Shinobi Legions - Gameplay

Gameplay

Shinobi Legions is a traditional side-scrolling action game, which means that each level must be finished from left to right. Along the way Sho will come across various foes and obstacles that will test the player's skill, including boss encounters. The gameplay itself is largely the same as that in Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. However this time emphasis lies on the use of Sho's katana instead of his shuriken, and separate buttons are now used to control them.

The four ninjitsu techniques from earlier Shinobi games have also disappeared. Instead, Sho gains his special abilities by picking up various items scattered across each level. Among them are simple power-ups (yellow and red orbs to restore his hit points) or temporary ninjitsu abilities, such as the Great Sword or the Bunshin clone shield against enemy attacks.

Also found in each level are blue orbs called life spheres. Every time the player manages to collect 10, Sho gains one continue. As usual, some item crates contain bombs that will damage Sho if he's standing too near.