Alex Kidd in Shinobi World

From Sega Retro

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Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
System(s): Sega Master System, Virtual Console
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Action

















Release Date RRP Code

Alex Kidd in Shinobi World is a game released in 1990 for the Sega Master System console. It is the sixth and final game in the Alex Kidd series. The game is a parody of the game Shinobi, with the small difference of Alex Kidd playing the hero’s role. Alex Kidd must rescue his girlfriend from the evil ninja Hanzo. He is transformed into a ninja by a mysterious deity, the White Ninja, to help him perform this task. It was supposedly called Shinobi Kid during development (according to GamePro's March 1990 "Short ProShots" section, at least)

Alex Kidd in Shinobi World received favourable responses from both gamers and reviewer alike and many consider it one of the finest Master System games ever made.

Gameplay

The game plays similarly to previous games in the Alex Kidd series, but with some major differences. Alex attacks with a sword, instead of his trademark fist. Ninja knives can be found, which can be used to attack enemies at a distance. Ninja magic can also be found, which allows Alex to temporarily turn into a whirlwind. Alex can also climb up ropes, bounce off walls, or swing from lamp posts and pipes to fling himself at his attackers. This is the only game in the series that has a life meter. Alex can take three hits, but he can restore his health by finding a heart. When Alex has six hit points, any further hearts become extra lives.

Stages

Round 1 Parody of Shinobi's first level. End boss is Kabuto who is also a parody of Ken Oh from Shinobi and someone else. (See below)

Round 2 Parody of Shinobi's second level, particularly level 2-3 with lots of jumps, swimming and harbor background. End boss is "Heli". Another parody of Shinobi's bosses, "Black Turtle".

Round 3 Take place in Jungle. End boss is "Robster" a giant lobster, which is obviously a parody Shinobi's of 4th level boss "Lobster".

Round 4 Take place in a ancient Japanese castle. Mostly a parody of Shinobi's final level. End boss is also acts just like Nakahara, Shinobi's final boss with different appearance.

Super Mario Parody

During the development phase, in which the game was named "Shinobi Kid", first boss Kabuto was actually going to be a parody of Super Mario, Nintendo's most well-known character. He was supposed to have a moustache and named "Mari-Oh" but this was later dropped due to possible copyright problems. The obscure reference still remains however as Kabuto shrinks (similar to Mario who also shrinks when damaged, before the dies) when players inflict enough damage to him.

Production Credits

Game Design: Yoshio.Y, Cap.Elf
Programming: Takubo, Kuma
Graphic Design: Youko, Gen, Stresteles
Music Compose: XOR
Special Thanks: Pata, Teriyaki.Fanks, Okaru

Physical Scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
92 №106
91 №9, p92
77
80 №23, p55
88 №1, p19
78 №14
Sega Master System
84
Based on
6 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
92
[1]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
90
[2]
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK) PAL
90
[3]
Console XS (UK) PAL
85
[4]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
92
[5]
Excalibur (CZ)
50
[6]
Game Mania (UK)
90
[7]
Joystick (FR)
91
[8]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
90
[9]
Player One (FR)
74
[10]
Power Play (DE)
77
[11]
S: The Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
88
[12]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
75
[13]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
88
[14]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
85
[15]
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US)
60
[16]
Zero (UK) PAL
78
[17]
Sega Master System
82
Based on
17 reviews

Alex Kidd in Shinobi World

Master System, US
AlexKiddInShinobiWorld-SMS-US.jpg
Cover
AKiSW US cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, EU
Alexkiddshinobiworld sms eu cover.jpg
Cover
AKiSW EU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
Alexkiddshinobiworld sms br cover.jpg
Cover



Alex Kidd punching sprite Alex Kidd series of games
Sega Master System
Alex Kidd in Miracle World (1986) | Alex Kidd BMX Trial (1987) | Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (1988) | Alex Kidd: High-Tech World (1989) | Alex Kidd in Shinobi World (1990)
Arcade
Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (1986)
Sega Mega Drive
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (1989)
Nintendo Switch
Sega Ages Alex Kidd in Miracle World (2019) | Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX (2021)
Sony PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
Xbox One
Steam
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX (2021)
Alex Kidd related media
Music
Alex Kidd Complete Album (2009)
Other List of Alex Kidd merchandise