+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
                              | S H I N O B I |
                              +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

              GAME:  SHINOBI
          PLATFORM:  ARCADE
             GENRE:  ARCADE ACTION
           CREATOR:  SEGA Copyright 1987
AUTHOR OF THIS FAQ:  Kevin Butler AKA War Doc
            E-MAIL:  kevinb(at)technologist(dot)com
       FAQ VERSION:  1.0

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

    UNIT   I:  INTRODUCTION

1.  Legal Stuff
2.  Version Information
3.  Acknowledgements
4.  Welcome
5.  Overview

    UNIT  II:  GAME INFORMATION

6.  The Game

    6.1  The Controls and Moves
    6.2  The Playing Field
    6.3  Scoring

    UNIT III:  STRATEGIES

7.  Playing the Game

    7.1  Mission 1:  Pursue the Terrorists
    7.2  Mission 2:  Enter the Enemy's Hide Out
    7.3  Mission 3:  Attack the Logistic Base
    7.4  Mission 4:  Destroy the Enemy Ninja Group
    7.5  Mission 5:  Defeat the Behind-the-Scenes Ninja

    UNIT  IV:  CONCLUSION

8.  Conclusion

_______________________________________________________________________________

To find a particular chapter or subchapter do the following:

1.  Highlight the chapter or subchapter name you wish to find.
2.  Press CTRL-C
3.  Press CTRL-F
4.  Press CTRL-V
5.  Press CTRL-F
5.  You will arrive at the desired chapter or subchapter.

_______________________________________________________________________________

                                **************
********************************* U N I T  I **********************************
                                **************
+=================+
| 1.  LEGAL STUFF |============================================================
+=================+

This guide may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal
private use.  It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advanced permission from the author.  Use of this guide on
any other web site or as part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and
a violation of copyright.  All content in this guide is Copyright 2005 by
Kevin Butler.  Only the sites listed below have permission to publish this
work or to display it:

www.gamefaqs.com
www.cheats.de
faqs.ign.com
www.neoseeker.com
www.wonderdogsoftware.com

If you wish to put this guide on your site, e-mail me and ask.  Save yourself
the headache of putting up with lawsuits and whatnot because you failed to ask
a simple "Can I post your guide on <insert site>?".  If you wish to use info
in this guide, please acknowledge that you have done so.  If I don't respond or
I say no, accept it as fact.  This especially goes out to Dave at
www.cheatcc.com since he has a habit of taking guides without permission.  In
addition, do not modify this guide in any way whatsoever to suit your purposes.
The latest version can always be found at www.gamefaqs.com.

If you see this guide on any other site then the one listed above, please
e-mail me.  If you wish to ask questions or give input to this guide, please
e-mail me.  Just have Shinobi as the subject so I know it isn't another kooky
vendor trying to sell me hair gel or another XXX site telling me I have new
friends.

+=========================+
| 2.  VERSION INFORMATION |====================================================
+=========================+

Version 1.0    1/ 5/05:  A guide is born.

+======================+
| 3.  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS |=======================================================
+======================+

The following are a list of people or organizations that have made this FAQ
possible:

My wonderful family (who has had to put up with the tapping on the keyboard)
Sega for making a great arcade game
GameFAQ's for putting up this FAQ

+=============+
| 4.  WELCOME |================================================================
+=============+

Welcome to my FAQ for Shinobi.  Since the game is just a linear type of
game, there is a general walkthrough provided.  This walkthrough will be broken
up into the game itself and strategies for survival.  Input is appreciated
along with constructive criticism.  If you wish to e-mail me thoughts on this
FAQ, better ways of doing things, other strategies, etc., feel free.  Make sure
you put Shinobi as the subject.  If you don't, I'm liable to discard the e-mail
as spam.

