Old-school ninja action meets modern flair in a beautifully crafted 2D revival in SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance.
Shinobi has always held a special place in the hearts of action platformer fans. First debuting in 1987 for arcades and then making its way to the Master System in 1988, the franchise introduced Joe Musashi, the one-man ninja army who could take on entire criminal organizations with style and precision.
Over the decades, Shinobi may have faded into the shadows compared to other heavy hitters like Ninja Gaiden, but the influence Shinobi left behind is still heavily felt. Fast forward to 2025, and Lizardcube brings Joe Musashi back with SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, a side-scrolling action platformer that’s a loving tribute, and wait, wait, wait… not only that, it’s a modern revamp of the formula that made Shinobi so widely renowned in the first place.
Much like other modern revivals, such as Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance retains the core feel of the series while injecting it with present-day pizazz. This is a game that doesn’t just aim to mimic the classics; it’s supposed to be a reminder of why you fell in love with the series in the first place.
The story is classic Shinobi in all the best ways. At its core, it revolves around the mysterious ENE Corp, led by Ruse, whose schemes run the Oboro Village ragged. The action starts when Ruse attacks Oboro Village, home to Joe Musashi and his Oboro Clan, leaving behind destruction and turning everyone into stone. Joe survives, and of course, if you couldn’t tell from the game title itself, vengeance is on the menu.
The premise is like an 80s action movie, but the game adds a human touch to it by showing how Joe interacts with his wife, Naoko, and his apprentice, Tomoe. These times of real connection break up the noise. People around Joe, including Ruse, are often confused by how quiet he is, which adds a funny touch to the serious mood.
As soon as you take up the controller, it’s evident that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is all about fighting. Joe moves like the wind: graceful but strong. Every move, from bouncing off walls to double jumps and dive kicks, has a purpose and isn’t just for show. As you play the game, you get more gadgets that let you move around more, like the grappling hook, glider, and climbing claws.
Combat is a hack-and-slash haven with a focus on chaining attacks. Light and heavy attacks can be combined into combos, while kunai let you eliminate smaller threats at range. Leaning into heavy attacks or kunai will make for some stunning shots in the game where Joe becomes a shadowy silhouette, running riot through the ENE Corp as he’s covered in blood red.
It is also somewhat figurative of the premise, because you are literally out for blood in pursuit of vengeance. Beyond the basics, there are unlockables like Ninpo, Ninjutsu, Rage, and active/passive amulets that help with increased HP—all of these entirely shift how you approach your challenges.
Ninpo provides special attacks, and although the standard fire breath isn’t too appealing, there are other notable options like the water slash for parrying incoming attacks. These tools are made to test your creativity. So you can say goodbye to button-mashing because SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is not the game to try that in. Your skills matter!
All of this would be pointless, though, if the enemy types were not right on the money, which is fortunately not the case. Finally, a game that has bosses worthy of being called “boss.” Whether it’s greater mobility or area denial, they each bring something different to the fight, and the elite versions increase the difficulty without coming across as invincible.
Lizardcube just has the know-how on how to get the best out of their bosses, and for that, they get a big thumbs-up from us. The risk-reward window in combat in SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance ensures that mistakes don’t feel too punishing; instead, they allow you to get back in the groove.
Mini-bosses function as bite-sized lesson plans, whilst full-stage bosses ramp up the challenge with phase-based and hidden patterns that feel fair but never cheap. If you want mastery, the elite bosses will make you work for it. Overall, combat is A+.
Platforming and combat go hand-in-hand. The levels are full of unpredictability. At times, you might find yourself stuck in narrow ledges, the next moment falling into an instant death trap that sends you right back to the level you came from. Some sections are challenging enough to make you pause and rethink your approach, which again depends on your tolerance for precision platforming.
The game features a hybrid backtracking layer that is reminiscent of Metroidvania-style gameplay. These revisit hooks reward exploration and strategy without turning the game into a maze-like labyrinth. While some might view this pacing as taxing, it adds depth for you, 100% completion freaks.
Even the seemingly easy puzzles make sense without interfering with the action. Going off the usual route or rooftop and searching for secrets is the true treat. You’ll encounter elite squads, some in the heat of battle. Finding and clearing all of them grants rewards, but some areas are only accessible with tools obtained in later levels.
XP and rewards are tied closely to combat efficiency. This balance keeps progression meaningful without ever slowing down the action. SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a masterclass in hand-drawn 2D visuals. Foreground and background art layers provide depth without sacrificing readability.
Dynamic camera work emphasizes the scale that truly weighs the ambitions of the game. What can we say? As cliché as it may sound, it’s just Shinobi, after all. Everything about the visuals is why, even all these many years later, the ninja just doesn’t stop clinging on to our hearts.
The soundtrack, courtesy of the Kushiro-Lopes collab, is a standout element. Tracks push the tempo of combat, and, oh, the nostalgia you feel is absolutely indescribable. The score complements the action perfectly, and if you’re not tapping your foot during intense sequences, you might need to check your blood pressure or maybe your headphones.
Sound effects can sometimes overshadow the music during combat, so dialing them down is recommended to fully appreciate the score. Voice acting is solid, adding personality to otherwise limited dialogue. Boss fight tells are clear too, helping players with attacks.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a triumph in reviving a classic franchise. It balances old-school nostalgia with modernity, offering a game that’s truly a coming-of-age experience. Some features do miss the mark, but for those willing to join in on a nostalgia party, you have our invitation.
At only $30, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is an absolute steal that you should be getting your hands on. If you loved the originals or simply enjoy side-scrolling action, then this game is a must-play. In short, Lizardcube has not just revived Shinobi; they have rightfully put the ninja back on his perch.
