Format: Advance
Genre: Action platformer
Developer: 3d6 Games
Publisher: Sega

The graphical style of this title, like every other aspect of the game, is completely different than all of the other Shinobi games. Here, the sprites appear to be 3d-rendered. They animate smoothly and are colorful, but would be more appropriate in Donkey Kong Country than a Shinobi title. The background and level tilesets are adequitely detailed, and there are some nice effects, such as fluttering butterflies. Unfortunately... does this look like a Shinobi game?

One of the cornerstones of the entire Shinobi franchise has been phenomenal, grade A music from the likes of Yuzo Koshiro and a number of other premier talents. With that said... what is this garbage insulting my ears in this title? Not only is it some of the most awful, drab, and un-atmospheric music I've ever heard in a game on any platform, but it is a horrible slap in the face to the legacy of the franchise. The sound effects, while of high quality, are likewise dull and absolutely nothing resembling the Shinobi style.

It seems only appropriate given the first two categories that this title also plays nothing like a Shinobi game; unfortunately, this is the sad case. First, there's the level design, straight out of the original Super Mario Bros.- walk from left to right, kill baddies, end level. And you kill them with your sword, no less! No POW, very few shurikens, and character physics that feel like Prince of Persia, not Shinobi. If you were to make a list of ways to completely screw up the gameplay in a Shinobi game, this title has got every one covered.

Where in the world was Sega while 3D6Games (who?!) was developing this title? At some point, you would think someone at Sega would have stepped in and either canceled this disgrace of a game, or handed the project to someone competent. Shinobi is one of the most celebrated action/platform franchises of all time, and this title looks, sounds, and plays nothing like the games that preceeded it; they couldn't even get the character's name right! (hint hint: his name is Joe Musashi, not "Shinobi"). An embarassment to Sega and the Shinobi franchise.