, but the one between the second and third stage is the same bonus round used by the Mega Drive version, which makes player to jump from a tall building and attack ninjas in a downward shoot-'em-up fashion.

Like the Master System version of Shinobi, ninja magic cannot be used during boss fights. In addition to the previously mentioned problem of being confined to a small section of the screen, this makes the boss fights even more difficult than the arcade version.

A small oddity, in the Master System version, Shinobi always bows to the boss before the battle.

Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum versions

The Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum versions of Shadow Dancer share similar cutbacks and are likely based on the same code. Both versions opt for a more zoomed-in look than is perhaps ideal, introducing extra vertical scrolling. Music is nonexistent (save for the title screen if running on a 128kB Spectrum) and sound effects are limited. Both also omit some backgrounds, presumably to save space.

The Amstrad uses more colours but the Spectrum runs in a higher screen resolution.

Commodore 64 version

On the Commodore 64, Shadow Dancer has no in-game music. While the backgrounds are simplified considerably on the C64, an attempt was made to retain the parallax scrolling, which is missing in most home versions of the game.

Amiga and Atari ST versions

Climax (under the name of Images Software Ltd[2][11]) created the Amiga and Atari ST versions simultaneously, targeting the ST first and then porting the game's contents to the Amiga, where minor improvements would be added[12]. Sega did not give the team access to the game's source code, so sprites were copied from a video of the game and touched up in the Atari ST version of OCP Art Studio[12].

As was to be expected, the two versions are very similar, however the Atari ST omits the introduction sequence to save space. Parallax scrolling is missing in both versions, as are the intermission screens.

History

Legacy

The Dead to Rights series by Namco, which saw its first entry in 2002, features a features a dog called "Shadow" who can attack enemies on command, almost certainly a reference to this game.

Production credits

System 18 version

Source:
Uncredited


Master System version

  • Graphic: Yatsute Miro, Gaga
  • Program: M.Wakayama
  • Sound: K.T.
  • Manual: May
  • Special: Hagi Chan, H.Sekiguchi
Source:
In-game credits
Shadow Dancer SMS credits.pdf
[16]


Amstrad CPC version

  • Coding: Dave Semmens
  • Graphics: Doug Townsley
  • Software House: Images


Magazine articles

Main article: Shadow Dancer/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

ShadowDancer System18 US Flyer.jpg
System 18 US flyer
ShadowDancer System18 US Flyer.jpg
ShadowDancer System18 JP Flyer.jpg
System 18 JP flyer
ShadowDancer System18 JP Flyer.jpg
ShadowDancer Computers IT PrintAdvert.jpg
Home computers IT print advert
ShadowDancer Computers IT PrintAdvert.jpg
Logo-pdf.svg
Home computers print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #115: "June 1991" (1991-05-11)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

System 18 version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Commodore User (UK)
73
[18]
Svet Kompjutera (YU)
75
[19]
Arcade (System 18)
 74
Based on
2 reviews

Shadow Dancer

System 18, US
ShadowDancer System18 US Marquee.jpg
ShadowDancer System18 US Bezel.jpg
Shadow Dancer System 18 US Manual.pdf
Manual
System 18, JP
Notavailable.svgNotavailable.svg
Instuction card(s)

Master System version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Consoles + (FR)
21
[20]
Console XS (UK) PAL
69
[21]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK) PAL
71
[22]
Gamers (DE) PAL
53
[23]
Hobby Consolas (ES) PAL
73
[24]
Joypad (FR)
89
[25]
Joystick (FR) PAL
78
[26]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
70
[27]
Mean Machines (UK) PAL
71
[28]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
71
[29]
Player One (FR) PAL
84
[30]
Play Time (DE) PAL
19
[31]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
69
[7]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
69
[32]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
62
[33]
Video Games (DE)
27
[34]
Sega Master System
 62
Based on
16 reviews

