The Master System Shinobi is a conversion of Sega's classic ninja-themed side-scrolling action game for their own 8-bit console. This version differs mechanically from the arcade original thanks to the inclusion of a life gauge, the ability to carry more than one Ninjutsu art, and various new powerups. All of these new features were later carried over to the game's own Genesis sequel The Revenge of Shinobi.
Unfortunately...the conversion team forgot to include the ending.
Stage Select#
There are two ways to access the stage select, all on the title screen:
- Hold Down and press 1 or 2.
- Press Down, Down, Left, Right, Up, Up, and then 1 or 2.
After entering either code, select which stage to start at by pressing Up or Down and then 1 or 2 to confirm.
(Source: SMS Power)
Unused Music#
These unused music tracks were published in the 2009 album Legend of Joe Musashi: Shinobi Music Collection (catalog number WM-0626-9). Most of these are renditions of music from the arcade version, with only one exception. The Master System version's soundtrack (including these unused tracks) was composed in two versions: standard PSG renditions, and enhanced renditions that utilize the "FM Sound Unit" peripheral released only in Japan.
Track Title |
PSG rendition |
FM rendition |
Notes |
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BGM 3 |
Background music played in the arcade version during various stages, most notably in Mission 2-1. The arcade version has different background music depending on the stage, but for some reason the Master System version uses the same BGM for every stage (except boss battles). |
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Stage Clear |
The standard stage clear jingle used in the arcade version. The one that's used in the Master System version is only played in the arcade version after defeating a boss. |
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Main BGM 2 |
An alternate rendition of the main theme with a faster tempo. |
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Fanfare |
The only track that isn't a carryover from the arcade version. Perhaps it was intended to be played after defeating the final boss, or for clearing a bonus stage? The tune was later used in Alex Kidd in Shinobi World for the Continue screen. |
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The Shinobi series | |
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Master System |
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Amstrad CPC |
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ZX Spectrum |
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Amiga |
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NES |
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TurboGrafx-16 |
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Genesis |
The Revenge of Shinobi (Prototype) • Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Prototypes) |
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Game Gear |
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Sega Saturn |
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PlayStation 2 |
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Game Boy Advance |
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