Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Revives Classic Franchise with Stunning Visuals and Engaging Combat
August 25, 2025
Features include fully voiced dialogue in English and Japanese, Ninjutsu powers, unlockable traversal tools, and plans for DLC featuring SEGA characters like Dr. Robotnik, enriching the game's content.
Available now for purchase at $29.99, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance has garnered a strong critical reception, with an 87 on Metacritic and several perfect scores, outperforming the original 1993 version.
It features fluid, satisfying combat with a variety of attacks, including swordplay, ninja magic, and new gear, emphasizing player skill and strategic use of Ninpo and Ninjutsu powers.
The roughly 10-hour campaign spans 14 stages filled with creatively designed bosses, unlockable abilities, and optional exploration, which adds replay value despite the game's relatively short length.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, developed by Lizardcube and published by SEGA, is a highly acclaimed modern revival of the classic Shinobi franchise, blending nostalgic pixel art with contemporary HD visuals.
While critics are highly favorable, concerns about the game's shorter length and lack of difficulty options remain, though its affordability and high-quality design mitigate these issues.
Designed to balance accessibility for newcomers with challenge for veterans, the game includes adjustable difficulty and accessibility options, though some minor flaws like enemy respawns and vague map indicators exist.
The game’s level design combines platforming and combat, with areas unlocking after acquiring new tools, encouraging replay and exploration, supported by challenging boss fights and optional modes like Boss Rush.
Players traverse diverse biomes, from neon-lit cities to haunted deserts, encountering over-the-top enemies and environments that showcase the game's artistic style and dynamic environments.
Despite some issues like the absence of difficulty options and save data concerns on PlayStation, the game is celebrated for its art, storytelling, and engaging gameplay, making it a standout title.
The game is praised for its fast-paced combat, creative boss fights, and a toolkit that encourages experimentation, earning it a near-perfect score of 9.5/10 and recognition as a modern masterpiece.
Developed by Lizardcube, known for Streets of Rage 4, the game features stunning hand-drawn environments, smooth animation, and a soundtrack blending traditional Japanese instruments with modern electronic music, enhancing its nostalgic yet fresh appeal.
Summary based on 8 sources
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Sources

Game Informer • Aug 29, 2025
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