The sequel to Shinobi, Sega's Shadow Dancer continues its predecessor's platform-based shuriken-em-up gameplay but adds a trusty canine sidekick, Shadow, to help in your quest take down a terrorist organization. The unnamed ninja protagonist can send Shadow ahead to subdue enemies, which handily distracts them from sending slow-moving knives and bullets your way. (Don't worry, the dog can't die, but he will shrink to a harmless pup if attacked.) Carrying over Shinobi's gameplay mechanics, Shadow Dancer failed to pick up on the health bar and "insert coins to continue immediately" trends, sending you back significantly when you take a single hit, which adds to its difficulty. But you can take it – you are a ninja, after all.