It’s been more than a decade since Joe Musashi starred in a new adventure, and Sega has finally given the Shinobi series another chance. Developed by Lizardcube, the team behind Streets of Rage 4, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance brings the franchise back with fast-paced action and a bold new visual style. For longtime fans, it marks the return of one of Sega’s most iconic ninjas, while newcomers get a chance to experience the series at its sharpest.
Art of Vengeance isn’t just a reminder of the past. It’s Sega showing confidence in its classic library, reviving a name that defined side-scrolling action in the arcade and console era. With a mix of platforming, combat, and exploration, Art of Vengeance sets out to prove Shinobi still has a place today. The result is a modern entry that respects its roots without feeling locked to them.
When Sega talked about reviving old series, expectations were high, and Shinobi felt like the one with the most to prove. The character, the style, and the difficulty are all essential parts of what made the series memorable. Lizardcube had a tough job in bringing it all together, and what they’ve delivered is a game that captures the spirit of Shinobi while pushing it forward in new directions.
A Revenge Tale with a Wink
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance keeps things straightforward, with a revenge tale that fits the series’ roots. Joe Musashi returns as the central figure, pulled into action after Lord Ruse and the ENE Corporation burn his village and turn much of his clan to stone. It kicks off with a serious hook, but the way it plays out feels more stylish than story-driven. Each stage kicks off with a voiced cutscene that moves the story along without dragging things down.
The villains are over the top, almost cartoon-like, which gives the story a lighter feel than you’d expect. Joe barely says a word, usually just grunting while the rest of the cast does the talking. Oddly enough, this worked for me. I didn’t expect it to be funny, but watching others guess at Joe’s reactions gave me a good laugh.
What surprised me most is how consistent the storytelling feels across the campaign. I went in thinking the cutscenes would just be filler, but they actually tied the stages together and gave the action more momentum. The ending hits the mark, with the final chapter bringing Joe’s journey to a satisfying close.
I liked that the story stayed in the background, and Joe’s stoic moments often ended up being the joke that made me smile. It won’t be what drives you to the end, but it does just enough to make the action feel connected.
Ninja Action in Motion
The fun in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance comes down to its gameplay. At its heart, it’s a 2D action-platformer built on quick movement and sharp combat. Joe begins with a solid set of tricks, including combos, kunai, and ninjutsu that clear the screen. Later on, upgrades like a grappling hook, glider, and wall-busting strike change how you approach stages and help uncover hidden routes.
The combat clicked right away. Enemies have clear patterns, and figuring out the right counters always felt satisfying. Executions add flair and give you handy rewards, while the boss fights push you to really use your abilities. They never feel like throwaway end-of-level battles, but actual tests of everything you’ve learned.
The platforming is just as important as the combat. Stages throw in moving platforms, hidden routes, and tough challenge rooms that really test your reflexes. Fast travel makes it easy to jump back into earlier areas, which is great since new upgrades often reveal secrets you couldn’t reach before.
There was a late-game stage I won’t forget. I had to wall-jump past spikes, glide over a pit, and barely hit a moving platform before an enemy showed up. I had a death grip on the controller, and pulling it off was a relief. That kind of rush is what kept me playing.
Style in Every Slash
Stages all have their own look, from neon-filled cities to dark labs to rooftops under the moonlight. The visuals aren’t just pretty either. They’re clear and easy to follow, which makes a difference when things speed up.
Animations really bring it together. Watching Joe dash, flip, or unleash a ninjutsu move never got old. Even simple attacks look sharp, and pulling off a big combo feels that much better because of how smooth the motion is. Enemies and bosses look just as polished. From mechanical ninjas to towering demons, each one has a distinct design that makes the battles stick in your mind. Executions especially pop, adding a flashy finish that feels good every time.
The soundtrack does its part too. Sometimes the music sets the mood with slower, atmospheric tracks, and then it shifts into fast beats that match the action. The voice acting fits the mix of serious and silly, and even Joe’s silence works because of how the other characters react to it.
Everything comes together best in little moments like these. One I’ll remember was pausing mid-fight just to watch Joe pull off a ninjutsu move. The fire covered the screen, the music kicked in, and it felt like a perfect payoff after a tough fight.
Challenges Beyond the Story
Finishing the main story doesn’t mean you’re done with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Clearing the campaign unlocks a handful of extra modes that keep the action going. The boss rush is my favourite, lining up every major encounter back-to-back for one of the toughest challenges in the game. It’s a great way to test how well you’ve mastered Joe’s abilities, and it kept me coming back even after the credits rolled.
Arcade Mode is also included, letting you replay stages with a scoring system that tracks things like speed, enemy kills, and how many secrets you can rediscover. It’s fun if you enjoy chasing higher scores, though I found it less exciting than the boss rush since it mostly repeats levels you’ve already cleared.
The hidden challenge stages sprinkled throughout the main game are another highlight. These optional areas demand precision and quick reflexes, often rewarding you with useful upgrades. Some of my most intense moments came from clearing these side paths after unlocking new abilities.
Together, these extras add meaningful replay value. Whether you’re chasing completion, pushing yourself in the boss rush, or exploring secret routes, there’s plenty to do once the main story is over.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Balances Old-School Roots with Modern Flair
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance feels like the kind of comeback that respects the past while still giving you something new. Lizardcube didn’t just revive an old name. They built a game that shows why Shinobi still deserves a spot in today’s lineup. Between its tight combat, smooth platforming, and stylish presentation, it ended up being one of the most satisfying 2D action games I’ve played in years.
The story isn’t the main draw, but it does enough to tie everything together. Joe’s silence actually became a running joke for me, and I laughed more than once when the supporting cast had to interpret his reactions. That mix of a serious revenge tale with lighthearted moments gave the game more personality than I expected.
What stood out most for me was how the gameplay kept pulling me back in. A tough boss fight had me digging into every move I had, and a tricky challenge stage had me clutching the controller without even noticing. Moments like that are what kept me going.
Sure, there are a few rough spots. I noticed some performance dips when things got hectic, and Arcade Mode doesn’t stay exciting for long. But those are small issues compared to how well the whole package comes together. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance isn’t just another revival. It proves this series still has life left, and I’m glad I got to play it.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Summary
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance brings Joe Musashi back with fast combat, smooth platforming, and a sharp visual style. The story keeps things light but still adds personality, thanks to Joe’s silence and the over-the-top villains. Extra modes like boss rush and challenge stages give you plenty to do once the credits roll. A few small hiccups don’t change the fact that this is one of Sega’s best revivals in years.
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