Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Reviews
After Streets of Rage 4, I wasn’t sure bringing back another of the 16-bit classics would have quite the same impact, but I was wrong. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an incredibly fun action platformer, with fantastic combat design, enemy encounters, optional challenges, and the audio visual presentation to really make it sing. I’m done with the story but am already itching to get back and play the unlocked Arcade and Boss Rush modes, and whether you have nostalgia for the old days or not, this is quite simply one of the best games of the year, so get it played.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is not only a fantastic revival of the old school 2D Shinobi series, it might be one of the best 2D action platformer metroidvanias I’ve played in a long time. That’s been said even without a shortage of these kinds of games currently. The blend of fast paced combat, challenging platforming, and the fantastic art and sound design really make this game something special. It is a must play for any ninja platforming fans.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance succeeds in bringing Joe Musashi back for new audiences, with fast and fluid combat, a unique execution system, and some of the best hand-drawn art in a modern side-scroller.
SEGA and Lizarcube have hit the nail on the head by bringing back the nostalgia of the early titles with the modern features demanded by new users of this type of game.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a triumph in reviving a classic franchise. It balances old-school nostalgia with modernity, offering a game that’s truly a coming-of-age experience. Some features do miss the mark, but for those willing to join in on a nostalgia party, you have our invitation.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a game that is the triumphant return of Joe Musashi. For newcomers, it is an invitation into one of SEGA's most iconic legacies. Either way, this is a game that deserves to be played, dissected, and celebrated.
During my time with SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, I found myself enjoying every aspect, from the fast-paced combat to the gripping story and the beautiful locations that I explored. Although the combat was challenging to get to grips with, it felt very rewarding once perfected and even led to many satisfying victories against annoying enemies and challenging bosses.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is more than just a reboot: it is a tribute to the old titles in the series, but with a noteworthy evolution. For long-time fans, this is an opportunity to experience a new adventure in the company of Joe Musashi. For new players, on the other hand, it is an unmissable opportunity to discover why this series is so beloved. We are undoubtedly looking at one of the best 2D action games of the year.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The difficulty being occasionally uneven is a very small detraction from an otherwise fantastic game. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is otherwise an excellent 2D action game and is a great way to kick off the influx of retro revivals Sega announced in 2023. Art of Vengeance is another must play in the year 2025.
If you're craving a carefree game where the sole aim is to have tonnes of fun while obliterating tonnes of pixelated baddies, then Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a game for you. With a beautiful art style, a classic story, and a solid sound presentation, you won't be disappointed. This game entertained me very well, and I hope it will have the same effect on you, whether or not you decide to give it a chance.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance sports a unique hand-drawn look. Joe will journey through stylistic stages while executing ninja arts and attacks with surprising precision, making for some very satisfying exploration and combat encounters.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a stylish and challenging 2D platformer with razor-sharp combat, strong variety, and plenty of replayability, offering classic gameplay in a modern package despite occasional chaos and backtracking.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a perfectly prepared omakase menu: the individual ingredients are not revolutionary, but the presentation and game design make it something special. The story may be trivial, but when the gameplay is so satisfying and the visuals so impressive, I am happy to forgive the game for its narrative failure. Lizardcube proves once again that they understand what retro revivals are really about: not nostalgic romanticization or cheap exploitation of brand rights, but distilling the essence of the original and spicing it up with a modern polish.
Review in German | Read full review
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a wonderful revival to the Shinobi series, welcoming both fans and newbies alike with its stunning visuals complemented by adrenaline-pumping and engaging action-platforming gameplay. It does have its slight weaknesses, such as its servicable narrative and finicky hitboxes, yet it doesn't entirely derail the experience from being enjoyable and immersive.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance delivers exactly what you would expect from a modern ninja action game. The battles are fast, fluid and really satisfying, the Metroidvania elements provide variety and additional motivation, and the platforming passages bring crisp challenges to the game.
Review in German | Read full review
The game blends a linear stage structure with Metroidvania-inspired design, adding value to both replayability and exploration. Its sharp action and striking artistic direction create gameplay so engaging that players may not even notice the underlying structure. More than just the revival of the Shinobi franchise, it firmly establishes itself as a game that is simply, and purely, fun.
Review in Korean | Read full review
It should always be lauded when a classic series is brought back in peak form, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an ideal representation of that notion. Between masterfully woven 2D platforming and action combat that leverages the extraordinary movement in place, alongside commendable optional challenges, there's no shortage of meticulous quality for platforming enthusiasts to appreciate. If Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is indicative of the caliber we can anticipate from Sega's incoming classic revivals, then I believe it's fair to say that we're in more than good hands.
Even though the “art” may be stronger than the “vengeance” in Art of Vengeance, they still come together to form an experience that’s still plenty sharp.
This is what a franchise revival should look like. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance honors its heritage while confidently establishing its own identity in the modern gaming landscape. It is a masterful blend of style and substance that feels both familiar and new.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is everything a series revival should be: faithful to its roots, but unafraid to evolve in absolute style. The team at Lizardcube has crafted a razor-sharp action platformer that thrives on its fluid combat, smart level design, and stylish presentation, all whilst giving players reasons to keep coming back after the credits roll. The story may be light and a few encounters can frustrate, but none of that overshadows just how exhilarating the experience is from start to finish. Joe Musashi is back, and he’s better than ever, with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance one of SEGA’s finest revivals to date.