+==============+
| 5.  OVERVIEW |===============================================================
+==============+

Sega was in the amusement/entertainment field for a long time before this game
came out.  They made a few arcade games in the 70's but these were overshadowed
by games made by companies such as Taito, Atari, and Midway.  Sega, though,
came roaring onto the scene in the early 80's.  One of their first big
successes was Star Trek.  A game that featured colored vectors and pseudo-3D
graphics.  This started a chain of other games such as Buck Rogers, Pengo, and
Tac/Scan to name a few.  The game that put them on the map, though, was Zaxxon.
Using this as a springboard, Sega had other successes such as Hang On and After
Burner.  Then Shinobi was released.  It became one of the most successful games
to be released both in terms of arcade and also home systems.  Shinobi has not
only graced such home consoles as the Genesis and SNES, it also has launched a
series of sequels with the latest being released in 2002.  This is not only an
indication of its popularity, but also of its staying power.  The challenge is
"simple".  You must make it through five missions to battle the master ninja.
Of course, this wouldn't be a challenge unless you had to fight a lot of
enemies along the way.  Good luck in making it to the ninja running the show.

                               ***************
******************************** U N I T  II **********************************
                               ***************

+==============+ 
| 6.  THE GAME |===============================================================
+==============+ 

Shinobi is a two-dimensional, platform style game.  You play the character Joe
Musashi, a master ninja.  Joe must penetrate the syndicate that seems to have
kidnapped some children.  Of course, this won't be easy since everybody will be
gunning for Joe.  He must travel through five missions before he has a chance
to meet up with the individual responsible for causing all these problems.
Starting out only with his ninja weapons and a single-use magic spell per
level, Joe must navigate these hazards to rescue the children and take down the
bosses of each level.  The action is fast paced and the moment that you let
your guard down, Joe will just be another dead ninja who failed in his mission.
So go forth and bring honor to the discipline known as Ninjutsu.

 ______________________________
/ 6.1  The Controls and Moves /________________________________________________
------------------------------

The controls on this game are pretty complicated.  They will require practice
in order to become proficient with them.

-  An eight-way joystick

-  An attack button

-  A jump button

-  A ninja magic button

Some moves will depend on whether an opponent is close or far away from Joe.
This will be reflected below:

+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| DESIRED MOVE/ATTACK ||                  CONTROLS REQUIRED                |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| JUMP STRAIGHT UP    || PUSH JOYSTICK UP AND PRESS JUMP AT THE SAME TIME. |
|                     || IF YOU ARE BELOW A PLATFORM, THIS WILL ENABLE YOU |
|                     || TO JUMP UP TO IT.  IT ALSO ALLOWS YOU TO JUMP     |
|                     || OVER FENCES                                       |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| CROUCH              || PUSH JOYSTICK DOWN                                |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| DIAGONAL JUMP       || PUSH JOYSTICK RIGHT OR LEFT AND PRESS JUMP AT THE |
|                     || SAME TIME                                         |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| CROUCH              || PUSH JOYSTICK DOWN                                |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| JUMP DOWN           || PUSH JOYSTICK DOWN AND PRESS JUMP AT THE SAME     |
|                     || TIME TO GO TO A LOWER PLATFORM                    |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| STANDING ATTACK     || PRESS ATTACK BUTTON.  IF ENEMY IS NEXT TO JOE, HE |
|                     || WILL PUNCH OTHERWISE HE WILL USE A SHURIKEN OR    |
|                     || PISTOL                                            |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| CROUCH ATTACK       || PUSH JOYSTICK DOWN AND PRESS ATTACK.  IF ENEMY IS |
|                     || NEXT TO JOE, HE WILL DO A SWEEP OTHERWISE HE WILL |
|                     || USE A SHURIKEN OR PISTOL                          |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| SWORD ATTACK        || HOLD UP ON THE JOYSTICK (PRESS LEFT OR RIGHT ON   |
|                     || JOYSTICK FIRST FOR DIRECTION) AND PRESS ATTACK TO |
|                     || USE JOE'S NINJA-TO SWORD FOR A NEAR ENEMY OTHER-  |
|                     || WISE HE WILL ATTACK WITH A SHURIKEN OR PISTOL     |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+
| NINJA MAGIC         || PRESS THE MAGIC BUTTON                            |
+---------------------++---------------------------------------------------+

 _________________________
/ 6.2  The Playing Field /_____________________________________________________
-------------------------

Shinobi involves going through different areas as you quest to get to the
Masked Ninja.  The basic screen, though, remains the same.  It is just whatever
area that you are in that is different.  I have included an example of what the
playing screen looks like:

    +-------------------------------------------------------------------+
    | 1P SCORE                     HI                          2P SCORE |
    |                        BOSS POWER (OUT OF EIGHT HITS)             |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |           ( )<-JOE                   ( )<-ENEMY                   |
    |            |                        \ |                           |
    |            //                        \|                           |
    |------------|--------------------------|---------------------------|
    |           / \                        / \                          |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    |                                                                   |
    | SAVE #### <-HOSTAGE LEFT TO SAVE     [ ]      #:## <-TIMER        |
    |                                       ^                           |
    |                                       |                           |
    |                               CURRENT NINJA MAGIC                 |
    +-------------------------------------------------------------------+

You control your character through the different screens.

 _______________
/ 6.3  Scoring /_______________________________________________________________
---------------

Scoring in this game is very easy.  Each enemy is worth 100 points with the
exception of the Purple Guard and the Sword Throwing Guard which are worth 500
points.  The bosses are 5,000 points apiece.  NOTE:  The Purple Guards and
Sword Throwing Guards are the ones that guard the hostages.

In addition to getting points from killing enemies, you can also score points
for time left on the clock after you complete a level.  You get 30
points/second of remaining time.

You can also receive special bonuses at the end of each level for certain
actions:

If you don't use your ninja magic, you get a 5,000 point bonus
If you only use your Ninja-to sword (no Shurikens or gunfire), you get a 20,000
point bonus.

You start the game with 2, 3, or 5 men.  You can continue the game (up to
Mission 5) for additional money.  The only way to gain additional men is to
beat the Challenge Level.

Also, the game setting will determine how many enemies you encounter.  These
settings are Easy, Normal, Hard, and Hardest.

                               ****************
******************************** U N I T  III *********************************
                               ****************

+======================+
| 7.  PLAYING THE GAME |=======================================================
+======================+

You will start the game at Mission 1 (unless you are continuing).  You will
have all things you need to get through each mission (and subsequent levels).
You will have three minutes to complete each level.  This means you must rescue
all hostages to exit a level.  If you are killed, all hostages rescued will
still be recorded as rescued.  In addition to melee attacks, you will also be
able to use a specific ninja magic attack once per level.  These magical
attacks kill everything that is on the screen.  The ninja magic attacks are
(these numbers will also be used in the walkthrough):

1.  Multiple-Attack Magic:  Allows you to gain lightning-fast speed to attack
                            up to twelve times at once.

2.  Tornado Magic        :  Brings about a magical tornado to whisk your
                            enemies away.

3.  Lightning Magic      :  Causes the air to crackle with electricity and
                            smite your enemies.

Some general guidelines:

-  Joe is basically a one-hit, one-kill sort of character.  This means you must
   avoid any and all attacks aimed at him or it is an instant kill.

-  Use your superior dexterity to avoid enemies when you can.  As you get
   better at moving around, you won't have to use your distance weapons and you
   can gain the 20,000 point bonus.  This also applies to the use of ninja
   magic.

-  Many of the enemies in the later missions and levels (or if the machine is
   set at its hardest setting, the beginning levels) will swarm poor Joe.
   Learn to attack quickly and jump out of harms way.

-  Your main goal is to rescue all the hostages to exit the level.  Although
   three minutes is a generous amount of time, if you dally too long with the
   enemies, your time will run out quickly.  So make sure you have a plan to go
   quickly through a level (safely not recklessly).

-  Get good at the Challenge Levels since this is the only way to gain free
   men.  The Challenge levels will require you to take out about 30 ninjas
   trying to get to your position.  There is no real hard and fast strategy
   other then take them down before they reach the second platform.  Challenge
   Levels occur at the end of every mission.

-  Ninja magic is a great thing.  You must remember, though, that you can only
   use it once per level.  This usually means (since the magic kills everything
   on the screen) that you should only use it when you are totally surrounded
   by enemies.

-  All bosses take eight hits to defeat.  Of course, you will have to hit them
   in the right place for that hit to register.

 _________________________________________
/ 7.1  Mission 1:  Pursue the Terrorists /_____________________________________
-----------------------------------------

This is File Number 4162:  Ken Oh.  You will be going through the back part of
a town to meet the first boss.  Usual enemies are punk rocker types, knife and
pistol guys, and blue ninjas (at the end of each level.

