The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has a rich history of producing some of the most iconic and beloved games of all time. One game that stands out among the rest is Shinobi, developed by Sega and released in North America for the NES as "Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos." However, due to licensing issues, the original Japanese version was not officially released in the US, leading to its notorious reputation as a "bootleg" game. In this article, we will delve into the world of Shinobi, exploring its history, gameplay, and age rating.

History of Shinobi

Shinobi is an action-adventure platformer that follows the story of Hiro, a young ninja on a quest to rescue his kidnapped sister, Nagomi. The game was developed by Sega's in-house team, led by Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create other legendary games such as Virtua Fighter and Shenmue.

The original Shinobi was released in 1987 for the arcade platformer format, with its unique blend of stealth, action, and puzzle-solving elements. The game's success spawned a series of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs across various Sega platforms, including the Master System, Game Gear, and Saturn.

Nintendo NES Version: Ninja Gaiden II

The NES version of Shinobi was released in 1991 as "Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos." However, due to licensing issues with the original creators of the character Ryoko Onimusha (a female ninja from Japanese folklore), Sega had to alter the game's story and setting. As a result, the US version featured a new protagonist, Hiro, who is not directly related to the original Ryoko.

The NES version retained much of the gameplay mechanics from its arcade counterpart, with some notable changes, such as the removal of the "Shadow" technique, which allowed players to temporarily turn invisible. This feature was deemed too complex for the NES hardware and was replaced by a new stealth mechanic involving shadowy illusions.

Gameplay and Features

Shinobi is an action-adventure platformer that challenges players to navigate through 12 levels set in various environments, including forests, cities, and enemy hideouts. The gameplay revolves around stealth, strategy, and quick reflexes, as Hiro must evade or defeat enemies while attempting to rescue Nagomi.

The game features a unique "Shadow" system, which allows Hiro to blend into the shadows and avoid detection by enemies. This mechanic is crucial in solving puzzles and avoiding danger, making Shinobi one of the most challenging platformers of its time.

Age Rating

The original Shinobi was initially rated "M for Mature" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) due to its violent content, including blood and gore. The game's mature themes and intense action sequences made it unsuitable for younger audiences.

In contrast, the NES version of Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos received a more lenient rating, with an "E" for Everyone. This was largely due to the alteration of the story and characters, as well as some toned-down violence.

However, if you're looking for information about the age ratings available for the original Japanese version or any other Shinobi release, here are some general guidelines:

• The original arcade version of Shinobi (1987): Rated "M for Mature" by the ESRB
• The original NES version (1991): Rated "E" for Everyone
• The Sega Master System version: Rated "M for Mature"
• Other releases in the series, such as Game Gear and Saturn versions: May have varied age ratings depending on their content

Legacy and Impact

Shinobi's impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, including the Shadow system, influenced countless other action-adventure platformers, such as Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and Metal Slug.

The game also spawned a series of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, cementing its place in gaming history as one of Sega's most beloved franchises. In 2018, Shinobi was re-released on the Nintendo Switch as part of the "Sega Genesis Classics" collection, allowing new generations to experience this classic game.

Conclusion

Shinobi is a true classic of the NES era, with its unique blend of stealth, action, and puzzle-solving elements making it one of the most memorable games in Sega's library. While its original Japanese version carries an "M for Mature" rating due to its mature themes and violent content, the US version as Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is more family-friendly.

Regardless of the age rating, Shinobi remains a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast or fan of action-adventure platformers. Its influence can still be seen in modern games, and it continues to inspire new generations of gamers and developers alike.