Software:Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master

From HandWiki
Short description: 1993 video game
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
North American cover art
Developer(s)Sega
Publisher(s)Sega
Director(s)Tomoyuki Ito
Takeshi Matsuhashi
Producer(s)Tomio Takami
Tokinori Kaneyasu
Designer(s)Naohisa Nakazawa
Programmer(s)Tsukasa Aoki
Toshiaki Yajima
Akio Oi
Artist(s)Kazuyuki Iwasawa
Katsuhiko Ogikubo
Hiroyuki Hirama
Composer(s)Hirofumi Murasaki
Morihiko Akiyama
Masayuki Nagao
SeriesShinobi
Platform(s)Genesis/Mega Drive
Release
  • JP: July 23, 1993
  • EU: July 24, 1993
  • NA: August 22, 1993
  • AU: 1994[1]
Genre(s)Hack and slash, platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, released in Japan as Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 332: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value). is a 1993 hack and slash platform game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. It is the direct sequel to the previous The Revenge of Shinobi. Shinobi III received critical acclaim, and has been ranked among the greatest Genesis games.

Gameplay

Compared to its predecessor, the action is considerably smoother, with less emphasis on difficulty and more on speed. In addition to the ability to run from place to place, the player character comes equipped with a new array of moves and techniques, including a mid-air dashkick, the ability to jump-scale walls and a powerful running slash that renders him temporarily invincible to projectiles.

Besides his regular assortment of moves and attacks, the player has the ability to perform four special ninjitsu techniques. Only one can be used in each level, unless the Shinobi finds additional ninjitsu bonuses throughout hidden spots in most levels. The four ninjitsu techniques involve engulfing lightning as a temporary shield, summon fire-dragons, boosting his vertical leap and self-sacrificing, the latter costing one life to destroy common enemies or damage bosses.

Plot

Neo Zeed is threatening the world once more. The evil crime syndicate - thought to have been vanquished two years earlier - has returned, headed by a man known only as the Shadow Master. Joe Musashi has felt their presence, and descends from the lonely mountaintops of Japan to face his nemesis once more.

Development and release

Shinobi III was originally set to be released in 1992.[2][3] Several gaming magazines (including GamePro, Mean Machines and Computer & Video Games) gave previews and even reviews of the game, showing pictures of levels, enemies, artwork and special moves which were not seen in the final version at all. Because of general dissatisfaction with the result up to that point, Sega delayed the game for a 1993 release date while the development team worked on improving gameplay and visuals. When Shinobi III was finally released, many game features seen earlier were missing, with new ones taking their place. A beta-version of the original version of the game has been leaked and is now widely available as a ROM image.

Shinobi III is included on the Sega Genesis Collection for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable and Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It was also released for the Wii's Virtual Console service in 2007,[4] for the PC on the download service Steam in 2010, on the iPhone in 2011,[5] for the Nintendo 3DS eShop in 2013, and on the Nintendo Classics service in 2021.[6][7] The game also appears in Sega Genesis Classics (released as Sega Mega Drive Classics in PAL regions) for Windows, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.[8]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate scores
AggregatorScore
GameRankings85% (Genesis)[9]
61% (iOS)[10]
Metacritic62/100 (iOS)[11]
Review scores
PublicationScore
CVG84% (Mega Drive)[12]
Eurogamer8/10 (Mega Drive)[13]
GameSpot7/10 (Genesis)[14]
IGN8/10 (Genesis)[15]
6.5/10 (iOS)[16]
MegaTech93% (Mega Drive)[17][18]
Mega79% (Mega Drive)[19]
Power Unlimited90% (Mega Drive)[20]
Award
PublicationAward
MegaTechHyper Game (Genesis)

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master received critical acclaim. MegaTech magazine praised the game's new attacks and moves, but criticised that it was "not as hard as The Revenge of Shinobi".[17] Mega said that "beyond the tricky bosses, this is far too easy".[19] An IGN review by Levi Buchanan called it "a legit Genesis great, one of the better action games for the 16-bit console of yesteryear", even if the iPhone version was deemed just "okay".[16] Power Unlimited gave the Mega Drive version a score of 90% summarizing: "Shinobi III is a massive improvement over its predecessor, Revenge of Shinobi. It's a bit easier, but the game moves faster and is therefore less frustrating. Everything from graphics to fighting techniques are fine. Addictive game!"[21]