+----------------+
| 7.1.1  Level 1 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  4
Ninja Magic Type:  1

Joe will start off on the back streets which are littered with crates and other
objects.

-  The first hostage is guarded by one of the Purple Guards.  Take care of all
   opponents in your path and eliminate him to rescue the hostage.

-  Continue along and on the other side of some crates is another hostage
   guarded by a Purple Guard.  Take out the guard and grab the hostage.  You
   are rewarded with a pistol.

-  Jump up to the next level and be careful.  This hostage is being guarded by
   Sword Throwing Guard.  His sword acts like a boomerang so stay clear.  It's
   best to duck and attack.  Get the hostage.

-  Jump down and continue along the path.  Use the crates for cover and hit and
   run.  The last hostage is on top of the wall.  Jump up and eliminate the
   Sword Throwing Guard to get the hostage and earn your release from this
   level.

-  Watch out for the boss Ken Oh who like to shoot a fireball as he retreats
   when you approach the exit.

+----------------+
| 7.1.2  Level 2 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  3
Ninja Magic Type:  2

Also known as the "Marilyn Monroe" level since her picture is plastered on all
the walls.

-  The first hostage is guarded by a Sword Throwing Guard.  Quickly take out
   the lesser enemies to eliminate this guard.  Jump over the crate to rescue
   the hostage and collect the pistol.

-  Continue along the path using the crates for cover.  The second hostage is
   also guarded by a Sword Throwing Guard.  Clear him out and get the hostage.
   Watch for the ninjas on the walls.

-  The third hostage is on top of a stack of crates.  You will have to be
   careful climbing up since a lot of enemies will attack from both sides.
   Clear them out and take out the Purple Guard to free the hostage.

-  Again, watch out for the boss and his fireball as he retreats.  Exit the
   level.

+----------------+
| 7.1.3  Level 3 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  0 (BOSS BATTLE)
Ninja Magic Type:  1

Ken Oh isn't really a tough boss.  Either use a combination of your ninja magic
and attacks or just straight attacks to defeat him.  The best way is to jump
up.  As you are falling, fire at him to hit his head.  Just watch out for the
fireballs he throws at Joe.

 ______________________________________________
/ 7.2  Mission 2:  Enter the Enemy's Hide Out /________________________________
----------------------------------------------

This is File Number 4529:  Black Turtle.  Looks like you get to go through the
docks and other points beyond and get to where the enemy is hanging out.  Of
course, Joe will be not only assailed by the usual group of enemies, but he
will also have to deal with green and red ninjas as well.

+----------------+
| 7.2.1  Level 1 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  6
Ninja Magic Type:  3

This is one of the longer levels.  Joe will have move around the concrete
structures of the docks to avoid enemies and rescue hostages.

-  The first hostage is guarded by a Purple Guard.  Take care of anyone
   blocking his path and rescue said hostage.

-  Continue to move to the right until you see an opening in the fence.  Go
   through it to rescue the next hostage from the Sword Throwing Guard.  Go to
   the end of the path on the other side of the fence to rescue the third
   hostage from another Sword Throwing Guard.

-  Backtrack to where the outside wall is almost even with the top of the
   fence.  Jump over and continue to the right.  Take out the Sword Throwing
   guard and grab the hostage.  You will be rewarded with the pistol.

-  Keep going up and down the concrete steps and terraces to get the fifth
   hostage.  Eliminate the Purple Guard and rescue him.

-  Keep moving right and take out the Sword Throwing Guard to pick up the sixth
   hostage.  Be prepared for a ninja onslaught near the exit.

+----------------+
| 7.2.2  Level 2 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  6
Ninja Magic Type:  1

You will have to do some quick climbing up a series of platforms in this level.
In addition, there are various crates and other obstacles to navigate around as
you move through the interior of the ship.

-  The first hostage is guarded by a Purple Guard, eliminate him and get the
   hostage.  Be prepared to go to the next level.

-  Go up and head left.  Take care of the enemy ninjas and take out the Sword
   Throwing Guard to rescue the second hostage.  At the end of this level,
   climb and go to the next level.

-  Head right and you will deal with more enemy ninjas.  Take out another Sword
   Throwing Guard to set the hostage free.  Go to where the crates are stacked
   up and to up to the next level.

