besides his regular assortment of moves and attacks, the player has the ability to perform four special ninjitsu techniques. only one can be used in each level, unless the shinobi finds additional ninjitsu bonuses throughout hidden spots in most levels. the four ninjitsu techniques involve engulfing lightning as a temporary shield, summon fire-dragons, boosting his vertical leap and self-sacrificing, the latter costing one life to destroy common enemies or damage bosses.