Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi

The year is 1997 and humanoid lizard monsters have invaded New York City. Players must free hostages taken by these creatures and save the city in this arcade-style action game. Players control a small ninja who traverses through platform environments and uses a sword, energy blasts, and shurikens (i.e., ninja stars) to defeat enemies—mostly humanoid lizard monsters; occasionally ninjas, samurai, and samurai demons. Enemies burst into green flames when defeated. A few enemies use futuristic (that is, retro) handguns to stop the ninja, resulting in a red "starburst" effect and a life lost. Throughout the game, players will have the company of a loyal canine sidekick that can be sent to bite and immobilize enemies.