-  Go left again doing the usual enemy clean-up and take out the Sword Throwing
   Guard to collect the hostage and a pistol.  Take out the next Purple Guard
   to get the hostage.  Go two-thirds of the way to the left and climb up to
   the next level.

-  Take out the Sword Throwing Guard to rescue the hostage and then exit the
   level.

+----------------+
| 7.2.3  Level 3 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  2
Ninja Magic Type:  2

This level is going to make you do a lot of jumping.  You are on a pier and you
will be jumping from piling to piling.  Of course, those scuba ninjas just make
things harder.

-  The basic premise of this level is to jump from piling to piling.  At the
   same time, you will have to take care of the scuba ninjas that are attacking
   Joe.

-  If you fall in the water, immediately jump back onto the shortest piling.
   If you don't, one of the scuba ninjas can attack you from below.

-  Continue heading to the right until you encounter both a Purple Guard and
   Sword Throwing Guard.  Take them both down to get the hostages.  You will
   get a pistol for your effort.  Then exit the level.

+----------------+
| 7.2.4  Level 4 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  0 (BOSS BATTLE)
Ninja Magic Type:  1

You learn very quickly that the Black Turtle is actually an attack helicopter.
The battle isn't too difficult if you can concentrate on more then one thing
happening.

-  The chopper will come in low.  Try to get off a couple of quick shots
   because yellow ninjas will start to jump out of the chopper to make Joe's
   life miserable.

-  Eliminate this wave of ninjas and take a couple more shots at the chopper.
   Continue this pattern until the helicopter goes down in a ball of flame.

 ____________________________________________
/ 7.3  Mission 3:  Attack the Logistic Base /__________________________________
--------------------------------------------

This is File Number 4463:  Mandara.  The logistic base is buried out in the
middle of the mountains.  You will have to go through some pretty treacherous
areas to make it to the boss running this area.  It is here that you will be
introduced to the bazooka guy.

NOTE:  If you crowd the bazooka guy against the wall and push him five to six
times, all bazooka guys (including the one you pushed) will not fire for the
remainder of that level.

+----------------+
| 7.3.1  Level 1 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  5
Ninja Magic Type:  2

You get to go through the countryside on this part of your journey.  There are
a lot of bottomless pits along the way so watch your step.

-  Take out the Sword Throwing Guard to rescue the first hostage.  Continue
   moving to your right taking care of the enemies.

-  Eliminate the bazooka guy and Sword Throwing Guard to rescue the second
   hostage and collect the pistol.  Climb up to the next level.

-  Take out the enemies that attack then clear out another Sword Throwing Guard
   and collect the hostage.  Go along this upper path until you see another
   hostage on a small platform below.

-  Drop down and take out the Purple Guard and get the hostage.  Be careful
   since there are pits on either side.

-  Go back up and go to the rock wall.  Jump down to take out the Sword
   Throwing Guard to liberate the last hostage.  Be prepared for a major ninja
   attack in front of the exit.

+----------------+
| 7.3.2  Level 2 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  6
Ninja Magic Type:  3

You get to go through a cave system on this level.  This will involve you going
down a series of pipes and paths.  Of course, the enemies make this an even
bigger challenge.

-  Eliminate the Sword Throwing Guard and get the hostage.  Continue to the end
   and go down then head left.

-  Take out another Sword Throwing Guard and get another hostage.  Continue
   going left and drop down a level.

-  When you see the Sword Throwing Guard, duck and attack.  Go over to collect
   the hostage and get the gun.  Continue going right and drop down to the next
   level.

-  On the flat area, take out the Purple Guard and get the hostage.  Finish
   going right and go down another level.

-  Keep moving to the left.  This time, the hostage is guarded by a bazooka guy
   and ninja.  Clear them both out to free the hostage.  Drop down to the last
   level.

-  Continue moving along and take on the Sword Throwing Guard to liberate the
   hostage and exit this level.

+----------------+
| 7.3.3  Level 3 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  3
Ninja Magic Type:  1

You will go through another underground passage.

-  Move right and kill the Sword Throwing Guard and free the hostage.

-  Keeping moving right and eliminate all the enemies in your path.  Take on
   the Sword Throwing Guard to let the second hostage loose.

