The player controls a ninja called Joe Musashi who is aided by an attack dog (Shadow), who is fighting to save the city from a terrorist organization.
Shadow Dancer was the first game developed for the Sega System 18 arcade board hardware, and its generally well-received home versions were released for the SEGA Master System home console and several home computer systems in 1991.
A loose game console adaptation titled Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was released exclusively for the SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis in 1990.