Shadow Dancer

Master System, EU
ShadowDancer SMS EU cover.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Shadow Dancer SMS EU Manual.pdf
Manual
Master System, BX†
ShadowDancer SMS BX Box.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU (Hotline sticker)
ShadowDancer SMS AU hotline cover.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU (Wide hotline/NIAL stickers)
ShadowDancer SMS AU nial cover.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
ShadowDancer SMS BR cover.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer SMS BR Cart.jpg
Cart
ShadowDancer SMS BR Manual.pdf
Manual
Master System, KR
ShadowDancer SMS KR cover.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer SMS KR cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, MX
ShadowDancer SMS MX Box.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Shadow Dancer SMS EU Manual.pdf
Manual

Amiga version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
74
[9]
Amiga Power (UK)
63
[35]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
40
[36]
Games-X (UK)
80
[37]
Joystick (FR)
90
[38]
Megazone (AU)
84
[39]
Power Play (DE)
68
[40]
Raze (UK)
82
[41]
Zzap!64 (UK)
83
[42]
Amiga
 74
Based on
9 reviews

Shadow Dancer

Amiga, UK

ShadowDancer Amiga UK Disk.jpg
Disk
Amiga, UK (Kixx)
ShadowDancer Amiga EU Box Back Kixx.jpgNospine-small.pngShadowDancer Amiga EU Box Front Kixx.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer Amiga EU Disk Kixx.jpg
Disk
Amiga, ES

Amstrad CPC version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Joystick (FR)
85
[38]
Amstrad CPC
 85
Based on
1 review

Shadow Dancer

Amstrad CPC, UK (cassette)

Amstrad CPC, UK (disk)

Amstrad CPC, UK (Kixx)
ShadowDancer CPC UK Box Kixx.jpg
Cover
Amstrad CPC, ES (cassette)

Amstrad CPC, ES (disk)

Atari ST version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
37
[36]
Games-X (UK)
100
[43]
Joystick (FR)
85
[38]
ST Action (UK)
78
[44]
ST Format (UK)
67
[45]
Atari ST
 73
Based on
5 reviews

Shadow Dancer

Atari ST, UK

Commodore 64 version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
28
[36]
Commodore Force (UK)
82
[46]
Commodore Format (UK)
89
[47]
Power Play (DE)
46
[40]
Zzap!64 (UK)
83
[42]
Zzap! (IT)
83
[48]
Commodore 64
 69
Based on
6 reviews

Shadow Dancer

Commodore 64, UK

Commodore 64, UK (Kixx)
ShadowDancer C64 UK Box Kixx.jpg
Cover

ZX Spectrum version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Games-X (UK)
100
[49]
Sinclair User (UK)
85
[50]
ZX Spectrum
 93
Based on
2 reviews

Shadow Dancer

ZX Spectrum, UK

ZX Spectrum, UK (Kixx)
ShadowDancer Spectrum UK Box Kixx.jpg
Cover
ShadowDancer Spectrum UK Box Inlay Kixx.jpg
Inlay
ZX Spectrum, ES

Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Master System
 ?
CRC32 3793c01a
MD5 c2055d5c66dd3944b99642c18032ebc4
SHA-1 99a5995f31dcf6fbbef56d3ea0d2094ef039479f
512kB Cartridge (EU)

