Shadow Dancer Longplay (Arcade) [60 FPS]

Developed and published by Sega in 1989.
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Developed by Sega as a sequel to Shinobi, Shadow Dancer sticks closely to the formula set down in the original game. Where as the original game saw Joe Musashi rescuing kidnapped pupils of his school of Ninjitsu, this time he is required to locate and disarm a series of time-bombs that have been left around the city by agents of a power criminal criminal syndicate.
The one significant difference in this sequel is the addition of Musashi's snow-white canine companion who can be used to distract enemies. The dog will change stance to a pouncing position and will begin barking when he has locked on to a target; pulling down and pressing the attack button will send the dog forth to attack the target. The dog will attack the enemy for a few seconds, interrupting their own attacks and giving you a window of opportunity to take them out with a well-placed shuriken. It's important to note that if the enemy is not dispatched swiftly, he will throw the dog off, who will shrink down to the size a puppy and cannot be used again until the next bomb is disarmed or the player progresses to the next stage.
Whilst the dog does add a new level of gameplay, the activation mechanic is poorly implemented. You will spend a lot of your time attacking whilst crouched to avoid oncoming bullets, knives and other enemy projectiles, but this meant that I was constantly ordering the dog to attack when I didn't want him to. Quite often, he'd charge off towards a distant enemy and get himself "puppified" before I could take the enemy out. This is compounded by the fact that not all enemies can be harassed by the dog (unless they leave themselves open to attack), so I was often left with a harmless puppy at the most inopportune time.
Joe is armed with an unlimited supply of shuriken that he can hurl at enemies, as well as attack with a sword if he comes into melee range. Basic thugs and gunmen can be taken out without much difficulty, but tougher enemies such as the green disc-hurling thugs and enemy ninja, can block shuriken and are only vulnerable when they let their guard down. Timing of the essence is required to take these enemies down without getting killed in the process. On the later levels, these blocking enemies are placed on platforms that are difficult to reach and this makes the game incredibly frustrating. Collecting bombs will occasionally double your weapon power (flaming shuriken!), which cannot be blocked by enemies and would be a huge help if it wasn't for the fact that it's usually hidden in a bomb close to the exist; it comes far too late to be of any use.
As a final resort, Joe can cast ninja magic that will take out any enemies on the screen in a hail of tornadoes, flaming dogs or a strange Buddha-esque figure. Magic is limited, so it should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Each stage ends in a showdown with a large and powerful boss that requires multiple hits to defeat. Joe must fight a bomb-hurling cybernetic ninja, fireball shooting train and a woman wearing a seriously tight leotard, who hurls large metal doors like boomerangs. It's definitely worthwhile saving any ninja magic to use on these bosses, particularly the final boss as she is a real pain to beat under normal circumstances.
Perhaps the most memorable feature from the original Shinobi was the shuriken-hurling bonus stage that looked incredibly cool for the time. Once again, an equally impressive looking bonus stage is included that sees you hurling shuriken at multi-coloured ninja leaping down from the top of a building. If any ninja manages to leap from the bottom platform then the bonus level is forfeit and you get a giant ninja boot in the face for your trouble. While the level looks very cool, the ninja that emerge all have preset movement paths. The temptation is to attack enemies that appear furthest from your current position, but these ninja are programmed to move across the whole platform before leaping off, exposing you ninja who then appear on the other side and leap off instantly. The key to success is knowing exactly how each of the ninjas will move as it's all predetermined.
Having played the game, I have to confess that I'm not a massive fan of it. The placement of enemies in later levels is deliberately unfair and you'll find yourself dying many times trying to defeat them. The dog seems like a great idea unless, like me, you spent most of the game cursing as fido rushes off against your will, only to come back with his tail between his legs.
Shadow Dancer isn't a bad game by any means, but I personally enjoyed the Shinobi games on console a lot more. Even so, it's still a solid (if frustrating) addition to the franchise.
#retrogaming

[@CSLucasEpic]

Ah, yes, the late 80s and very early 90s. The Ninja boom. For some reason everyone was obsessed with ninjas at that time. TV shows, movies, video games, a lot of Ninja themed media back then. And it disappeared as suddenly as it started.