-  You will have to jump behind the fence for the third hostage.  Take out the
   Sword Throwing Guard, release the hostage, and jump back to the other side
   again.  Exit the level.

+----------------+
| 7.3.4  Level 4 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  0 (BOSS BATTLE)
Ninja Magic Type:  1

This boss battle puts you against a couple of obstacles.  First, you must blast
your way through the rotating Buddahs.  These constantly replenish so you have
to be quick about it.  Then you must eliminate the boss who glides up and down
the wall.  Just watch out for the bosses fireballs and hit him in the gem
located in his forehead.

ALTERNATE METHOD:

Shoot at the Buddahs until they are almost on top of Joe.  Use your magic while
rapidly tapping the right, jump, and fire buttons.  Joe will bounce amongst the
Buddahs even when the magic has ended if you keep tapping the above buttons
until you are released on the other side.

 _________________________________________________
/ 7.4  Mission 4:  Destroy the Enemy Ninja Group /_____________________________
-------------------------------------------------

This is File Number 4629:  Lobster.  Looks like you have stirred up a hornets
nest.  All of the enemy ninjas are bent on Joe's elimination.  You will be
going through some pretty rough wilderness and through some dilapidated
buildings as you quest to take out all of these ninjas.

+----------------+
| 7.4.1  Level 1 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  5
Ninja Magic Type:  2

Ahh the wilderness.  It would be much nicer looking if you didn't have to deal
with all of these enemies.  This is a relatively short and straight level.  You
only have to get through all of the ninjas.  All guards on this level are Sword
Throwing Guards.

-  Head out and take out the first guard to free the hostage.  Continue to move
   over the obstacles and be very wary of ninjas coming from both directions.

-  Keep going to take out the next guard to liberate the hostage.  Continue to
   follow the strategies in the first bulleted statement.

-  Eliminate the third, fourth, and fifth guards.  The third hostage will give
   Joe a pistol.

-  After taking care of business, exit this level.

+----------------+
| 7.4.2  Level 2 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  4
Ninja Magic Type:  1

You enter a cave with red walls.  There are a couple of pits to watch out for.

-  Eliminate the Purple Guard and get the hostage.  Continue up the incline.
   Carefully go down the other side since there is a pit at the bottom.

-  Jump over the pit and climb back up to take out another Purple Guard and get
   another hostage.

-  Jump over the series of pillars.  When you see the Sword Throwing Guard,
   duck and attack.  Go over to collect the hostage and get the gun.

-  Jump over another series of pillars.  On the flat area, take out the Purple
   Guard and get the hostage.

-  Keep moving to the right.  This time, the hostage is guarded by a bazooka
   guy and ninja.  Clear them both out to free the hostage.

-  Continue moving along and take on the Sword Throwing Guard to liberate the
   hostage and exit this level.

+----------------+
| 7.4.3  Level 3 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  6
Ninja Magic Type:  3

The same as level two but this is a blue-walled cave.  You will also be jumping
from pillar to pillar since this cave is loaded with pits.

-  The general pattern of this level is to jump to two or three pillars then
   take on one of the guards to free a hostage.  The Sword Throwing Guards
   guard hostages one, three, four, five and six while the Purple Guard guards
   number one.  You get the pistol from hostage number three.

-  After you have cleared all the hostages, exit the level.

+----------------+
| 7.4.4  Level 4 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  0 (BOSS BATTLE)
Ninja Magic Type:  1

You get to battle Lobster for the end of this mission.  Use the same tactics
you used on Ken Oh to take him down.  Instead of fireballs, avoid the sword he
uses with deadly efficiency.

 ______________________________________________________
/ 7.5  Mission 5:  Defeat the Behind-the-Scenes Ninja /________________________
------------------------------------------------------

This is File Number 4663:  Masked Ninja.  This is the moment you have been
waiting for.  It's now time to take on the ninja directly responsible for all
the trouble that's going on.

+----------------+
| 7.5.1  Level 1 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  5
Ninja Magic Type:  1

You start this journey down a walled path.  There are pits everywhere so watch
your step.  In addition, you will have to battle your way not only through the
usual thugs, but now you even have to deal with undead ninjas.

-  Move to the right and be ready for attacks from all sides.  Jump up and take
   on the Purple Guard to release the first hostage.

