Shinobi (2002 video game)

Shinobi
Developer(s)	Overworks (AM7)
Publisher(s)	Sega
Director(s)	Masahiro Kumono Toru Shimizu
Producer(s)	Takashi Uriu
Programmer(s)	Kouichi Nomura
Artist(s)	Makoto Tsuchibayashi
Composer(s)	Yutaka Minobe Teruhiko Nakagawa Tatsuyuki Maeda Masaru Setsumaru Fumie Kumatani
Series	Shinobi
Platform(s)	PlayStation 2
Release	NA: November 12, 2002[1][2] JP: December 5, 2002 PAL: May 15, 2003
Genre(s)	Action-adventure, hack and slash
Mode(s)	Single-player

Shinobi is a 3D action-adventure video game developed by Overworks and published by Sega as part of the Shinobi series. It was released for the PlayStation 2 console on November 12, 2002, in North America; December 5 in Japan; and May 15, 2003, in Europe. The game stars the master ninja Hotsuma, leader of the Oboro clan, who wields Akujiki, a sword that feeds on souls. He can also use ninja magic, shurikens, and special moves. Upon finding a golden castle after an earthquake, Hotsuma makes it his goal to defeat the powerful sorcerer Hiruko, who had summoned hellspawn creatures in Japan to destroy Tokyo. Hotsuma's mission is to stop Hiroko from destroying the world and avenge the death of his clan.

Shinobi was originally planned for the Dreamcast, but due to the discontinuation of the console, the game was moved to the PS2. The game was designed to place emphasis on the action elements of action-adventure gameplay and appeal to the action market. Other gameplay elements resulted from a desire to mix old and new elements. Upon release, Shinobi was generally well received by critics. A comic book adaptation, soundtrack album and a sequel entitled Nightshade were also released.