Shinobi

Shinobi is a side-scrolling platform beat 'em up where you play Joe Musashi, a ninja tasked with rescuing kidnapped children from a crime syndicate. Built for Game Gear in 1991, it's the first Shinobi made specifically for handheld play. Combat mixes melee attacks with ranged weapons—shuriken, grenades, and katana all see use. Levels demand tight platforming: you'll jump between ledges, dodge projectiles, and time strikes against enemy patterns. Stealth plays a minor role; most encounters favor quick reflexes over sneaking. Each stage ends with a boss requiring pattern recognition to beat. The portable format means shorter levels than console Shinobi games, designed for quick sessions. If you want arcade-style ninja action that fits in your pocket, this delivers that without much story padding.