References

  1. ↑ http://www.climax.co.uk:80/retro/shadowdancer.htm (Wayback Machine: 2002-04-18 03:59)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 New Computer Express, "10th August 1991" (UK; 1991-08-08), page 48
  3. ↑ File:ShadowDancer SMS EU cover.jpg
  4. ↑ File:ShadowDancer SMS KR cover.jpg
  5. ↑ Sega Arcade History, Enterbrain, page 101
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sega Power, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-10-30), page 11
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Sega Pro, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-20), page 40
  8. ↑ Ação Games, "Maio 1991" (BR; 1991-05-21), page 8
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 ACE, "June 1991" (UK; 1991-05-08), page 56
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Computer & Video Games, "January 1991" (UK; 1990-12-15), page 155
  11. ↑ http://www.climax.co.uk:80/retro/index.htm (Wayback Machine: 2002-04-16 18:23)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 File:CUAmiga UK 011.pdf, page 35
  13. ↑ File:ShinobiMusicCollection_CD_JP_Booklet.pdf, page 9
  14. ↑ https://sega.jp/fb/album/08_gg/interview1.html
  15. ↑ File:ShinobiMusicCollection_CD_JP_Booklet.pdf, page 7
  16. ↑ File:Shadow Dancer SMS credits.pdf
  17. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-15), page 70
  18. ↑ Commodore User, "February 1990" (UK; 1990-01-26), page 91
  19. ↑ Svet Kompjutera, "Jul-Avgust 1992" (YU; 1992-xx-xx), page 57
  20. ↑ Consoles +, "Janvier 1992" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 114
  21. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 144
  22. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 154
  23. ↑ Gamers, "Februar/März 1992" (DE; 1992-xx-xx), page 43
  24. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Enero 1992" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 56
  25. ↑ Joypad, "Janvier 1992" (FR; 1991-12-1x), page 46
  26. ↑ Joystick, "Janvier 1992" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 160
  27. ↑ Mega Force, "Novembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-19), page 79
  28. ↑ Mean Machines, "January 1992" (UK; 1991-12-27), page 54
  29. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 136
  30. ↑ Player One, "Janvier 1992" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 74
  31. ↑ Play Time, "3/92" (DE; 1992-02-05), page 93
  32. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 72
  33. ↑ Sega Force, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-20), page 56
  34. ↑ Video Games, "1/92" (DE; 1992-02-03), page 35
  35. ↑ Amiga Power, "June 1991" (UK; 1991-05-23), page 82
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 Aktueller Software Markt, "August/September 1991" (DE; 1991-07-26), page 58
  37. ↑ Games-X, "3rd May 1991" (UK; 1991-04-26), page 16
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 Joystick, "Juin 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 192
  39. ↑ Megazone, "August/September 1991" (AU; 1991-xx-xx), page 50
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Power Play, "8/91" (DE; 1991-07-1x), page 39
  41. ↑ Raze, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-05-30), page 38
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Zzap!64, "May 1991" (UK; 1991-04-xx), page 68
  43. ↑ Games-X, "7th-13th June 1991" (UK; 1991-06-07), page 22
  44. ↑ ST Action, "June 1991" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 74
  45. ↑ ST Format, "August 1991" (UK; 1991-07-11), page 64
  46. ↑ Commodore Force, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-06-24), page 20
  47. ↑ Commodore Format, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-21), page 36
  48. ↑ Zzap!, "Maggio 1991" (IT; 1991-xx-xx), page 26
  49. ↑ Games-X, "8th-14th August 1991" (UK; 1991-08-08), page 35
  50. ↑ Sinclair User, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-15), page 14


Shadow Dancer

ShadowDancer S18 title.png

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Games in the Shinobi series
Arcade
 Shinobi (1987) | Shadow Dancer (1989)
Sega Master System
 Shinobi (1988) | The Cyber Shinobi (1990) | Shadow Dancer (1991)
Amiga
Atari ST
Amstrad CPC
Commodore 64
ZX Spectrum
IBM PC compatibles
MSX
 Shinobi (1989)
Sega Mega Drive
 The Revenge of Shinobi (1989) | Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (1990) | Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (1993)
Sega Game Gear
 The GG Shinobi (1991) | The GG Shinobi II: The Silent Fury (1992)
Sega Saturn
 Shinobi Legions (1995)
Game Boy Advance
 The Revenge of Shinobi (2002)
Sony PlayStation 2
 Shinobi (2002) | Nightshade (2003)
Nintendo 3DS
 Shinobi 3D (2011) | 3D Shinobi III (2013)
Nintendo Switch
 Sega Ages Shinobi (2019)
Shinobi related media
Music
 The Super Shinobi & Works (1989) | Shinobi Original Soundtrack (2002) | Legend of Joe Musashi: Shinobi Music Collection (2009) | Shinobi 3D Original Soundtrack (2012) | Kunoichi Original Soundtrack (2014) | Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (2015) | The Revenge of Shinobi (2016) | Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (2022)
Book
 Shinobi: The Fear Pavilion (1994) | Shin Shinobi Den Hisshou Kouryaku Hou (1995) | Prima's Official Strategy Guide: Shinobi (2002) | Shinobi: The Rise of Hotsuma (2002) | Shinobi: The Complete Guide (2002) | Shinobi the Wide Ilustration Archive (2003) | Kunoichi Koushiki Guide Book (2003) | Kunoichi Perfect Guide (2004)
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