[@ShinobiWan1]

Almost like a ninja vanish

[@cheesy713]

I'll tell you what: it needs a comeback. I just recently truly got into the Shinobi games and now, I want more ninja games and movies in my life, haha.

[@robertdemon3550]

It would have something to do with the movie American Ninja, my friend and me used to hire that all the time from the video store, it was an awesome movie for kids back then but don’t try watching it now it seems ridiculous.

[@Tenraiden]

It came back as Ask A Ninja 🥹

[@SD78]

Mid-80s, then were propped up by the Ninja Turtles until it faded from relevance. 70s - Kung Fu, Late 70s/Early 80s - Karate, Mid 80s - Ninjas

[@imranmahar2595]

Took over 27 years for me to see The End, back then usual ending was “insert coin”

[@Stanimir2909]

Took me 2 years and a Lot of money for breakfast in the school time to see the stupid ending... and the repeat ...

[@d-rzarkocubrinoski]

That was funny,hahaha. For me it was even more waiting,hahaha.

[@williamrichardson3672]

Theend

[@Tenchigumi]

You too? I always thought it was strange how so many games had the exact same ending for me! It's a conspiracy, I tell ya.

[@guilitotorres9777]

That's a fact 😂😂. It's also my first time seeing the ending. It's crazy how back then most of us didn't have $5 to spend on one video game to try and finish it 😂

[@Tenchigumi]

The OG gaming doggo. Before D-Dog, before Hewie, before Koromaru... There was Shadow.

[@mrk45]

Ninja doge is best doge.

[@風遁菴文旦-季節限定]

🐶🐶🐶

[@bennitob8]

I remember when someone is fighting the final, it gets crowded and everyone stop playing other games and watch on the hope of seeing a win, never managed to complete 4.3 and never was able to keep the dog big on that stage... This dude made it look like a spring ride...

[@DamienNightmarish]

15:53 That boss is so well designed. Wow! She takes the plates and they really disapear. Look when she was defeated, so well animated.

[@goldenSpin]

🍑🍑🍑

[@Glockhead1]

i loved this game as a kid.When i saw this on arcade the graphics were out of this world to me🤍good times

[@yattibanks]

23:20 So no one's ever gonna Bing up how this game uses the FNAF scream?

[@rockymitsu]

No no! that's the scream from a movie called inseminoid

[@eylon-wallstain]

@@rockymitsu You know it’s the same one, right?

[@goodhumourwagon]

What's FNAF? LOL

[@SezerPank]

​@@goodhumourwagonIt's 'Five Nights at Freddy's'.

[@classicdamo6042]

Real ninja shit right here!! This brings back memories at the pizza shop in the hood

[@phillip_rogersjr]

This felt like every ninja movie Cannon ever made!! :)

[@keironhiggspoet]

i love the premise of this game been "hit shinobi's dog, get permantley blinded with a ninja star to the face" or worse get obilterated with the man's ninja magic. a true ninja master who cares for his doggo

[@diegomayfield4751]

I had the dedicated arcade cab back in the late 90's . I should have kept it .

[@hashimotokobayashi2244]

So you take a short beach brake just to put on your best ninja suit, call your dog and have him bite a bunch of guys while you throw shurikens at them...good childhood 😄

[@pixelgoat7317]

That intro makes me giggle 😂 "...Bork! Bork! Bork!"

[@Savyon0]

22:31- "Launch Control to Houston, be advised there appears to be a pantless asian woman on top of the launch structure, doing some kind of magic ritual next to the crew module. Please advise, over." "Houston to Launch Control, stand by. We have a specialist on the way up to handle it, over."

[@Jamesharveycomics]

I really like that last boss design

[@ChristopherPadilla-ig3bp]

I absolutely adored this game as a kid. For some reason, I don't recall the title as "Shadow Dancer," but "Shinobi."

[@MathewWoodard]

3:24 I see he’s flying Spirit Airlines

[@toddlindsay8846]

On his way to Osaka, Japan to see Sailor Moon and co.

[@jcp591]

Absolutely great game, the colors, stages, bosses, and strategy for every stage are all different. You have no idea what comes next. Does anyone know what is he saying when he does the "magic"?

