Random Media created this website to promote the much-awaited Shinobi game on PS2 launched in May 2003. Based on the original 80s arcade game, Shinobi has an exceptionally strong following in the gaming community. Our objective was to tap into this following by creating a site that strongly communicates the game’s heritage. By tapping into this hardcore community of Shinobi fans and making much of the retro nostalgia surrounding the game, we were also able to remind more mainstream gamers of a game that they will have played in their youth. Creatively the objective was to create an atmospheric and slick experience where users adopt traditional Ninja choreography as a navigation device, echoing the actual game play experience. A hand writing recognition engine allows users to gesture the letters of the game’s name on the screen to access the various sections of the site while mimicking ninja sword moves. By gesturing the letter “U” users are able to access a secret Flash version of the original arcade game. Users who complete at least 4 levels of the on-line game are automatically entered into a competition to win an original Shinobi arcade machine.