Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an excellent revival of Sega’s classic ninja series, crafted by Lizardcube. This reboot mixes in a fun Metroidvania-lite experience that lasts around 10 hours if you’re not going for 100% completion. For this review, I spent 14 hours with the game, collecting some extras and secret content without fully completing it.
While Shinobi doesn’t quite reach the level of Streets of Rage 4 in this reviewer’s opinion, it’s still a strong solo adventure for fans of tight platformers. The graphics shine with vibrant, hand-drawn 2D art and fluid animations, evoking the comic-book style seen in Lizardcube’s earlier games. On OLED monitors, the presentation really pops. The voice acting, however, stands out as a weak point at times, occasionally sounding generic or predictable.
Tight controls make platforming and acrobatics feel precise and intuitive. The gameplay loop uses interconnected levels with backtracking through newly acquired abilities, adding replay value without overwhelming complexity. These controls also support the new combat system, which now focuses heavily on juggling enemies to prevent them from countering. Ninpos and specials add more depth—one highlight is the slick Water Ninpo parry, which creates openings for strategic combos. Varied enemies keep fights fresh, and boss battles can be tough, staying true to Shinobi’s classic reputation for difficulty. There’s even a secret boss for players who go for 100% completion.
Overall, I’d say Shinobi is another win for Lizardcube in evolving Sega IPs for modern platforms, following Streets of Rage 4 and Wonder Boy. Sega should keep partnering with indie studios that understand the essence of these classics. Avoiding missteps like Sonic Superstars and keeping talented devs – like Lizardcube, or in Sonic’s case, Evening Star – on board for new entries would be a smart move.
- Great graphics and animation, overall visual design is excellent
- Tight controls, combat, and gameplay loop
- Successful evolution of classic formula
- Some extra content is widely regarded as too challenging or difficult
- Voice acting feels underproduced in some places
- Perhaps ventures too far from the original formula for purists
Spencer joined us in early 2015, previously a console centric gamer he switched to PC a few years ago. He later helped push for an increase in Japanese content on PC with the #SEGAPCPorts campaign. Previously he ran a SEGA fansite as well as co-hosted a gaming podcast. He thinks Duke Nukem 3D is the best FPS of all time, his text message alert on his phone is literally Duke Nukem saying “Let God sort ’em out.”
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I kinda like the very short format of this review.
I wouldn't mind seeing more of these.
I'm worried that it might have been generated by an AI though, right?
Also, some screenshots would improve it tremendously.
God I miss the layout in these old magazines…(Mean Machines SEGA)
Wordpress websites will never even come close to this.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0821c49fa0e3cb25cd3760313c93443f2f1d98e32e833207ccb0ec14e7b1922b.jpg
By the way, these new SEGA games have zero appeal to me.
Maybe if they used pixel art, I would be interested.
That, or very realistic graphics. Can't wait for VF6.
LOL, Spencer has been with us for a loooooooooooooong time. There is nothing "AI" about this review.
One of the best games on this year, and I totally disagree about the voice acting, It's not fantastic but I thought it sounds serviceable and decent, it's far from terrible.