Okay, so Alex Kidd in Shinobi World is this weird little Sega Master System gem where Alex—yeah, the guy who usually punches rocks—suddenly becomes a ninja. No explanation, just boom, ninja time. You jump between bamboo platforms, throw shurikens at enemies who absolutely did not get the memo about personal space, and occasionally face these ridiculous bosses that feel like they walked out of an 80s anime.

The controls are stiff in that classic retro way—you’ll miss jumps because Alex doesn’t believe in mid-air adjustments. But once you get the rhythm, there’s something satisfying about nailing a perfect run through a level, dodging kunai and landing on some enemy’s head. Also, the music slaps. Like, unironically good for a game where you’re a child ninja fighting a guy with a fish head.

It’s short, it’s weird, and honestly? I love it for that. Just don’t expect deep lore—this is pure arcade-style chaos with a side of nostalgia.