[@marlordOfDoriath]

Probably nothing

[@atanvardo5730]

He says something in japanese, proabaly.

[@trevormoses5061]

Translation: "I am about to crap my pants so here goes nothing.

[@jcp591]

@@trevormoses5061 seems reasonable 😂

[@nicolasadjignon1336]

I think it translates as : "WUTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

[@skatemusicgamerhackveganmodder]

that game was great.... but the last levels were very difficult.... but if I managed to finish it several times.... a classic.... and one of the most advanced in its time

[@rubenel7993]

its the worst shinobi game i've ever played. Its borderline sadistic.

[@floydjohnson7888]

Who else suggested the dog was an "Aikido Akita"?

[@damin9913]

15:40 that's Bladesaw babe's sister Buzzsaw babe your fighting she is the first sister of the union lizard's top bodyguards

[@PolyhedralVideo]

I just realized that at 2:25 : ERUTUFON AIRLINES is "NO FUTURE" backwards ;)

[@jirachiwishmaster]

guys answer honestly, how many of you paused this scene? XD 15:47

[@TheCheeseandrice1]

Ninja Dog!!

[@風遁菴文旦-季節限定]

🐶 👘

[@Andinus3000]

He finally called her in boys, Man those dishes needed washing!

[@KOOPAS1234]

23:21 HOLY FUCK FIVE NIGHT'S AT FREDDY'S

[@trayonholifield2334]

The characters look more prominent

[@311superfly]

That poor little dog.

[@2jjh]

i used to play this game with my dad

[@DarkbluesEXE25]

Shadow Dancer Arcade + Sega Mega-Drive = More Shadow Dancer Levels Mix

[@albertodejesusazevedo9356]

Me lembro deste jogo no maculusso próximo da antiga embaixada de Cuba. Quem é de Luanda e se lembra destes momentos um cool aqui.

[@CSOCSO]

my childhood... I forgot about this game.

[@darrenclements6028]

Shadow dancer is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME and STUNNINGLY AMAZING

[@judyhopps9380]

So their evil plan was to bless a space shuttle with Shinto prayers? O.o

[@michaelstroman6759]

I guess

[@9sunskungfu]

No...it was to beat a ninja girl who doesn't wear pants. #pussyExposed

[@NotaPizzaGRL]

@@9sunskungfu Something tells me that wasn't a girl...

[@alexanderboe5176]

@@NotaPizzaGRL Really? Cause when the final boss is defeated, her scream when she was falling sounded female.

[@floydjohnson7888]

Or maybe the inverse-perhaps the evil scheme was to sabotage a spaceflight by supernatural means.

[@michaeltsmith7349]

you love ninjas? you love dogs? then this gane is for you

[@DocteurInfierno]

Very good graphic for the epoque. Very tought game too. Only 2 lifes for pass all levels, except if we succed he bonus level that gave 1 life more each time.

[@jj007104]

One of the most creative games of its time....don't understand what purpose the dog serves though...wish they would remake these games

[@edu_moonwalker]

The dog's attack serves to paralyze some enemies that attack you from a distance, or even distract them, it's a matter of strategy on the map and the position of the enemies so that you can advance with safety.

[@edu_moonwalker]

But some enemies are "immune" to the dog's attack, mainly the most lethal ninjas and those who carry shields.

[@KennyFromHeaven]

Are you serious? You praise the creativity of the game yet you miss the most important game mechanic completely.

[@jj007104]

@@KennyFromHeaven Dude don't bite my head off...I think the game would have still been creative either way and was ridiculously fun just didn't understand the dog but someone explained it above and makes sense

[@profoundgenius9726]

Don’t understand why this game gets so much hate. I preferred this version to the genesis/ mega drive version.

