General Games Discussion

RG calling ME Destiny triggers me.

Comparing last generation's GOAT RPG series to that piece of shit shooter

M99 wrote:RG calling ME Destiny triggers me.

Comparing last generation's GOAT RPG series to that piece of shit shooter

This lol, although I quite like Destiny.

Lmao

Mine isn't that dusty although it is very dusty

#16

Game: Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master.
Year: 1993.
Genre: Action.
Publisher: Sega.
Developer: Megasoft.



First things first, I am changing my rating system to better rate different genres according to their own rules. It will still be from 50 quality points, but every title will start from 25 and earn/lose points according to criteria important to the titles and genres themselves.

With third Shinobi on the Genesis, Sega is making a game on the back of poorly conceived Arcade port, and a well loved game that is nonetheless overshadowed by other Ninja-themed action games.

It is Shinobi III that Sega cements the series as part of the holy Ninja Triad of the the 8 and 16 bit generation.

"He will be a shadow. He will be a Shinobi"

Unlike its predecessors, Shinobi III actually attempts to put together some story to Shinobi's actions. At least with an extensive opening essay. After that, the game basically leaves all pretense of a narrative, and simply let's the action speaks of itself.

In a supposed sequel to The Revenge of Shinobi, the evil organization in that game returned with a vengeance, and Joe Musashi needs to go through 7 levels to put a stop to it. Its all basic stuff, but that's not what you are getting into this game for.

Each level manages to be unique, in such a way as to invite multiple playthroughs through the sheer quality of the game. Unfortunately, playing on older hardware (without save points), you may miss a feature that saves progress, which is a common complaint in action games.

Still, it is a testament to the game's arcade quality that going through the same level several times rarely gets boring. After all, each time, you discover a more efficient way of moving forward, a more effective way to deal with danger. And that is the most important quality in an arcade-type game.

Very Basics Story: -2
No Save System: -1
Invites Multiple Playthroughs: +5

"Although his fighting spirit burn like fire. His mind is still and calm as water "

Retaining its shooter-like gameplay, Shinobi III continues to employ throwing shurikens as the most primary method of attack. However, it changes mechanics significantly by ramping up Joe's mobility and speed.

Now, the game invites faster play styles, and because of that, it does reduce the difficulty level overall. Which is okay, since this is the closest to a bad ass ninja experience the franchise came to achieving.

Since each level is a little different, each requires a different utilization of the game's mechanics. Some levels need a more careful approach, with a wait and see style. Others invite more speed, with one level adding in an annoying platforming section.

While the occasional platforming can be annoying, it manages to express the spirit of this faster iteration of Shinobi. With the ability to wall jump, as well as double jump, performing these ninja feats is a big part of the game's fun.

However, due to the frustrating unpredictability of the double jump, what could have been one of the highlights of the game becomes one of its lowest points.

Other than that, all action mechanics click satisfactorily. Especially with boss battles that are difficult, engaging, and beautifully tense.

Healthy Challenge: +2
Fun Basic Gameplay: +3
Fun Bosses: +3
Double Jump Inaccuracy: -2

"The wings of darkness burns and shakes the earth as it lands"

It is obvious that Sega applied all their production experience for the Genesis in making this game. As it manages to look and sound, simply better than any other action game in the system, and even rivals the best looking games of the SNES.

Due to the increased speed of the game, anything less than the top-notch sprite animation we see here would have been an obvious let down. It is then more satisfying to see that these well-animated sprites are also remarkably detailed. Especially the bosses, whose increased size allows for more to show, without sacrificing performance.

Yet, these sprites wouldn't look half as impressive if not for beautiful level and background design. One level has an impossibly large moon in the background, and somehow, the entire landscape somehow seems to be lit through that moon.

True, some levels do have some boring generic "secret base" look, but the majority of locations and backgrounds are either the perfection of a well-worn level type (forest level), or something new and exciting.

Similarly, the soundtrack is the best in the series, and among the best on the Genesis. It doesn't grate in the ears like other, usually non-Sega games, and it manages to be upbeat and exciting throughout.

Great Graphics: +5
Very Good Soundtrack: +3

In Conclusion:

Shinobi III is the culmination of Sega's experience in both the Genre and the console. It manages to be one of the most mechanically satisfying Action games in the system, as well as an obvious art production power house.

