Shinobi

Shinobi (PS2, 2002) is a brutally stylish action game where you slash as Hotsuma, a neon-clad ninja with a cursed sword that drains life unless fed by kills. Its one-hit-kill combat (for you and enemies) demands precision, while wall-running, shuriken throws, and the iconic Tate chain-slash system create ballet-like violence. The eerie modern-Tokyo setting and punishing difficulty (those instant-death pits!) are legendary, though camera quirks show their age. A cult classic that defined “hardcore” in the PS2 era.