[@atanvardo5730]

I don't understand how many people prefer the original Shinobi game than Shadow Dancer. Shinobi is a very cool game and no doubt deserves its fame, but I prefer Shadow Dancer over Shinobi. The more common reason why many people dislike Shadow Dancer is the gameplay. You know, Shinobi has a "faster", more intense action (though not much more). Shadow Dancer, while it is still an action game, demands the player to be more tactical, so that the action is not so intense. But for me, this is just what makes Shadow Dancer a better game (in addition to its better graphics, animation, music and sound fx, as expected from a sequel). The Mega Drive / Genesis version is almost as great in my opinion. It is somewhere between Shinobi and Shadow Dancer arcade when it comes to tactics, so most people rank it higher.

[@mgm6229]

Good for you, but I too think the Mega Drive version is better overall, despite having smaller sprites.

[@detonator-x-3119]

I love this game. Never played arcade version only genesis. Wow genesis version is not even close to arcade . Arcade looks better.

[@videogameobsession]

2:17 Sounds like GOLDEN AXE is about the begin.😁

[@geegod9122]

Brilliant game play for its time tho

[@guilitotorres9777]

I remember playing this just bc it reminded me of Shinobi which I was obsessed with

[@jmatki1217]

Basically Shinobi with a dog

[@robertoricci3393]

Indeed this game is part of the Shinobi series

[@Stanimir2909]

I was so good in this game!!!

[@Shafintheninja7350]

I play this game in 2024

[@311superfly]

Sega Genesis at games. My thing. Lol

[@finngamer7937]

23:20 holy shit five freddys at the night screamer

[@jaimelozano8813]

Dónde puedo conseguir el room para Android

[@mariosergio2352]

The Gênesis version is the best!

[@cardetailingstudioaustria4121]

Very good Play 👍 I think for his time Shadow Dancer is not on a class with shinobi. The grafik is ok but i think shinobi was much better. Shadow Dancer on mega drive look very good and the gameplay is over the Arcade. I am happy that sega make 2 Shadow Dancer one for Arcade one Home. I like both ❤ Thx for this Video

[@TheGoliathkhan]

0:52, 14:08, 16:02, 23:17

[@joanjoan8131]

16:02 om sammaya sattva

[@TheMegaregister]

15:40 enters the big butt babe boss !!!

[@viniciusvalois2634]

She loses one shoe when she is defeated...

[@sombra8333]

@@viniciusvalois2634 Bro, i beated this game so many times and i didnt even saw that until i saw your comment, and she really loses a shoe, and it stays on the ground after she is defeated lol

[@daviddavenport1485]

Shadow is the goodest boy

[@simbacoba2198]

Old time thank you 🙏

[@eagleMMMm]

When I was a kid I love Very much this game.i hope android Will make this game

[@israrkhan5980]

Some body tell me how I install this game in my mobile .when I will write shadow dancer in play store I didn't find this game

[@5th_dimensionartist]

Umm.. I still prefer the Genesis version. The music was way better and would get me pumped for battle.

[@WendelReis007]

Acabei de zerar kkkkkk top mais dificil pra cassete kkkkkkk😂 ❤

[@karatejoe9999]

I see this version is less about demons.

[@baydincer]

Anga tuvatanga budalangoo hüdaaaaaaaa 😁 resmen çocukluğuma gittim bee

[@ulasyildirim5148]

Haklısın bende hiç sonunu getiremedim

[@baydincer]

@@ulasyildirim5148 jetonumuz iki dakkada hiç olurdu

[@pinshiprro2692]

Lo llege a jugar con mis hermanos cuando tenia como diez años :)

[@Caim6311]

When I first saw this I thought it's about a 911 terrorist simulator.

[@jeremiasvelez1043]

Ninja dog on the move

[@toddlindsay8846]

Better than Rex

[@draketungsten74]

*Please* insert coins.

[@fiskefyren]

i remember playing this... such a short game, and such terrible boss designs xD

[@lunaticlemon2997]

nigga fuck your role model bitch im my own idol and IF YOU CAN'T FACE IT MY NIGGA YOU CAN ASS IT

[@311superfly]

Poor little F40s

[@gabisn7439]

🇧🇷 comecei jogar aos 5 anos na versão master system.

