It’s been decades since Joe Musashi last crept out of the shadows, but Shinobi: Art of Vengeance marks a triumphant return for Sega’s iconic ninja. Developed by Lizardcube, the studio that successfully revitalized Wonder Boy and Streets of Rage, this latest entry in the series blends nostalgia with modern design flair. Unlike Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, which leans hard into retro punishment, Art of Vengeance feels like a sleek modernization that respects the roots while inviting new players to fall in love with Joe’s deadly grace.
From the very first cutscene, it’s clear this isn’t just a shallow revival. Joe Musashi’s tale of vengeance, sparked by the destruction of his village and the petrification of his clan, sets up a straightforward but effective narrative. Yes, it’s a ’90s-style revenge story with little room for shocking twists, but the plot exists mainly to set the stage for what matters most: slicing, dashing, and flipping your way through gorgeously rendered levels.
Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
One of Lizardcube’s biggest strengths is art direction, and here they’ve crafted a game that feels like playing through a moving comic book. Every stage bursts with hand-drawn detail. Rain-slicked neon alleys drip atmosphere, desert landscapes sprawl with bones of fallen beasts, and underwater bases glow with eerie bioluminescent life.
The attention to scale is just as impressive. Cargo ships loom in the distance, fish markets overflow with detail, and derelict skyscrapers ooze urban grit. It’s not just pretty backdrops — these environments feel alive, drawing you deeper into Joe’s mission. The only caveat is that the sheer vibrancy sometimes makes it hard to track the action when the screen floods with enemies.
Gameplay That Balances Old and New
At its core, Art of Vengeance is a 2D action-platformer, but one with depth that rivals modern action games. Joe starts with simple moves but quickly unlocks a toolkit of wall runs, grapple points, mid-air dashes, and special attacks that make traversal exhilarating. Revisiting earlier stages with new powers feels rewarding, especially when uncovering hidden chests, secret routes, or elite enemies that push your skills to the limit.
Combat flows seamlessly from exploration. Joe’s katana slices and kunai throws form the foundation, but chaining combos is where the game shines. Perfectly timed dodges, air juggles, and cinematic executions keep battles intense and satisfying. Throw in Ninpo spells (like fireballs or snake transformations) and powerful Ninjutsu techniques that can clear the screen or heal you in a pinch, and combat becomes a thrilling balance of strategy and flair.
Layers of Depth Beneath the Blade
Beyond the core mechanics, Art of Vengeance introduces systems that keep players experimenting. Amulets add passive or combo-triggered bonuses, tweaking your playstyle in meaningful ways. Do you want heavier damage against shields, or the ability to generate coins mid-combo? The choices let you craft a personal ninja build, rewarding creativity as much as precision.
The game is also refreshingly fair with its progression. Abilities unlock at a steady pace, avoiding overwhelming players while still encouraging replay. The eight-hour campaign ends just before monotony creeps in, and post-game modes like Boss Rush and Arcade Mode ensure there’s plenty of challenge left for those hungry for mastery.
Verdict: A Legendary Revival
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance isn’t just another retro revival — it’s proof that old-school franchises can thrive when handled with respect and innovation. The art style is jaw-dropping, the combat system is deep and fluid, and Joe Musashi feels as iconic now as he did in the late ’80s. The story won’t win awards, but the game doesn’t need it to. This is about the thrill of being a ninja, and it delivers in spades.
Lizardcube has cemented its reputation as the studio that can resurrect Sega’s classics without missing a beat. Art of Vengeance is the best Shinobi has ever been, and it sets a new benchmark for what a modern 2D action-platformer can achieve. If ninjas have been starving for decades, consider this a feast.
