Video games - Shinobi 3

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	Video games - Shinobi 3

Shinobi 3 - Return of the Ninja Master (known as The Super Shinobi 2 in Japan) is a videogame by SEGA for the Sega Genesis console that was released in 1993. It is the sequel of the 1989 game The Revenge of Shinobi. Many regard it as the best game of the Shinobi series, due to its high quality visuals and fast, varied gameplay. The game was originally intended to be released in 1992, and be very different from the final version of the game in terms of levels and storyline.

Storyline

Neo Zeed is threatening the world once more. The evil crime syndicate - thought to have been vanquished 2 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 arch-nemesis once more. He is the Shinobi, stronger than steel and faster than a whirlwind, the last keeper of the Oboro Ninjitsu techniques. Only he can stop Neo Zeed.

Gameplay

Compared to its predecessor The Revenge of Shinobi
, the action in Shinobi 3 is considerably smoother, with less emphasis on difficulty (performing trick jumps) and more on speed. In addition to the ability to run from place to place (instead of walk), Joe 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.

The D-pad controls Shinobi's movements, while the action buttons C, B and A are used to jump, throw knives (sword-slash) and perform a special ninjitsu technique respectively. Shuriken, as always, are the basic staple of Shinobi's attacks. He can throw them straight toward his enemies one at a time or launch ten at once during a somersault. In addition, the power-up bonus triples all knife damage as well as enhancing Shinobi's close-combat skills.

Ninjitsu techniques

Besides his regular assortment of moves and attacks, Shinobi has the ability to perform four special ninjitsu techniques. Only one can be used in each level, unless an additional bonus was picked up or the ninjitsu of Mijin was used to reset your life total. The four ninjitsu techniques employed by Joe Musashi are as follows:

Ninjitsu of Ikazuchi: The art of thunder. This ninjitsu envelopes Shinobi with a shield of lighnting energy that sustains damage for four consecutive hits.
Ninjitsu of Kariu: The art of fire. Kariu summons four dragonshaped columns of flame that move across the screen and damage all enemies in their path.
Ninjitsu of Fushin: The art of floating. Fushin improves Shinobi's agility by heightening his jumping capability.
Ninjitsu of Mijin: The art of pulverizing. The decision to use Mijin is most often tactical. It damages all enemies on screen at the cost of one life.

Points

While the main goal of Shinobi III is to clear all stages and defeat the Shadow Master, points can be scored in each stage by completing various optional objectives:

Shinobi bonus: Finish the level without the use of shuriken.
No Ninjitsu bonus: Finish the level without the use of ninjitsu.
Technical Bonus: Variable score depending on the amount of enemies killed.
Special Bonus: Defeat the boss without taking a hit.
Perfect Bonus: Obtain all previous bonuses without taking a hit throughout the level.

Stages

Shinobi III is divided into 7 stages, each one consisting of three to four different scenes. The last scene of each level requires Shinobi to fight a boss but various sub-bosses may appear across earlier scenes of the stage.

Zeed's Resurrection: Zeed's minions have tracked Shinobi down to his mountain hideout in Japan. From the forest he makes his way to a secret passage in the caves. A complex system of tunnels finally brings him to a confrontation with a four-arm spear wielding samurai.

Secret Entry: Shinobi begins this stage on horse-back. Ninja swoop down from kites in the sky as he rides toward Neo Zeed's technological research facility, and soon he finds himself face to face with an old adversary. Once inside the facility, a dangerous elevator shaft leads him to the central chamber and its controlling entity.

Body Weapon: This biolab is where Neo Zeed conducts its horrific experiments. Here Shinobi must destroy Body Weapon, a genetically engineered monstrosity that dwells in a pool of toxic waste, somewhere beneath the plant.

Destruction: Joe Mushashi makes his way across the seas by jet-ski.

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