Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn: ININ Games Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Insights Ahead of Nintendo Switch Launch

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn: ININ Games Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Insights Ahead of Nintendo Switch Launch As the gaming world anticipates the arrival of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, publisher ININ Games has provided an exclusive, in-depth look at the development journey behind this highly awaited remake.

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn reimagines Natsume’s beloved 1990 NES action platformer, bringing its classic side-scrolling gameplay to a modern audience with a fresh 16-bit-inspired visual style.

Scheduled for release on August 29, 2024, across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the remake promises to rekindle the excitement of both longtime fans and newcomers alike. ININ Games has produced a 13-minute mini-documentary that spotlights the rich history of Shadow of the Ninja—originally released as Blue Shadow in Europe and KAGE in Japan—and details the meticulous process behind its modern adaptation.

The video features candid insights from original developers, now known collectively as Tengo Project, a studio celebrated for their work on acclaimed remakes such as Wild Guns Reloaded, The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors, and Pocky & Rocky: Reshrined. Among the developers sharing their experiences are senior chief engineer Toshiyasu Miyabe, planner and artist Shunichi Taniguchi, and composer/programmer Hiroyuki Iwatsuki.

The trio reflects on their early work with KAGE and describes their return to this NES title 35 years later as a dream realized.

"Looking back, it truly feels as if a long-held aspiration has been fulfilled," they express in the documentary, capturing the enthusiasm and nostalgia driving the project. The documentary also includes Dennis Mendel, business development head at ININ Games, who discusses the partnership with Tengo Project and highlights the creative collaboration that made this reimagining possible.

Composer Iku Mizutani's contributions are also acknowledged, underscoring the attention to authenticity in recreating the game’s distinctive audio design. Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is set in a dystopian 2029 and brings back the original’s fast-paced cooperative action, updated for today’s gaming platforms.

The Nintendo Switch version, alongside other platforms, will deliver both a faithful homage and a revitalized experience for today’s audience.

ININ Games and Tengo Project’s dedication has ensured that this classic NES title continues to inspire and entertain a new generation of players. With the release just around the corner, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn stands poised to claim its place among the best modern video game remakes.

Keep an eye out for further reviews and feature coverage as the game launches on August 29, 2024, on Nintendo Switch and other platforms.

Nintendo NES Switch Xbox Series X|S ININ Games Natsume Tengo Project Shadow Nintendo Switch