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I am a big fan of 2D multi-tier shooter/platformers such as Shinobi, Rolling Thunder, and Code Name: Viper. I am also a fan of 8-bit games and well executed 8-bit art styles. This hack makes a huge difference in the playability and appearance of Shinobi for the NES. It is great to have another newer variation to experience Shinobi, a timeless classic. The smoother level jumping and movement of this version, combined with this hack's other updates, makes it the best 8-bit version of Shinobi, in my opinion. I prefer this hacked version to the official Master System version.

The changes in this version are incredible and makes the original game playable in addition to being pleasant for the eyes, everything is well made : the choosen colors, the redrawn sprites, the inclusion of the unused musics, the background.

The idea to bring an upgrade of the weapon is brilliant, especially since this wasn't in the original game, it makes the games more fair to play.

The bonus levels are well arranged too, it brings an achievable challenge which was almost too difficult in the original game due to the slowness and rate of the projectiles.

I almost finished the game, I reached the last boss, and in my opinion there's two flaws :

One small, is the fact that The Jabu make now you can fall into the water in level 2-3, it will be difficult for casual players, because if you take a shot from a diver, you jump straight in the water. It will be interesting to make a separate patch for this change, the average player may not use it, to make a lower difficulty in this level.

The major flaw, in my opinion, to make this hack a must play on the NES, which should be corrected is the boss of level 4 who is almost impossible to beat because he constantly comes towards you and pins you against the wall then hits you with his saber without stopping, with no possibility to escape, in the original arcade game he was also difficult but not to this point, in this hack you just have to miss a shot on its weak point and you're dead. He should have moved forward and backward like in the original arcade game, to make it possible to beat.

I wish to thank The Jabu for this great hack, (and many others he published) in my opinion it's in the top 10, best hacks for the NES system.

If you've played this game in the arcades, on the Sega Master System, Commodore 64, or elsewhere, then playing Tengen's unlicensed port of this sometimes forgotten gem is an eyesore. The choices of color palettes is blinding and the sprites look like they rushed to draw them. The thing is, the gameplay is still solid all things considered.

Now this comes along and actually brings the arcade classic home on the NES. The colors no longer are blinding, and they better match the arcade. The sprites look so much better redrawn. My only issue is the change of colors on the sprites during the night. The arcade did not do that and while it adds effect, I think he should stay the same gray throughout the game. That aside, this is a great improvement and is highly recommended.

Update for 1.1. Includes a separate hack for those of us who are purists that allows Joe Musashi to remain in his arcade colors throughout the game. Improvements abound. This hack is worth it.