Shadow Dancer is one of those Genesis games that makes you feel like a total ninja—right up until you get wrecked by some random enemy you didn’t see coming. You’ve got your shurikens, your sword slashes, and this surprisingly useful attack dog that chomps enemies if you time it right. The first level tricks you into thinking it’s just another side-scroller, but then you realize you actually need to watch patrol patterns and pick your moments instead of just mashing buttons.

The stealth bits are simple—hide behind objects, wait for guards to turn their backs—but they add this nice tension between the frantic sword fights. And yeah, it’s tough. Like, "throw-your-controller" tough in spots, especially when enemies swarm you from both sides. But nailing a perfect run where you clear a stage without taking a hit? That’s the good stuff.

It’s not Shinobi-level polished, but there’s something raw and satisfying about how it plays. The music’s got that classic Sega bassline thump too. Just don’t blame me when the boss fights make you question your life choices.