The G.G. Shinobi - Gameplay

Gameplay

The play mechanics of The G.G. Shinobi are roughly based on the Genesis game The Revenge of Shinobi, but with the addition of a character-switching system. The player starts the game as Joe Musashi (the Red Ninja), whose goal is to rescue four kidnapped allies who are being held captive in different locations.

There are four initial stages: highway, harbor, waterfall and woodland. These can be played in any order, though the manual recommends the above (this is most likely because it allows the player to collect all the 'additional life' boxes without expending any ninjutsu in the process).

After completing all four stages, the player automatically enters the fifth and final stage (Neo City), where he must proceed through a series of trap rooms. Each room typically requires the skills of a particular ninja character in order to complete it. Almost all rooms have two exits which lead to further distinct trap rooms. Whilst exploring Neo City, the player will encounter further boss characters (these being pastiches of previous brainwashed allies since all true allies have been recovered). After a certain number of boss characters have been killed, the entrance to the final boss is opened.

The player will confront a brainwashed ally at the end of each stage acting as a boss and when defeated, the ally will regain his senses and join the player's party as a controllable character accessible via the sub-menu.