Justice Ninja Casey Brings a 1994 SNES Classic to the West This Week
A long-lost gem from the Super Nintendo era is finally crossing borders. Shounen Ninja Sasuke, a 1994 Japan-exclusive title developed by Sunsoft, is set to launch in the West as Justice Ninja Casey on February 28, 2025. Retro gaming fans have something special to look forward to, with this release bringing a slice of SNES history to modern platforms at an affordable price of $5.99 / €5.99.
The game will be available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, thanks to the efforts of Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden. Originally a side-scrolling action-adventure following a young ninja rescuing a kidnapped princess, Shounen Ninja Sasuke earned a modest 21 out of 40 from Famicom Tsūshin (now Famitsu) at launch. Yet, it’s since built a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts, often likened to Konami’s The Legend of the Mystical Ninja for its fast-paced gameplay and vibrant visuals.
What makes this release stand out are the modern touches added for today’s players. An English translation breaks the language barrier that kept it Japan-only for three decades, while features like rewind and turbo functions, save states, and a jukebox with the original soundtrack enhance accessibility. Sunsoft, known for classics like Blaster Master, teams up with Ratalaika and Shinyuden—specialists in reviving retro titles—to ensure Justice Ninja Casey feels fresh yet faithful to its roots.
This launch taps into the growing appetite for classic games, reflecting a trend of bringing Japan-exclusive SNES titles to Western audiences. At under £5, it’s a budget-friendly way for collectors and newcomers alike to experience a piece of gaming history, complete with screen filters and cheat options for a tailored playthrough. For retro gaming fans, February 28 marks a date to circle on the calendar.
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