Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Revives Classic Franchise with Stunning Visuals and Engaging Combat

August 25, 2025
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Revives Classic Franchise with Stunning Visuals and Engaging Combat
  • 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


Get a daily email with more Gaming stories

More Stories