It doesn't have the interesting lore and look of games like Castlevania, or even Strider, but it does make it up by being very good at what it does, and that's being a very good Action-Shooter hybrid starring a Ninja named Joe.

Final: 41/50

"Tips"
1- Conserve your Shurikens, don't waste them on enemies that guard.
2- Do not rush forward, check first to see enemies before they see you.
3- The fourth Ninjatsu skill attacks the bosses, give you back a spell, and costs you one life. Use it against difficult bosses if you have lives to spare.
4- Look around the stages for more Shurikens and power up.
5- When using a power up, you can guard against some attacks by moving forward.
6- You are most vulnerable when you jump, so make sure things are clear.

"Next Game"

That's it for the Shinobi series on the Genesis. In fact, that is it for the Shinobi series until the PS2 era. Based on the games I played, as well as the reception for the series, I don't understand why it didn't feature in the Sega Saturn. Its a good Action series, that probably should have a greater fleshing out in the Saturn era.

Next game in the list, at #16 is Beyond Oasis, an action adventure game that released in 1995, after the Saturn was released. From what everyone is telling me, it looks like a good game.

Stay Tuned

cemu can have all my money for this

Wii U or Switch version? Not that it matters.

Wii U, give it a month and someone will make the switch textures available for cemu.

performance is an issue though, only the mightiest of the mightiest PC's can play it at playable framerates

M99 wrote:RG calling ME Destiny triggers me.

Comparing last generation's GOAT RPG series to that piece of shit shooter

lol sorry man. It was for ES. Pos didn't even respond.

Lord Spencer wrote:#16

Game: Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master.
Year: 1993.
Genre: Action.
Publisher: Sega.
Developer: Megasoft.

Actually loved Shinobi games. They were a bit too hard tho lol. I dont ever remember getting past more than 25% of the game. Kept replaying it again n again

the concept of finishing a game wasn't there for a 6 year old me

ME Destiny lol, don't compare trash to magnificence, 10 year life cycle lmao, just googled it and they're hitting their last update soon

RealGunner wrote:

Lord Spencer wrote:#16

Game: Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master.
Year: 1993.
Genre: Action.
Publisher: Sega.
Developer: Megasoft.

Actually loved Shinobi games. They were a bit too hard tho lol. I dont ever remember getting past more than 25% of the game. Kept replaying it again n again

the concept of finishing a game wasn't there for a 6 year old me

That's probably why we thought games were much longer then they were back then.

Yup. There was a charm in replaying them. Maybe because the early game was so familiar we felt it was safe to play that part and not move on.


One of my favourite games of all time, Shining Force 2, I have started it 4 times and never gone past 60% lol.

Yup, it's possible.

All the console zeldas running at the same time on the same box

no. it is a masterrace super duper wide monitor

Photoshop tbh.

LMFAOOOOOOOOOO

(UK) Exactly one year after the record-breaking ‘Tom Clancy’s The Division’ (still the biggest launch within any Q1 on record), Ubisoft now debut at No1 on the All Formats Top 40 (Units) with ‘Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands’, the biggest week 1 launch of the year so far.

Ubisoft juggernaut will never stop smh

Because most people see games bang for buck, they like 1 trillion jobber side quests, 1 billion outposts, collectathon shit, etc

We’re excited to announce that PS Now’s catalog is set to grow even further, as we’ll be expanding to include a new platform: PlayStation 4 games. All of the games in the service, including PS4 games, will be included with a single PS Now subscription. We’ll share more information as we get closer to launch, so stay tuned.

In the next few weeks we’ll kick off a private test with PS4 games on PS Now. If you’re an active PS Now subscriber, keep an eye on your email in case you get an invitation.

It took Xbox coming out with their own version of this for them to finally wise up.

I would still like an option to download a game instead of streaming it though to avoid any latency.

Interesting. Depending on price, I'm in.

Is Skyrim still worth it? Considering buying it, since everyone seems to think it's one of the games from last gen.

Price and games tbh, if they just add a load of jobber games i cba lol.

Xbox's one on release has Halo and Gears iirc, they need to come with high profile stuff for me to get it.

Could save a lot of money technically on games i'd never buy if they do it right though.

It's a good game. Try Life is Strange though Freeza since you like Riverdale, I get LiS vibes from Riverdale and you also like the whole cinematic experience. Really good narrative based game.

Skyrim is good too but you would lose your life for weeks, this is all on PC right? I hear it's amazing on PC with mods