Shinobi on the Master System is one of those games that feels way ahead of its time. You play as Joe Musashi, this badass ninja who’s basically running through enemy bases, throwing shurikens and rescuing hostages. The first level throws you right into it—jumping between platforms, dodging bullets, and figuring out when to go full ninja versus when to play it smart.

What’s wild is how much variety there is for an ‘87 game. One minute you’re doing side-scrolling platforming, the next you’re in this first-person shuriken duel where timing is everything. And yeah, it’s tough—some enemies just love to ambush you mid-jump—but it never feels unfair. If you’ve played Ninja Gaiden later, you’ll notice how much this one set the groundwork.

Also, the music slaps. That synth ninja vibe is weirdly perfect.