Shinobi: Art of Vengeance immediately brings back the best memories of SEGA’s golden years I grew up with. SEGA’s bold reboot, developed by Lizardcube (the talent behind Streets of Rage 4), taps directly into nostalgia yet feels impressively modern—melding timeless gameplay with a dazzling new look.
I grew up inspired by SEGA’s classics especially Shinobi, a series that helped shape my love of gaming. When SEGA announced its reboot via Lizardcube , my anticipation was sky high. I finally dove into the public demo on PS5 after missing earlier media previews, eager to see if the legacy and magic remained.
Art Style & Graphics
The brilliant, hand-painted visuals draw inspiration from Japanese brushwork—a style reminiscent of Okami but refined for new tech. Every frame sings with color and detail, from illuminated festival lanterns to Joe Musashi’s fluid animations. This is among the most beautiful 2D platformers I’ve played.
Story & Setting
The game introduces ENE Corp, the menacing corporate threat, through evocative cinematics and environmental world-building. As Joe, you wield ninjutsu skills to prevent global calamity, a classic setup elevated by the game’s vibrant presentation and character-focused storytelling. The demo teases deeper narrative arcs set against modern, crisis-rich Japan.
Gameplay & Controls
Responsive controls shine across platforming and combat, feeling effortless but rewarding mastery. The combo system is deep, light, and heavy attacks mix with unlockable Ninjutsu stances, combos, and finishers. You’ll string together attacks, dodge enemy strikes, double-jump, and climb walls—all with ninja grace.
- Weapons & Moves: Start with sword and kunai. Progression unlocks more moves, like Fire Ninpo (fireball), Water Ninpo (defensive parry), and Karyu (devastating screen-wide attack)
- Amulets & Coins: Collect and spend coins to purchase new combat and traversal abilities (17 combat moves, 8 Ninpo, 7 traversal skills, per upgrade page). Amulets change play style passively or based on combos.
- Level Design: Stages combine action, puzzles, and secrets, with Metroidvania-like revisiting of earlier areas using new abilities. Hidden challenges and alternative paths invite replaying levels, especially for completionists.
- Bosses & Enemies: Early on, you’ll face minibosses. Variety in enemy design means you’re always strategizing—prioritizing ranged archers, dodge-healing mystics, and shielded foes.
Technical & Fun Factor
The gameplay loop—combat, discovery, and progression—stayed compelling throughout the demo. Every encounter felt rewarding, whether unlocking a new Ninpo move or toppling a challenging boss. The robust upgrade and amulet systems, paired with clever level layouts, promise a high degree of replayability for both casual and hardcore fans.
Should You Try It?
Absolutely! Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a must-play for gamers, retro fans, and anyone seeking top-tier 2D action. The demo delivers on the promise of classic-meets-modern, with enough depth to appeal to completionists and newcomers. I highly recommend downloading the public demo (available now) and joining the anticipation for its August 29, 2025 launch.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is shaping up to be the must-play action platformer of the year. Download the demo, unleash your inner ninja, and join me in counting down to release on August 29th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC .