Along with the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage and Golden Axe, Shinobi is a franchise that is often considered to be one of those which defined the Mega-Drive console during its reign as industry leader. It would be foolish to suggest that SEGA’s 16-bit wonder offered the diversity and technical complexity of the upper echelons of it’s closest rival’s catalogue, but while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) could boast these advantages the Mega-Drive could do nothing shirt of outsell it at every turn. This lead to some of it’s most popular series’ having three outings before many SNES classics even got a sequel, and Shinobi III: Return of the Master Ninja is one such series to have benefited from the additional popularity of SEGA’s console.
In the 16-bit era, game devs and composers could finally change the type of tones used in the music, simulating a wider array of instruments and creating a whole lot of great soundtracks in the process.
It wasn’t easy picking out the best of the best because there were so many great ones. Even middle-of-the-road soundtracks seemed to deserve a bump if the game was just that damn good, and so many from that era are that damn good!
Here's the Ghetto Gamer list of top 20 soundtracks from the 16-bit era.
Britain’s favourite console is a quarter of a century old, but from Streets Of Rage 2 to Micro Machines, which are its greatest games?
Not too long ago, DATA DISCS released vinyl LPs for various Sega games. Streets of Rage, Shenmue, Shinobi III, and Super Hang-On were all up for grabs in this limited run series of old-school Master System, Genesis and Dreamcast game soundtracks. They quickly sold out but are back in-stock for a very limited time.
Street of Rage 1-3 were the kind of games that cranked out lots of bass. That music was so good back then, it still is, even today. I was lucky enough to own a genesis with the 3.5 jack.
Gateway MT6706 2008
Ah Shinobi, one of my most fav ninja game. Still waiting if Sega will continue Shinobi & Nightshade from PS2. I f*kin loved those games!