SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance review

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance marks the long-awaited return of SEGA’s legendary ninja, Joe Musashi, this time reimagined by Lizardcube – the studio best known for bringing Streets of Rage back in style. Out on all major consoles and PC, the game strikes a careful balance between honoring its arcade roots and offering a modern action-platformer, leaning heavily into stylish 2D visuals and fast, precise combat. It’s both a nostalgic callback and a bold new direction, with results that are exciting if occasionally uneven.

The premise is simple but effective: Musashi returns to find his village destroyed and his clan turned to stone, sending him on a revenge quest across varied stages. It’s a familiar tale of vengeance, but the presentation gives it weight. The hand-drawn style allows the environments – from neon-soaked cityscapes to arid deserts and shadowy strongholds – to tell much of the story visually. While narrative depth isn’t the game’s strongest suit, the atmosphere keeps the player engaged, and the mix of myth and modernity gives the journey a distinct identity.

Gameplay is where Shinobi thrives, with combat that feels both accessible and demanding. Musashi’s arsenal of katana strikes, kunai, and ninjutsu abilities allows for a wide variety of approaches, and chaining combos together is as satisfying as it is flashy. The addition of amulets and Ningi tools expands the strategic layer, letting players enhance abilities or find new ways to traverse levels. However, while the depth is impressive, some players may find the difficulty spikes frustrating, especially in later stages where enemies swarm and precision platforming is required.

Platforming itself is tightly integrated into the combat flow, with levels designed to challenge reflexes as much as fighting skills. Verticality, hidden paths, and environmental hazards all play a role, rewarding exploration with secrets and upgrades. That said, the balance between combat-heavy sections and pure platforming isn’t always perfect, and some stages feel padded with obstacles that interrupt the game’s otherwise fluid rhythm until you master the controls.

Visually, the game is stunning. Lizardcube’s art direction turns every stage into a moving painting, with smooth animations and vibrant colors that make each environment distinct. The character designs strike a perfect balance between modern flair and retro homage, ensuring Joe Musashi still feels like the iconic ninja he has always been. Audio is just as strong, with a soundtrack that blends traditional Japanese influences with pulsing modern beats. It evokes both nostalgia and excitement, underscoring battles and exploration alike.

Controls are tight and responsive, which is a crucial element in a game that demands precision. The game also benefits from smooth performance and a subtle use of haptics, which add impact to sword swings and ninjutsu abilities. While some sections – particularly when juggling platforming and combat at once – can feel a bit chaotic, the overall responsiveness ensures the challenge always feels fair rather than cheap.

In the end, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance succeeds in revitalizing one of SEGA’s most iconic franchises. It delivers stylish visuals, slick combat, and enough depth to satisfy long-time fans while also welcoming newcomers. Its flaws – occasional uneven pacing, difficulty spikes, and a light narrative – never overshadow the core of what makes it great: fast, satisfying ninja action in a world that feels alive and beautifully crafted. It’s a worthy return for Musashi and a reminder of why Shinobi is such an enduring name in gaming.

Score: 8.7/10