Theme - Shinobi III (Genesis)

Cyril: Who brought the 16-bit pan flute? This Return of the Ninja Master theme song has enough energy to make you completely forget that this 1993 classic is the last must-own Shinobi game published by Sega. From its brief, yet memorable intro to a chorus you can almost sing along with, this theme song is perfect ... for TV advertising. Have a ninja action figure to sell? Throw on this snappy tune, yell "NINJA FURY" at the camera and watch the money roll. There's a pleasant interlude towards the end that hints at a more diverse song, but alas we're left with nearly a full minute of one repeating melody. The good news is that melody is funky and easy to dance to. It certainly makes me want to play Shinobi III. Unfortunately, it also makes me want to drive to the store and buy everything in sight.

Kevin: Unlike other ninja games, Shinobi III's theme doesn't seem to call back to old ninja movie themes at all. It still manages to feel like a ninja theme, but it's not so over the top. On the other hand, it's certainly not subtle. The drums not only have a disco beat, but a fun kick and snare pattern as well as several fills. The bass doesn't entirely stick to root notes, nor is it entirely eighth or quarter notes. They let the rhythm section have some fun, which I love. The lead synthesizers, on the other hand, are having an absolute blast. There are busy sections, long sustains, and it seems as if one guy is playing three keyboards: a dirty lead synth, a clean, mostly rhythm synth, and a third that sounds like a pan flute through distortion. It's a lot of fun and gets me excited to play.