Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – A Review of a Near-Perfect Ninja Revival

There is a special kind of magic in seeing a dormant, beloved franchise get a second chance in the hands of a passionate developer. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, developed by Lizardcube—the same studio that brought back Streets of Rage 4—is exactly that kind of game. It brings the iconic ninja hero, Joe Musashi, back to the 2D action platforming space with a stunning hand-drawn art style, fluid combat, and a sincere reverence for the classics that came before it. However, while the game is a beautiful and brutal tribute, it can’t quite land the final, killing blow to achieve true masterpiece status. It’s a game that is so close to being perfect, but a few questionable design choices hold it back from becoming the undisputed champion of modern retro revivals. With a release date of August 29, 2025, the game has been met with a wave of positive reviews, but our in-depth experience reveals some nuanced cracks in the otherwise flawless facade.

A Vengeful Tale of Family and Honor

The story of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a simple, pulpy revenge tale that serves as a perfect backdrop for the ninja action. Master ninja Joe Musashi, now a sensei to a new generation of the Oboro Clan, finds his peaceful existence shattered when the evil militaristic ENE Corporation, led by the ruthless Lord Ruse, attacks his village. The attack leaves his clan destroyed, and Musashi is one of the sole survivors, forcing him to take up his katana once more on a global quest for vengeance. While the narrative is a throwback to the simple plots of 80s and 90s action games, it works because it stays out of the way, letting the core gameplay shine. It’s a story of one man’s relentless pursuit of justice, and it’s a perfect vehicle for the brutal and spectacular action that Lizardcube has so meticulously crafted.

• Classic Revenge Narrative: The story is a simple but effective backdrop that honors the classic gaming tropes of the Shinobi series.
• A Man of Action: Joe Musashi remains a stoic, silent protagonist, a man of action whose deeds speak louder than words.
• A Modern Reboot: While it is technically a reboot, it acts as a loving tribute to the series, taking the best elements and modernizing them.

Slick Combat, Frustrating Difficulty

The gameplay of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is its undeniable strength. The combat is a beautiful, balletic dance of destruction, with Musashi’s movements feeling incredibly fluid and responsive. The core of the combat is a combo-driven system that rewards creativity and precision. You can seamlessly chain together light and heavy attacks, use kunai for long-range strikes, and even perform acrobatic dashes to get out of harm’s way. The game introduces a fantastic “execution” mechanic that allows you to perform a spectacular finishing move on staggered enemies, which feels incredibly satisfying and rewards you with extra currency and health. This system, combined with a deep progression system that allows you to unlock new abilities and Ninpo arts, makes every fight feel fresh and engaging. The game is a true “2D character action game,” putting it in the same league as classics like Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword and modern gems like The Messenger.

However, the game stumbles with its difficulty curve. While the combat is fantastic, the game’s enemy encounters can be frustratingly unbalanced. Enemies often respawn instantly when they go off-screen, forcing you into unnecessary, repetitive fights. This can ruin the otherwise excellent flow of the game, especially in later stages where every enemy is a formidable threat. While the game’s difficulty is part of the challenge, some of these design choices feel less like a tough but fair test of skill and more like an artificial extension of playtime. While the bosses are, for the most part, a highlight, with huge, cinematic battles against some of the series’ most iconic foes, the sudden influx of enemies and the lack of proper checkpoints in the later levels can be a source of genuine frustration. This is particularly noticeable when compared to the almost perfect balance of its spiritual sibling, Streets of Rage 4.

A Visual and Aural Masterpiece

Visually, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a triumph. Lizardcube has once again proven themselves to be masters of hand-drawn art. The game’s aesthetic is stunning, with vibrant colors, expressive brushstrokes, and a sense of scale that is breathtaking. From the lush bamboo forests of the opening level to the grotesque, bio-mechanical innards of a Kaiju, every environment is a feast for the eyes. The game’s art style is not just beautiful; it’s a core part of the experience, with environmental details that create a sense of life and a visual flair that makes every strike and explosion feel impactful. The soundtrack, a pulsing mix of synth-pop and traditional Japanese instruments, perfectly complements the action, ensuring that your ears are as happy as your eyes. This is a game that looks and sounds as good as it plays, and it is a testament to the developers’ commitment to quality and their deep respect for the source material.

Despite its minor flaws, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a fantastic game. It’s a powerful and confident return for a long-dormant franchise, a game that reminds us why we fell in love with 2D action games in the first place. While it may not be perfect, its beautiful art, phenomenal combat, and love for the source material make it an essential play for any fan of the genre. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right developers at the helm, a classic series can not only be revived but can be evolved and made relevant for a new generation.