SHADOW DANCER

Lurking in the corner, bathed in shadows, was Sega’s Shinobi, and it was the breakout hit of the year, instigating a franchise that continues to enthral fans today. Shinobi introduced the world to the masked hero Joe Musashi, legendary ninja and teacher, on his mission to stop the terrorist organisation Zeed. The success of the game ensured multiple appearances on home computers and consoles, plus the inevitable continuation of the series in arcades. Yet while 1989’s Shadow Dancer is the true sequel to Shinobi, the game strangely diverts away from its predecessor in terms of storyline. Starring an unnamed ninja and his