Shadow Dancer is a 1989 side-scrolling action arcade game developed and published by Sega. It is the first arcade sequel to the 1987 hit Shinobi and is famous for introducing a canine companion to the series. 

Key Gameplay Features

Bonus Stages: Between missions, there is a first-person bonus stage where you throw shurikens at ninjas descending from a building.

The Dog (Yamato): Unlike the original solo ninja, you are accompanied by an Akita dog named Yamato. You can command Yamato to pounce on and restrain enemies, allowing you a brief window to dispatch them without being attacked.

Mission Goal: Similar to Shinobi, the objective is to clear levels by collecting or defusing time bombs planted by a terrorist organization (often called “Asian Dawn” or “Union Lizard” depending on the version).

Combat: You fight primarily with an infinite supply of shurikens and a katana for close-range combat. You also have access to powerful “Ninjutsu” magic that can clear the screen of enemies once per level.