Complex rated it the third best game on the Sega Genesis, stating: "The only drawback? The last level was freaking impossible!"[22] Retro Gamer included it among their top ten Mega Drive games.[23] In 2023, both Nintendo Life and GameSpot ranked the game among top 15 Mega Drive/Genesis games.[24][25]

Notes

References

  1. ↑ Mega Drive release dates. GameFAQs. Retrieved on February 4, 2008.
  2. ↑ wadelyjp (2022-01-03). SEGA 新作ソフトビデオ VOL.24. Retrieved 2025-08-28 – via YouTube.
  3. ↑ Sega (1993), Shinobi III Return of the Ninja Master, http://archive.org/details/sg_Shinobi_III_Return_of_the_Ninja_Master_1993_Sega_US, retrieved 2023-07-19 
  4. ↑ Wii release dates. GameFAQs. Retrieved on February 4, 2008.
  5. ↑ "Shinobi III released on Steam". Valve Corporation. http://store.steampowered.com/app/34277/. 
  6. ↑ "News: US Nintendo eShop update: Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Castlevania". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/443285/us-nintendo-eshop-update-shinobi-streets-of-rage-castlevania/. 
  7. ↑ Stedman, Alex (September 30, 2021). "Nintendo Switch Online Expanding With N64 and Sega Genesis Games in New Membership" (in en). https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-online-n64-sega-genesis-new-membership. 
  8. ↑ "Sega Mega Drive Classics, featuring over 50 iconic games, hits PS4 on 29th May". 14 March 2018. https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2018/03/14/sega-mega-drive-classics-featuring-over-50-iconic-games-hits-ps4-on-29th-may/. 
  9. ↑ "Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master for Genesis". GameRankings. 1993-07-22. http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/586455-shinobi-iii-return-of-the-ninja-master/index.html. 
  10. ↑ "Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master for iPhone/iPod". GameRankings. 2011-01-25. http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/620572-shinobi-iii-return-of-the-ninja-master/index.html. 
  11. ↑ VonSeux. "Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/shinobi-iii-return-of-the-ninja-master/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad. 
  12. ↑ Anglin, Paul; Keen, Steve; Rand, Paul (15 January 1993). "3 Page Review: Super Shinobi II (Mega Drive)". Computer and Video Games (135 (February 1993)): 22–4. https://retrocdn.net/images/8/81/CVG_UK_135.pdf#page=22. 
  13. ↑ Whitehead, Dan (2007-08-06). "Virtual Console Roundup Review Page 1 Reviews Wii". Eurogamer.net. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vcroundup060807_wii. 
  14. ↑ "Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Review". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shinobi-iii-return-of-the-ninja-master-review/1900-6180370/. 
  15. ↑ "Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Review - IGN". Uk.ign.com. 16 October 2007. http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/10/16/shinobi-iii-return-of-the-ninja-master-review. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master iPhone Review - IGN". Uk.ign.com. 2011-01-27. http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/01/28/shinobi-iii-return-of-the-ninja-master-iphone-review. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 MegaTech review, EMAP, issue 21.
  18. ↑ "Game Index". MegaTech (42 (June 1995)): 30–1. 31 May 1995. https://archive.org/details/megatech-42/page/n29/mode/2up. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Mega review, issue 13, page 34, October 1993.
  20. ↑ "Power Unlimited Game Database". http://www.powerweb.nl/database/img/index.php?page=database&&query%5border%5d=datum&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=140. 
  21. ↑ "Power Unlimited Game Database". http://www.powerweb.nl/database/img/index.php?page=database&&query%5border%5d=datum&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=140. 
  22. ↑ "#3. Shinobi III: Return Of The Ninja Master (1993) / Sega Anything: The 25 Best Genesis Games". Complex. 2010-11-29. http://www.complex.com/video-games/2010/11/sega-anything-the-25-best-genesis-games/Shinobi-III. 
  23. ↑ "Top Ten Mega Drive Games". January 7, 2014. http://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-mega-drive-games/. 
  24. ↑ Lane, Gavin; Nintendo Life Staff (28 June 2023). "Every Nintendo Switch Online Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Game Ranked". Hookshot Media. https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/every-nintendo-switch-online-sega-genesis-mega-drive-game-ranked?page=3. 
  25. ↑ Bonthuys, Darryn (19 March 2023). "The 15 Best Sega Genesis Games Of All Time". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-15-best-sega-genesis-games-of-all-time/2900-4685/. 
  • Official website (in Japanese)
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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