-  Continue along the top of the wall until you see the second and third
   hostages.  They are surrounded by a pit on either side and are guarded by
   Sword Throwing Guards.  Liberate them by taking out the guards.

-  Go back up on the wall and release the fourth, who gives Joe a gun, and
   fifth hostages from the Purple and Sword Throwing Guards.

-  Jump down to release the last hostage from the Sword Throwing Guard and exit
   the level.

+----------------+
| 7.5.2  Level 2 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  4
Ninja Magic Type:  3

You will now go through the forest on this journey.  No new enemies but expect
to be swarmed constantly.

-  Clear out the first Sword Throwing Guard to release the hostage.  Expect to
   be swarmed by blue and undead ninjas.

-  Continue moving over the statues and clear out the two Purple Guards to
   release the second and third, who yields a gun, hostages.

-  Jump up on the rocky porch to clear out the Sword Throwing Guard and head
   into the exit.

+----------------+
| 7.5.3  Level 3 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  5
Ninja Magic Type:  2

Well, you made it to the ninjas house.  Of course, it won't be an easy journey
through.  You now get to deal with pole guys who wield some pretty mean bamboo
poles.

-  You will be basically going up and down a whole lot as you go through the
   house.  The first hostage is located in a lower level room.  Take out the
   Purple Guard to release the hostage and collect the gun.

-  Go over two rooms to the next lower level room to liberate the next hostage.
   Clear out the Sword Throwing Guard to accomplish this.

-  The third hostage is being guarded by a Sword Throwing Guard and they are on
   the upper level two more rooms to the right of the second hostage.

-  Two more rooms over on the upper level is the fourth hostage.  Kill the
   Sword Throwing Guard to liberate them.

-  The last hostage is in the room directly below where you liberated the
   fourth hostage.  After you take out the Sword Throwing Guard, release the
   hostage and exit the house.

+----------------+
| 7.5.4  Level 4 |
+----------------+

Hostages        :  0 (BOSS BATTLE)
Ninja Magic Type:  1

This is for all the marbles.  You get to take on the Masked Ninja.  Of course,
he isn't as willing to submit to Joe so be prepared for a long battle.

-  Before you even get to touch the Masked Ninja, you must first defeat him as
   he utilizes the three ninja magics.  He will start with magic number one
   and work up to number three.  As you defeat his magic, he will use the next
   magic.

-  Once you have chopped him down, you can start tearing into him.  Of course,
   the Masked Ninja is no slouch so you had better keep moving and plan your
   shots well.  All parts of the Masked Ninja's body will record hits, it's
   just a matter of getting them in.

-  The best tactic is to hit and run.  Basically try to hit him.  If he
   charges, get in a quick shot.  If he retreats, back away to give yourself
   even more room to set him up for the attack.

-  Once you have taken care of the Masked Ninja, the game will give an
   explanation of what was going on.  The credits will roll and the game is
   over.

                               ****************
********************************  U N I T  IV *********************************
                               ****************

+================+
| 8.  CONCLUSION |=============================================================
+================+

Fighting games weren't exactly my style but Shinobi had a certain appeal to it.
Although light on tactics, it required a player to have lightening fast
reflexes.  If you weren't quick with the joystick or the buttons, you might as
well hang it up.  Although at the time it didn't seem too popular when it first
arrived.  It seemed to gain popularity, though, the longer it stayed.  It was a
good test to see who could be the fastest to survive and make it to the end.
The game was a lot of fun and many a quarter got "wasted" playing it.  Un-
fortunately, it is very rare to find this machine anywhere.  However, through
the miracle of emulation, a whole new generation is realizing what we "old"
folks enjoyed those many years ago.  In addition, www.shockwave.com is
bringing many of these classic games back.  Check out their site to see what
ones are there.  I hope this guide helps you in being able to get the most
amount of gameplay for this game.  If you do have other ideas or thoughts,
please e-mail me and share them.  Who knows, maybe I'll start a Q&A Chapter in
this guide if enough people ask the same questions.  Anyway, thank you again
for reading this guide.

To see other FAQ's I have written please go to:

           http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/recognition/32691.html

           ~~~  No trees were harmed in the making of this FAQ ~~~