Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Shinobi non Grata is a new ninja action game from indie developer picopico (twitter.com/picopico256). It seems like Ninja Spirit is its biggest influence, but it's a much easier game than Irem's classic. The game design is also a lot different. Stages are short, and it's packed with bosses. In that sense, it feels closer to Contra: The Hard Corps to me, which isn't a bad game to be compared to.
I've kept an eye on this game ever since I first came across it on twitter; I'm a big fan of the aesthetic, and its obvious inspirations made it look like exactly the type of game I'd like. And I'm happy with how it turned out! My biggest complaint is that it's just too easy. It's still fun, but I was able to clear it in just a couple hours. I'd be happier if it were tuned more like an arcade game, and if the bosses were a little more complex, but it's still good as it is. It just won't end up being one of my favorites. (Although I really do like the aesthetic, they nailed the style they were going for. The music is nice too.)
Shinobi non Grata is currently available on Steam for $14.99. I believe PS4 and Switch versions are in the works, but I don't think they're not out yet. I've enjoyed playing it and would recommend it to fans of these games.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:39 1-1
1:45 1-2
2:55 1-3
4:10 1-4
6:25 2-1
7:32 2-2
8:52 2-3
10:22 2-4
13:21 3-1
14:53 3-2
18:21 3-3
19:57 3-4
21:51 4-1
23:32 4-2
25:22 4-3
27:41 4-4
30:06 5-1
33:20 5-2
36:14 5-3
38:11 5-4
40:57 Credits & Ending
Score: 4,309,900 (? I can't tell 8s from 0s)
The scoring system seems easy to exploit so I wouldn't recommend taking it seriously. It's nice to rack up combos and get the no damage and katana finish bonuses though.
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Beat 'em Ups (e.g. Final Fight): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvMhpG1GR9sk8OYiWQMZZTgl
2D Action (e.g. Metal Slug): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvNFjpnJ59Th6N0IU1PSpD3d
STG/Shmups (e.g. Dodonpachi): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFE6B3779BE759F71
Shinobi non Grata is a new ninja action game from indie developer picopico (twitter.com/picopico256). It seems like Ninja Spirit is its biggest influence, but it's a much easier game than Irem's classic. The game design is also a lot different. Stages are short, and it's packed with bosses. In that sense, it feels closer to Contra: The Hard Corps to me, which isn't a bad game to be compared to.
I've kept an eye on this game ever since I first came across it on twitter; I'm a big fan of the aesthetic, and its obvious inspirations made it look like exactly the type of game I'd like. And I'm happy with how it turned out! My biggest complaint is that it's just too easy. It's still fun, but I was able to clear it in just a couple hours. I'd be happier if it were tuned more like an arcade game, and if the bosses were a little more complex, but it's still good as it is. It just won't end up being one of my favorites. (Although I really do like the aesthetic, they nailed the style they were going for. The music is nice too.)
Shinobi non Grata is currently available on Steam for $14.99. I believe PS4 and Switch versions are in the works, but I don't think they're not out yet. I've enjoyed playing it and would recommend it to fans of these games.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:39 1-1
1:45 1-2
2:55 1-3
4:10 1-4
6:25 2-1
7:32 2-2
8:52 2-3
10:22 2-4
13:21 3-1
14:53 3-2
18:21 3-3
19:57 3-4
21:51 4-1
23:32 4-2
25:22 4-3
27:41 4-4
30:06 5-1
33:20 5-2
36:14 5-3
38:11 5-4
40:57 Credits & Ending
Score: 4,309,900 (? I can't tell 8s from 0s)
The scoring system seems easy to exploit so I wouldn't recommend taking it seriously. It's nice to rack up combos and get the no damage and katana finish bonuses though.
-----
Beat 'em Ups (e.g. Final Fight): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvMhpG1GR9sk8OYiWQMZZTgl
2D Action (e.g. Metal Slug): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfI6IYca_kvNFjpnJ59Th6N0IU1PSpD3d
STG/Shmups (e.g. Dodonpachi): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFE6B3779BE759F71
