🥷 Cheats and Tips for The Revenge of Shinobi
Want to get an edge in your ninja quest? Here are some helpful cheats and tricks that can make your run a little easier - whether you're going for a casual playthrough or just curious about the game's hidden extras.
30,000 Bonus Points
To grab a bonus of 30,000 points, finish a level with exactly eleven times more shurikens than lives remaining. It takes a bit of planning, but it's a fun trick for boosting your score.
Infinite Shurikins
On the Options screen, move the pointer to Shurikins and set the number to 00. Now wait about 10 seconds without touching anything. You'll hear a sound, and the "00" will change to an infinity symbol (∞).
Start the game - and enjoy unlimited shurikens!
🧠 Fun Facts About The Revenge of Shinobi
There's a lot of cool history and behind-the-scenes details packed into this classic ninja game. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering it, here are some fascinating facts about The Revenge of Shinobi:
🕷️ Unofficial Cameos in Early Versions
In the original 1989 release, several bosses looked suspiciously like famous characters: Spider-Man, Batman, The Terminator, Rambo, and even Godzilla. These weren't officially licensed at first. Later versions of the game (due to copyright concerns) modified the designs - Spider-Man was eventually approved by Marvel, while the others were altered or replaced. If you're playing an early version, you might still see some of these unexpected cameos.
🎵 Yuzo Koshiro's Iconic Soundtrack
The entire soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who also worked on Streets of Rage, ActRaiser, etc. He composed the music using a PC-88, and later ported it to the Genesis's FM chip. The game's music blends Japanese-style melodies with electronic beats, and it's widely considered one of the best soundtracks on the Genesis/Mega Drive.
🕹️ No Saves, No Passwords - Just Skill
The Revenge of Shinobi doesn't include any save or password feature. Players had to complete all eight stages in one sitting, which was typical for its time - and made even tougher by limited continues and challenging bosses. Thankfully, when you play it on this site, you can use save states to pick up right where you left off.
🥷 Four Types of Ninjutsu
Joe Musashi has access to four powerful ninjutsu techniques, each with a different effect:
- Ikazuchi - a lightning shield that absorbs hits
- Karyu - a screen-wide fire attack
- Fushin - increases jump height and mobility
- Mijin - sacrifices a life to deal huge damage
Each one is useful in different situations, and knowing when to use them is a big part of advanced strategy.
🔁 Multiple Game Revisions
SEGA released several different revisions of The Revenge of Shinobi. Some have altered enemy sprites, different boss appearances, and minor balance tweaks. For example, in one version, the Batman-like boss wears pink instead of black. These changes were mostly legal adjustments, but they make comparing versions interesting for collectors and fans.
🏙️ Based on a Real-World Setting
Although stylized, the game's levels are inspired by real-world locations - including modern Japanese cities, forests, ports, and industrial zones. This gave it a grounded feel that stood out from more fantasy-based ninja games at the time.
📀 First in the Genesis Shinobi Trilogy
The Revenge of Shinobi is the first Shinobi game made specifically for the Genesis/Mega Drive and is followed by Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. Each game evolved the mechanics and visuals, but Revenge is often remembered for its balance of challenge and style.
✍️ "Shurikins" - a Classic Typo
If you look closely at the Options screen, you'll notice something odd: the game spells shurikens as "Shurikins". This isn't a forgotten weapon - it's just a typo.
It became one of those charming little errors that fans remember, and it's present in most versions of the game. It's a great example of the kind of localization quirks that were common in early Genesis/Mega Drive titles. Despite the mistake, it's now part of the game's personality - and a bit of trivia fans still point out today.
🎯 How to Survive Your First Playthrough
If you're diving into The Revenge of Shinobi for the first time, you're in for a challenge. This game doesn't hold your hand - it expects precision, patience, and some serious ninja skills. Here's how to improve your chances and make it through the game one level at a time:
🥷 Don't waste your shurikens
Joe starts each life with a limited supply of shurikens - and once you run out, you'll only have your short-range sword. In early levels, it's tempting to throw them at everything that moves, but you'll regret it later when enemies get tougher.
Try to save shurikens for fast or airborne enemies, and use sword attacks whenever enemies are within reach. Jumping attacks are especially useful - they let you stay mobile while dealing damage up close.
⚡ Use your ninjutsu at the right moment
You get one ninjutsu spell per level, and they can save you from disaster. There are four types, but the two most useful early on are:
- Ikazuchi - a lightning shield that lets you take several hits without damage
- Karyu - a massive fire attack that clears the screen of most enemies
New players often hold onto their ninjutsu "just in case", and end up finishing the level without using it at all. Don't be afraid to cast it if you're cornered - it can turn a losing situation into a win.
🧭 Take your time and learn enemy patterns
Enemies in The Revenge of Shinobi don't act randomly. Most have predictable movement and attack patterns - and once you figure them out, they become much easier to deal with.
For example, some enemies wait for you to get close before attacking, while others rush forward or throw projectiles. Observe before you charge in. And don't forget - traps are everywhere. Rushing often leads to surprise deaths.
💾 Use save states to practice tough spots
In the original game, dying meant replaying big chunks from scratch. Thankfully, here on the site, you can use save states to create checkpoints.
Having trouble with a tricky platforming section or boss? Just save before it, and reload if things go south. It's a great way to learn without starting over again and again - and perfect for modern players who want to enjoy the challenge without the frustration.
👊 Boss fights reward patience
Bosses can be intimidating, but most follow simple patterns. The key is to stay calm, observe their movements, and strike only when it's safe.
Don't rush in - most of your damage will come from carefully timed attacks after dodging. Remember you can double-jump to avoid projectiles or position yourself more safely. And if you're really in trouble, don't forget that ninjutsu can give you the edge.
Whether you're returning to The Revenge of Shinobi or trying it for the first time, this game still delivers tight gameplay, great atmosphere, and a real challenge. With cheats, save support, and a few tips under your belt, you've got everything you need to take on Neo Zeed.
Play The Revenge of Shinobi online now and see if you have what it takes to finish Joe Musashi's mission.