Also known as “The G.G. Shinobi“, this was the first Shinobi game released for a handheld console, initially coming out in 1991.
The game’s mechanics are based loosely on those seen in The Revenge of Shinobi, but its associated storyline is new and separate from other instalments. In this one, you still play as modern ninja, Joe Musashi, whose goal is to rescue kidnapped allies over four different levels. There’s a fifth level (Neo City), that only becomes available after completing the previous four.
One really cool feature of Shinobi on the Game Gear is that you can play as any of the ninja you have previously rescued. Pressing Start brings up a menu, from where you can choose between the different characters. Each has their own unique colour and attack style.
Shinobi on the Game Gear is known for its high level of difficulty, and as such the game can be very frustrating at times. It’s still very well-made, and is playable enough, but is probably best played with quicksaves (and maybe even with cheats enabled). Otherwise, you might find yourself foaming at the mouth due to frustration.
A second Shinobi game – called Shinobi II: The Silent Fury – was released for the Game Gear in 1992.
More: The G.G. Shinobi on Wikipedia
The King of Grabs 
Back in the 90’s, nobody has a GameGear on our hometown, so I never paid attention to it. Later, with emulation, the same thing. GameGear and GameBoy never got my attention.
But few months back I decided to add a “selection” of GameGear and GameBoy games to my setup and man — a lot of GREAT titles! The Shinobis and Ninja Gaidens included!
(But I play in the television, scanlines e huuuge pixels, ha ha!)
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I bought an original Game Boy in 1989 – which served me well all through university. I couldn’t afford many games for it, but loved Tetris (of course), and the JRPG Final Fantasy Legend, which I played to death over the space of a year. I loved the original Game Boy, but never owned any of the later Game Boys (probably because I won that Super Nintendo in 1991 and that was my go-to console for years afterwards). Emulation has been great for finding all the old, obscure games on all the handhelds. They’re all great – Game Boy, GBC, GBA, Game Gear, Atari Lynx, Wonderswan, et cetera, and there are many excellent games available for them. Some great RPGs too. The Final Fantasy Legend series on the original Game Boy is a particular favourite! 🙂
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