Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
My Music Channel @VØLTEKAS
Support This Channel on: Patreon - patreon.com/RetronomiconGames
Visit my site for Reviews and Info: Retronomicon - retronomicongames.com
Gameplay recorded by Retronomicon (NVSGamer)
Released in 1997 exclusively in Japan, Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru is one of the Sega Saturn’s most elusive and expensive titles. Developed by Time Warner Interactive, it’s an intense side-scrolling action game that feels like a spiritual successor to Shinobi and Ninja Spirit, with a heavy dose of supernatural flair.
You play as Taroumaru, a mystical ninja on a mission to stop a dark sorceress and her army of demons. What makes this game so unique is its fluid animation, cinematic presentation, and free-flowing combat system that was ahead of its time.
🎮 Gameplay
360° targeting system: Taroumaru can lock onto enemies all around him with a spirit orb, unleashing shurikens and energy blasts in any direction.
Fast-paced ninja action: Wall-running, dashing, and flashy melee combos keep combat varied and dynamic.
Supernatural enemies: You’ll face off against floating samurai, giant monsters, and grotesque bosses that feel like they stepped out of a horror anime.
Summons & allies: Capture the spirits of certain enemies to fight alongside you, adding a strategic twist.
Co-op mode: Play with a friend for chaotic, arcade-style fun.
🌆 Presentation
Beautiful 2D sprite work: The Saturn flexes its muscle here with large, detailed enemies and fluid character animation.
Atmospheric soundtrack: Eerie and intense music drives the action, giving the game a dark, mystical tone.
Cinematic flair: Cutscenes and mid-battle animations add to the sense that you’re playing through a living anime.
⚠️ Downsides
Rarity and cost: The game was only released in Japan in limited numbers, making it extremely expensive today.
Steep difficulty: Enemies come fast, and bosses can be overwhelming without memorization.
Controls take getting used to: The lock-on mechanic is powerful, but it can feel awkward at first.
✅ Final Verdict
Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru is a hidden treasure of the Sega Saturn library. With its supernatural setting, fast-paced ninja combat, and gorgeous 2D presentation, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with classics like Shinobi III and Ninja Spirit. For collectors and hardcore fans of action games, this is one of the most rewarding (and rarest) Saturn experiences.
💬 Have you ever had the chance to play Taroumaru, or is it still on your Saturn wishlist? Let’s talk rare gems in the comments!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Saturn reviews, rare imports, and retro deep dives.
Chapters:
0:00 Opening
2:17 Skeleton Necks
3:37 Twin Skeletons
4:03 Centipede
5:40 Quelaag Spider
7:12 Sailor Demon
8:34 Giant Skeleton
9:37 Tree Demon
10:34 Ouroboros
12:32 Demon Heart
14:20 Skeleton Lantern
17:11 Wizard
18:07 Frog King
19:21 Frog Guts
20:54 R-Type
22:02 Eye Heart
24:45 Maze Demon
26:43 Mechanical Spider
28:34 Possessed Armor
30:33 Nine-Tail Fox
32:12 The Fly
33:45 Spider Demon
34:53 Monk
36:44 Death Balls
38:31 Puppet
39:58 Final Boss
42:16 Ending
#ShinreiJusatsushiTaroumaru #SegaSaturn #RetroGaming #RareGames #HiddenGems #NinjaGames #2DAction #SaturnImports
My Music Channel @VØLTEKAS
Support This Channel on: Patreon - patreon.com/RetronomiconGames
Visit my site for Reviews and Info: Retronomicon - retronomicongames.com
Gameplay recorded by Retronomicon (NVSGamer)
Released in 1997 exclusively in Japan, Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru is one of the Sega Saturn’s most elusive and expensive titles. Developed by Time Warner Interactive, it’s an intense side-scrolling action game that feels like a spiritual successor to Shinobi and Ninja Spirit, with a heavy dose of supernatural flair.
You play as Taroumaru, a mystical ninja on a mission to stop a dark sorceress and her army of demons. What makes this game so unique is its fluid animation, cinematic presentation, and free-flowing combat system that was ahead of its time.
🎮 Gameplay
360° targeting system: Taroumaru can lock onto enemies all around him with a spirit orb, unleashing shurikens and energy blasts in any direction.
Fast-paced ninja action: Wall-running, dashing, and flashy melee combos keep combat varied and dynamic.
Supernatural enemies: You’ll face off against floating samurai, giant monsters, and grotesque bosses that feel like they stepped out of a horror anime.
Summons & allies: Capture the spirits of certain enemies to fight alongside you, adding a strategic twist.
Co-op mode: Play with a friend for chaotic, arcade-style fun.
🌆 Presentation
Beautiful 2D sprite work: The Saturn flexes its muscle here with large, detailed enemies and fluid character animation.
Atmospheric soundtrack: Eerie and intense music drives the action, giving the game a dark, mystical tone.
Cinematic flair: Cutscenes and mid-battle animations add to the sense that you’re playing through a living anime.
⚠️ Downsides
Rarity and cost: The game was only released in Japan in limited numbers, making it extremely expensive today.
Steep difficulty: Enemies come fast, and bosses can be overwhelming without memorization.
Controls take getting used to: The lock-on mechanic is powerful, but it can feel awkward at first.
✅ Final Verdict
Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru is a hidden treasure of the Sega Saturn library. With its supernatural setting, fast-paced ninja combat, and gorgeous 2D presentation, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with classics like Shinobi III and Ninja Spirit. For collectors and hardcore fans of action games, this is one of the most rewarding (and rarest) Saturn experiences.
💬 Have you ever had the chance to play Taroumaru, or is it still on your Saturn wishlist? Let’s talk rare gems in the comments!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Saturn reviews, rare imports, and retro deep dives.
Chapters:
0:00 Opening
2:17 Skeleton Necks
3:37 Twin Skeletons
4:03 Centipede
5:40 Quelaag Spider
7:12 Sailor Demon
8:34 Giant Skeleton
9:37 Tree Demon
10:34 Ouroboros
12:32 Demon Heart
14:20 Skeleton Lantern
17:11 Wizard
18:07 Frog King
19:21 Frog Guts
20:54 R-Type
22:02 Eye Heart
24:45 Maze Demon
26:43 Mechanical Spider
28:34 Possessed Armor
30:33 Nine-Tail Fox
32:12 The Fly
33:45 Spider Demon
34:53 Monk
36:44 Death Balls
38:31 Puppet
39:58 Final Boss
42:16 Ending
#ShinreiJusatsushiTaroumaru #SegaSaturn #RetroGaming #RareGames #HiddenGems #NinjaGames #2DAction #SaturnImports
