Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

"Sure, the story is somewhat straightforward and there could be a touch more underling enemies to fight, but this in no way detracts from Lizardcube’s second successful revival of a classic Sega arcade series, one that takes the merits of …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is the game that a legend like Joe Musashi deserves. Fast, frenetic and utterly absorbing, this is how you bring a long-dead series back to life. Lizardcube have set a new benchmark in 2D platforming and …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a whirlwind of combat and exploration: fast, fluid, and lethal. It forces you to learn and grow like a true ninja, with challenging confrontations and challenges. Its metroidvania-like level structure doesn&s;t really play up these …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a wonderful return for the classic franchise, featuring fluid combat with tons of variety, as well as exciting boss encounters. While combat is definitely the highlight, its art design is a sight to behold and …"

"Boasting an unparalleled art style, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is steeped in its classic roots but offers incredibly engaging modern touches. Peak combat and level design should keep players hooked the entire journey."

"This is Lizardcube’s finest work to date, and it further excites me for the rest of the dormant-franchise revivals Sega has planned. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance should serve as a blueprint for delivering a retro-facing experience of an absentee franchise …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a thoroughly enjoyable and action-packed time that&s;ll satiate both series veterans who&s;ve long been awaiting a return and newcomers who&s;ve always wanted to check the franchise out. With Lizardcube utilising the best parts of their …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a solid 2D action platformer with a few shortcomings that keep it from reaching its full potential."

"Art of Vengeance is a title capable of redefining what a 2D action platformer can offer today. Lizardcube succeeds once again, blending technique, style, and pacing with a mastery that captivates both longtime nostalgics and those approaching the Oboro Clan …"

"I&s;ve found myself pretty dejected over just how little the levels capitalize on the strength of the basic action"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a home run on the first pitch. It’s one of the most gorgeous, creative, and satisfying games of 2025 and has effortlessly clawed its way to becoming my frontrunner for Game of the Year."

"“Shinobi: Art of Vengeance” resurrects Sega’s once popular ninja franchise complete with more fluid combat and Metroidvania-style exploration. It’s actually even better than the excellent “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound,” and I say that as a huge fan of the old 8-bit …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is nothing short of incredible. Its layered combat system lets you stylishly cut down foes, while clever level design delivers platforming challenges that make full use of your abilities. The difficulty is demanding yet fair, rewarding …"

"It&s;s been too long since we had a new Shinobi game, but Art of Vengeance has been more than worth the wait. With tremendous visuals, an exceptional soundtrack and a compelling combat system that makes each fight a delight, this …"

"Even with the additional depth that it brings to the Shinobi experience, this is a game that doesn’t let you forget that it’s about ninjas being chased around by fighter jets, surfing the high seas and jumping over mines, and …"

"After waiting for decades, Shinobi and Joe Musashi have not just made a proper return, but are a shining example of what SEGA can do with its older titles, should it want to. It’s simply flawless, full of enjoyable combat, …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an impressive first effort by Sega to re-ignite their classic franchises. The year of the ninja has delivered, and if the rest of their lineup is this good, we are in for a treat. The …"

"Anyone familiar with the genre and a fan of action-packed side-scrollers/Metroidvanias should definitely check this one out. If you&s;re still unsure, feel free to check out the demo available on all platforms."

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is very much a ‘what you see is what you get’ type of game, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The core experience is incredibly fun and the optional challenges can deliver a rush of adrenaline, …"

"While I can&s;t speak for this game in comparison to its 16-bit heyday, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a thrill that stands on its own. It&s;s a total master class in combat depth, level design, and story moments that leave …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an excellent 2D action platformer, and is a must play for fans of ninjas, action titles, or fans that want a great game for half price."

"Channeling everything that made the classics great while enhancing with new mechanics, stunning visuals, and sublime controls, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an incredible revival and stellar action side-scroller in its own right."

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance revitalizes a classic by combining excellent combat and platforming with a gorgeous art style, reaching new heights for the long-dormant series."

"In Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, protagonist Joe Musashi speaks only in monosyllabic grunts. You could see it as a mark of disdain for all the years SEG..."

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is one of the best games of the year. There&s;s no doubt about it. Lizardcube are geniuses, and they&s;ve proven that any SEGA franchise has the potential to make a spectacular comeback, as long as it&s;s …"

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is hard to fault. We can take or leave the story, the platforming is occasionally frustrating, and levels can outstay their welcome sometimes - but that&s;s basically it. This is otherwise a brilliant 2D action platformer …"

"Shinobi Art of Vengeance is a fantastic start to Sega’s Next Level program, and one that’s easy to recommend. Priced at a budget-conscious $48 AUD and offering around 15 or so hours of gameplay, fans of the franchise or the …"

"In reinventing the retro wheel, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance leads the way: a demonstration of how modern tools, accompanied by thought and talent, can be expanded upon to not just reboot franchises, but actually rebuild them in new and incredible …"

"With its gorgeous hand drawn art and kinetic combat, Shinobi Art Of Vengeance is one of my favorite games of 2025, and one of the best 2D action-platformers in years."

"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a genuinely engaging 2D action platformer that’s beautiful to behold and even better to play"