# Ninja Gaiden Shadow (Game Boy) Introduction ## Overview *Ninja Gaiden Shadow*, released in December 1991 in Japan as *Ninja Ryūkenden GB: Matenrō Kessen* and in North America by Tecmo, is a 2D action-platformer for the Game Boy, developed by Natsume. A prequel to the NES *Ninja Gaiden* trilogy, set in a retro-futuristic 1985, Ryu Hayabusa battles Emperor Garuda, a servant of Jaquio, who seizes New York City with minions like the cyborg Spider, kickboxer Gregory, and Colonel Allen. Originally a planned Game Boy port of *Shadow of the Ninja*, it was rebranded as a *Ninja Gaiden* title (*Web:0,1,3*). Known for its tight controls and portable action (*GameFAQs*), it was criticized for its short length (2 hours) and simplified mechanics (*Web:9*). ## Why Play Ninja Gaiden Shadow? *Ninja Gaiden Shadow* offers fast-paced Game Boy action across five stages. Players control Ryu Hayabusa, using sword slashes (A), flip-jumps (B), Fire Wheel attacks (Up+A, up to five uses), and a unique grappling hook (Up+B) to navigate skyscrapers and factories. Ryu hangs onto railings, attacking while suspended, but lacks NES wall-climbing. The game spans 1-2 hours, with levels lasting 3-5 minutes. Its monochrome visuals, catchy music by Hiroyuki Iwatsuki (*Web:22*), and challenging bosses appeal to *Ninja Gaiden Trilogy* and *Spider-Man: Battle for New York* fans, distinct from *Dragon Warrior Monsters*’ RPG or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG. ## Key Features - Slash through five stages in a 1-2 hour adventure - 2D platformer with grappling hook and Fire Wheel attacks - Battle Emperor Garuda and minions like Spider and Gregory - Hang onto railings for unique combat and movement - Classic Game Boy visuals and upbeat soundtrack - Authentic portable action on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Game Boy vs. Other Versions - **Game Boy (1991/1992)**: 2D platformer, simplified mechanics, grappling hook. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (1995, SNES)**: *Shadow* is shorter, monochrome; *Trilogy* is 16-bit, three games. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden (1988, Arcade)**: *Shadow* is a platformer; Arcade is a beat ‘em up. - **Compared to Spider-Man: Battle for New York (2006, GBA)**: *Shadow* is ninja-themed, 8-bit; *Spider-Man* is superhero, 16-bit. - **Compared to Dragon Warrior Monsters (1998, GBC)**: Action vs. monster-collecting RPG. - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan)**: Platformer vs. tactical RPG. - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: Action vs. racing. - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Ninja vs. soccer RPG. - **Re-releases**: None; Game Boy exclusive. ## Play Ninja Gaiden Shadow Online Play *Ninja Gaiden Shadow* (1991, Game Boy) instantly on Classic Joy Games with Game Boy emulators. Also available on retro gaming platforms with 4.3/5 ratings from 30 votes (*Web:4*). Physical copies cost $20-$60 (cart) or $80-$150 (CIB) (*Web:18*). Use VisualBoyAdvance or MyBoy!. Strategy: Use grappling hook for Spider; save Fire Wheels for Garuda. Cheat: At title screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, Select, Start for five lives. Note: Play on original Game Boy settings to avoid slowdown on GBA (*Web:9*). Join Classic Joy Games and defeat Garuda now!