[@Neo-dr5rz]

Bonjour souvenirs d'enfance...Quel console pr retrouver ce jeu svp meme si c'etait mon époque en arcade ? merci reponse :)

[@victorhurtado259]

cenary perfect

[@michaelstroman6759]

I never beat this one this one was a little harder however with practice I know I can

[@dj-samir]

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi pkg ps3

[@Robotron2084psn]

The Genesis version was good but nothing like this. Completely different stages.

[@masterlee1988]

Yeah the Genesis version is a completely different game.

[@NotaPizzaGRL]

Wonder if the Genesis could've handled an exact port of this and E-Swat. It's a shame that only the Master System got a console port of this version of Shadow Dancer.

[@TheTrueBro]

REZ it would be similar to Altered Beast. AKA a very good rendition but still highly modified. Considering the Genesis version is longer, I can see why they opted for a totally different game.

[@NotaPizzaGRL]

@@TheTrueBro I see some of these new homebrew games and I think with the engine and tools available know along with enough cart memory maybe it could be done. If I knew how to code for the Genesis I would give it a shot.

[@toddlindsay8846]

@@masterlee1988it’s an “edited” version of Shadow Dancer. I have this on Sonic Genesis Collection for the PS4.

[@311superfly]

Gnarly.

[@o0oanaboliccamelo0o86]

NO FUCKKKKING WAYYYYYY 🤔🔥 🥷🥷🥷

[@trayonholifield2334]

This version is more up beat

[@niceguy60]

So that's is what happened to Challenger

[@geegod9122]

Now that you had come widda da nando!!! Wtf did he say???

[@geewdanger]

I beat the first Shinobi this is Shinobi part 2 Shadow Dancer this one's a little tougher than the first one

[@johnprice6855]

Hello can someone send me link for the game over screen music? I will greatly appriciate it!

[@mulcibernebiros1167]

My first

[@vasilisdermertzis480]

♥️♥️♥️ΝΟΣΤΑΛΓΙΑ❤️❤️❤️

[@alejandroalartiz9451]

Which emulator is this one?

[@NagaKushiteTEEJEEZY]

This is shinobi

[@lamacchinadeltempo5737]

Excellent! Like 367 👌👌👌

[@isaiasgarciavazquez6177]

un buen juego pero dificil su jugabilidad.

[@raulacu]

Esta para android? No lo encuentro!

[@edvardgt4465]

shroobyville

[@afriend9428]

*the Mega Drive is a better game!?!* ⭐️

[@imranmughal7609]

My favorite game my childhood. How i can download in iPhone

[@atanvardo5730]

I played on M.A.M.E. (arcade emulator) for PC. I don't know if there's a version for iPhone. I think it also works on Raine (another arcade emulator, but specifically for Sega games, if I'm not wrong).

[@jeffreybauer1552]

Is this a sequel to OR a ripoff of Shinobi??

[@NotaPizzaGRL]

Sequel 'cause you're playing as the same guy who later shows up in Shadow Dancer on Genesis and Shinobi III

[@Koettnylle]

18:27 RIP lol

[@greeny2492]

The dog always returns.

[@Koettnylle]

@@greeny2492 Yes, i know

[@romsguevara5268]

A pure copy of Shinobi

[@goodhumourwagon]

Made by Sega, bredduh. This IS Shinobi!

[@romsguevara5268]

​@@goodhumourwagon you know nothing dude!

[@toddlindsay8846]

This is like a “full” version of Shadow Dancer

[@Aliceundeaddoll]

??? This is literally part of Shinobi Series and it was protagonized by Joe Musashi's (the first game protag) son. (Unless you're playing the American version where you play as Musashi himself)

[@DD-rx6jv]

GOTY OF PAST!!!!!

[@DarksparkNecrobat]

Can someone translate what he said when he does his magic,please?

[@twistsnakeanklesvids261]

"Arf!"

O do mega drive é bem melhor

[@Aliceundeaddoll]

This game is a direct sequel to Shinobi, made by the same team, protagonized by the same dude nimrod boomers for some reason: iS tHiS PLAGIarISM?

[@SLI1337]

16:05 BEGONE THOT!!

[@KLEDEFOX]

.-. 2:53 LOL

[@dwlee8307]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@ahwi67123]

👍

[@Randy-v8e]

Apesar da imagem ser boa, a versão do mega é melhor