Shinobi Legions

FIRST IMPRESSION

Being a big Shinobi fan, I was really excited to try this one out. Right from the get-go the cinemas impressed me, but the graphics left me a little disappointed.

BEST FEATURE

The best feature of the game has to be the number of different ways there are to attack and defend. The combinations are seemingly endless.

WHATS MISSING

There is one thing that is missing that could have improved this game--secrets. Too much of the game is really straightforward and that left me wanting a little of the variety secrets offer.

WILL YOU LIKE IT?

All Shinobi fans should like it. Also anyone who likes a good sidescrolling adventure or even those of us who just enjoy playing the part of a ninja for a little while will probably enjoy putting this one in and letting it run.

MANUFACTURER - Sega of Japan

DIFFICULTY - Variable

THEME - Action

NUMBER OF PLAYERS - 1

People say:

8.5

Why Sega decided not to publish this one is beyond me, but congrats to Vic Tokai for snagging this wonderful game. It's been ages since a new Shinobi game hit the screens and Shinobi Legions is a worthy successor. The graphics are stunning, the animations are fluid and the control is right on par. The FMV sequences do nothing for me. but they're okay to watch. With new techniques and challenging levels, this one is a definite must-buy!

7.5

It's been a while since the last Shinobi game, and I'm glad to see that another one has finally made the rounds again--best yet, it's on the Sega Saturn. Yes. there are full-motion video cinemas, but I'll have to say that I found them quite entertaining. The play control is very good and the new techniques like blocking and deflecting knives add to an exceptional game. I do have to say that I didn't like the jerky scrolling when you change directions. Shinobi fans can't go wrong with this.

8.0

Shinobi Legions looks great, and the game play isn't all that bad. Except for being a little too tight, the ninja can generally do what I want him to. There are plenty of moves to find, and the action you'll face is relentless. I really like being able to block. The digitized video is of poor quality, and the cinemas aren't anything special. The little touches, like being able to hack down the trees, add to it. Shinobi Legions is a decent game, but it lacks the spirit of its predecessors.

8.0

I have a feeling this game is going to be typical of the first Sega Saturn titles. It shows off the incorporation of high-quality character graphics with less impressive full-motion video. The Sega Saturn hardware is really used to create stunning characters and effects but the control seems a bit sluggish at times. There are tons of techniques such as blocking and double jumps, but it still lacks the feel of the early Shinobi. Overall, it's one impressive game to watch and is fun to play.