Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Alex Kidd in Shinobi World delivers a fast-paced platforming experience that blends the signature action of the Shinobi series with Alex Kidd’s lighthearted charm. Each of the four rounds consists of three distinct levels, sending players through office blocks, construction sites, shipyards, and lush jungles. The pacing remains brisk as you leap across moving platforms, dodge enemy attacks, and learn the secret jumping technique detailed in the instruction manual, which quickly becomes essential for tackling some of the game’s trickier sections.

Combat feels satisfying thanks to the variety of weapons hidden inside treasure chests. You can grab spears for ranged attacks or the powerful sword to clear multiple foes at once. For moments when you need a breather, the coveted Tornado icon transforms Alex into a whirling cyclone, sucking in enemies from either direction and adding a playful twist to the run-and-jump formula.

The difficulty curve is well balanced for both series veterans and newcomers. You start with three lives and a three-unit energy bar, though collecting hearts from chests can push your maximum health to six units. Extra lives can be earned by finding the mini-Alex icon, and the game’s checkpoint system prevents frustration by placing you at sensible spots after a game over.

Graphics

Visually, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World embraces a colorful and cartoonish aesthetic that feels at home on the Master System. Character sprites are crisp and expressive, particularly Alex’s ninja form, which sports a newfound fluidity thanks to the smooth animation frames. Environments are richly detailed, with office block windows reflecting neon lights and jungle foliage swaying gently in the background.

Enemies—ranging from standard ninjas to wildlife like snakes and cranes—stand out against the backdrop, making it easy to spot incoming threats. Each stage has its own palette and theme, preventing visual monotony as you progress. The bosses deliver an extra layer of flair; Kabuto’s armored shell gleams ominously, Heli’s rotors cast dynamic shadows, and Robster’s mechanical pincers flicker with menace.

Performance remains rock-solid throughout, even when several sprites occupy the screen. Flicker is minimal, and loading times are virtually nonexistent, which keeps the action rolling. For a late-era Master System release, the game looks and runs remarkably well, making it a showcase for the console’s graphical capabilities.

Story

The narrative premise is delightfully straightforward: the malevolent Dark Ninja, banished 10,000 years ago, has returned to Miracle World and kidnapped Alex’s girlfriend to use her as a sacrificial pawn. In response, a benevolent god merges with Alex, granting him ninja mastery and the determination to rescue his beloved. While the story itself is minimal, it serves as a fun homage to Shinobi’s mystical themes.

Every level feels like part of a bigger odyssey—first you infiltrate urban landscapes, then navigate industrial hazards, before finally venturing into primitive jungles. Along the way, pixelated cutscenes and brief character animations punctuate your progress, adding humor and context without derailing the fast-paced platforming.

The inclusion of remixed tunes from the original Shinobi game cements the mash-up concept, elevating simple fare into something memorable for longtime SEGA fans. Hearing those familiar melodies while bounding through Alex Kidd’s exaggerated world is a clever nod that ties the two franchises together in both spirit and sound.

Overall Experience

Alex Kidd in Shinobi World stands out as one of the most creative crossovers on the Master System, fusing two beloved SEGA icons into a cohesive and entertaining package. Its tight controls, inventive level design, and playful nods to Shinobi make each of the twelve stages feel fresh and rewarding to explore. Secret shortcuts and hidden items encourage repeat playthroughs, while the Tornado power-up injects chaos and excitement when you need it most.

Despite its approachable difficulty, the game still offers a challenge for seasoned players who want to master the secret jump technique and conserve energy for boss encounters. The balance between risk and reward—collecting hearts, weapons, and extra lives—keeps you engaged from start to finish.

For fans of classic platformers and retro SEGA nostalgia alike, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World is a must-play title. Its combination of inventive gameplay mechanics, charming visuals, and iconic music remixes deliver an overall experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Whether you’re revisiting Miracle World or diving in for the first time, this game provides a captivating adventure from beginning to end.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10