Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Review (PC, Steam Deck)
Summary: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a solid game of this series that heralds back to a simpler time but also adds new modern mechanics.
4
Solid Ninjitsu!
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an all-new 2D action platformer based on the classic SEGA franchise in this enjoyable revival. Developed by Lizardcube, the studio behind the acclaimed Streets of Rage 4, the game breathes new life into the series with a stunning hand-drawn art style and fluid, fast-paced gameplay that is perfect for both the PC and the Steam Deck. In the revival, you play as the legendary ninja Joe Musashi who embarks on a quest for vengeance after his village is attacked and his clan is turned to stone – okay, the story is clichéd but hey what Shinobi game isn’t?
The game is a love letter to the 16-bit era, blending old-school ninja action with modern mechanics plus a dash of Metroidvania-style exploration which makes it a refreshing and almost Zen-like experience compared to the modern titles of today. Although paying homage to its predecessors, Lizardcube adds quite a few surprises into the mix which makes it a fresh retake on the franchise.
History: The Shinobi video game series began in 1987 with the release of the arcade game of the same name by SEGA. The game introduced players to the series’ iconic protagonist, the ninja Joe Musashi, on his quest to rescue his clan’s kidnapped children from the criminal organization Zeed. The original side-scrolling hack-and-slash gameplay was a huge success, leading to numerous sequels and spin-offs across various platforms. The franchise evolved with titles like The Revenge of Shinobi (1989), which introduced new mechanics like the double jump and ninjutsu and Shadow Dancer that featured Joe’s son and a canine companion. Over the years, the series has seen games with different protagonists, gameplay styles (including a 2002 PlayStation 2 reboot with a new main character, Hotsuma) and even a crossover with SEGA’s other popular mascot, Alex Kidd, with Alex Kidd in Shinobi World.
Although I played Shinobi: Art of Vengeance on both the PC and the Steam Deck, I gravitated back to the Steam Deck as both the gameplay and graphics lent itself very well to this handheld platform. It was actually flawless courtesy of its tight and responsive gameplay – whether via the controls on the deck itself or an Xbox controller on the PC, it just works and the developers really get the core of this series.
Additionally players will find a deep and rewarding combat system that encourages creativity with Joe’s arsenal including his trusty katana, kunai, Ninjutsu arts and Ninpo (*), all of which offer some combos to take down your enemies. Whether these are the standard grunts or the more challenging Ninjas to epic boss battles, the flow of the combat system is a highlight that seamlessly transitions to platforming sections.
(*) Ninjutsu is the skill set, while Ninpo is the holistic discipline or way of life that contains and gives meaning to those skills.
A key feature of this current game is the “Shinobi Execution” system, where you can instantly finish off enemies with a stylish, cinematic attack. This not only looks cool but also rewards you with health and Ninpo energy, keeping the action moving at a blistering pace. As you progress, you’ll unlock new moves and abilities, such as the ability to wall-run and various elemental Ninpo attacks, which can be used to overcome obstacles and uncover hidden paths in previously explored stages.
There are also different levels of difficulties that makes it accessible for all levels of gamers, however on the highest setting, it can be brutally challenging as it focuses more on skill and timing. Once you have defeated the main boss and completed the story, the game opens up to an Arcade mode that allows you to replay stages to beat your current scores, a Boss Rush Mode (unlock bosses in succession) and a LAB Key Secret Challenge if you have obtained all 6 lab keys throughout the game to uncover a new challenge.
Graphics & Audio
Lizardcube’s signature hand-drawn art style is on full display here, creating a visually striking world that is both vibrant and detailed. The animation is incredibly fluid, making every slash, jump and dodge feel impactful. The backgrounds are expansive and full of life, giving the 2D world a notable sense of scale.
Complementing the visuals is a fantastic electronic trip-hop soundtrack infused with traditional Japanese folk instruments, perfectly balancing classic and modern sensibilities. The game is also broken into five zones with a total 14-stages, each with a different graphical environment to help keep things fresh and interesting. All in all, it comes together perfectly well with the gameplay which creates a totally enjoyable experience on the PC and of course, the Steam Deck which maintains a blistering 90 frames per second.
Final Thoughts?
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a true revival of this classic franchise that successfully captures the spirit of the original games while introducing fresh ideas and mechanics that make it feel completely new. Sure, some of the level design is repetitive at times but I found this Metroidvania game quite enjoyable as I hammered through the various stages until I reached its epic conclusion. Further, the combination of its beautiful art style, stellar soundtrack and incredibly polished gameplay makes it a standout title for fans of 2D action platformers.
Related Posts
DamienSaber Green Grogu Lightsaber XENOpixel Short Saber Review →
AN ALL-STAR LIST OF ANIME MECHS AND HEROES CLASH IN SUPER ROBOT WARS Y, NOW AVAILABLE FOR CONSOLES AND PC →
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party →
