A legendary ninja has returned, and in one of the most exciting launches of the year, he has brought with him a flawless, must-play adventure in the form of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, the all-new 2D action platformer from the acclaimed team behind Streets of Rage 4, has launched today, playable thanks to 3-days Early Access.
This stunning new quest from developer Lizardcube and publisher SEGA is available to play right now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC for those who purchase the Deluxe Edition for £34.99.
A Clan Turned to Stone, A Quest for Vengeance
This isn’t just a simple throwback; it’s a masterclass in modernising a classic, a game we’ve already had the pleasure of playing and have awarded a perfect score. Prepare for an unparalleled evil, a quest for vengeance, and what is, quite simply, a flawless experience.
The story begins with a tragedy. The legendary Shinobi, Joe Musashi, returns to find his village burned to the ground and his entire clan turned into stone. With no one else left, he must set off on a perilous quest for vengeance, ready to face a great evil and make them pay for what they have done.
This is a game that feels incredible to play. You will wield a vast ninja arsenal, including the great Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, and a variety of Ninjutsu arts and Ninpo to vanquish your foes. The combat system allows you to unleash limitless combos with unique and fluid moves, creating a ballet of beautiful destruction.
Mastering the Path
Your journey will take you through more than a dozen unique and visually striking stages, from high-tech military bases to scorching deserts. These levels are filled with challenging platforming puzzles and hidden secrets.
To overcome the obstacles, you can acquire powerful Amulets for enhanced abilities and discover special Ningi tools that will help you uncover new paths.
A New Anthem for a New Generation
In a unique collaboration, Young Dirty Bastard (YDB) of the Wu Legacy and son of the legendary Ol’ Dirty Bastard has officially released a new original song titled “The Path Just Begun.”
Inspired by the SHINOBI franchise, the track weaves YDB’s music and lyricism together with pulse-pounding gameplay. This partnership celebrates two parallel journeys, as the mic is passed to a new generation with YDB, and SEGA enters a new era with its beloved SHINOBI franchise.
Our Verdict: A Flawless Masterpiece
We don’t give out perfect scores lightly, but this game earned every bit of it. In our glowing 5/5 review of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, we concluded that this is the new benchmark for the genre:
“If you want a ninja themed side scroller, then put SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance at the top of your list. It is quite simply flawless.“
How to Play Early: The Deluxe Edition
If you want to jump into this masterpiece today, you’ll need to purchase the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Digital Deluxe Edition for £34.99.
This edition not only grants you 3 days of early access ahead of the Standard Edition launch on August 29th, but also includes:
- The Base Game
- The Starter Pack (the Ghost Outfit, the Medic Lite Amulet, and In-Game Currency)
- The SEGA Villains Stage (Coming Early 2026), featuring bosses based on iconic SEGA villains.
- The Digital Art Book + Soundtrack
Key Features
- An All-New 2D Action Platformer: The iconic SHINOBI returns in a stunning hand-drawn adventure from the team behind Streets of Rage 4.
- Precise and Fluid Combat: Wield a vast ninja arsenal and unleash limitless combos with unique combat moves.
- Deep Progression: Acquire Amulets for enhanced abilities and discover Ningi tools to uncover new paths.
- A Dozen Striking Stages: Journey through military bases, scorching deserts, and more, each with platforming puzzles and hidden secrets.
A new benchmark for action platformers has been set.
This is a game that is fast, furious, challenging, and an absolute joy to play from start to finish. SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a must-play, and you can start your quest for vengeance on the Xbox Store right now. You’ll also find it on PlayStation, Switch and PC.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Description
The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4. Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts. After finding your village burned to the ground and your clan turned into stone, you must set off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil and avenge your clan.
