Shinobi Art Of Vengeance Review (PS5) – Having spent years in the shadows, it has been quite sometime since the last entry in the Shinobi series. 14 years to be precise. I think it’s fair to say that Shinobi fans are surely starving, but their hunger will soon be satiated as SEGA, by way of Lizardcube, who previously worked on Streets Of Rage 4, have cooked up quite the recipe with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.
Admittedly, this has been my first Shinobi game since I played The Revenge of Shinobi on the Mega Drive at a relative’s house when I was much younger, so perhaps I might offer a fresh perspective.
Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance Review (PS5) – The Art Of The Kill
Hesitation Is Defeat
Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance is a 2D action-platformer, with an emphasis on action, because while challenging platforming is certainly present, its glorious combat is the beating heart of the game. To put it as concisely as possible: Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance’s combat is some of the best 2D action I’ve had the good fortune of experiencing.
It is slick, snappy, and utterly electric, sometimes literally. Joe Mushashi glides across the screen, chaining combos, priming and executing finishers, throwing shurikens, and performing special ninjitsu moves at a frightening pace that just feels marvelous to play. It is a complete rush.
The combo meter holds over to each fight allowing you to attain dizzying heights so long as you don’t get hit. There is always an answer readily available in your arsenal, as new enemy types are gradually and consistently introduced.
Often times you might need to use aerials to perform an overhead, or heavy attacks to break armor, roll into an enemy with a knee strike to create space. Other times, breaking an enemies stance to prime them for an execution could offer some much needed health. The more you execute in one go, the greater the reward.
There is a surprising level of variance to its gameplay. The key to mastering its combat is to move with speed, cutting through the enemies, not giving them a chance, and precision will follow. Between alternative ninpo, passive and combo abilities found via collectibles, there is no shortage of ways to switch up your approach, and get creative with the way you navigate the beautiful 2D stages, in the most effectively violent way possible.
Platforming in Shinobi feels as responsive, and is equally up to the task, steadily increasing the challenge over time. However, your platforming skills will truly be tested in the challenge stages, which can be found via secret exists in each level, which I found to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Simply put, Shinobi feels excellent to play, and from a gameplay perspective, offered me one of my favorite experiences this year. Even after I rolled credits, I went back for secret fights and took on the boss rush mode. I really could not get enough.
The Art Of Vengeance
The latest entry in the Shinobi franchise boasts a hand drawn art style which is really quite stunning. While the art is vibrant, it never looks cluttered, or muddled in terms in depth. The stages are always clear and apparent, allowing for a very distinct visual language, while simultaneously showcasing the beautiful backdrops.
Of course each stage offers its own identity, such as a neon drenched city, sun soaked desert, a grungy horror-filled laboratory, and more. Every level has its own color palette, no two levels really ever clash, all consistent with a modernized retro aesthetic.
I found myself performing moves just to see the animation take place. Performing the great serpent ninpo is striking, but even something as simple as a knee strike into a super kick looks phenomenal. There is a crispness to it that demands appreciation, and even though the gameplay moves fast, it is a sight to behold.
More than that, there is a mechanic called Ninjutsu, which is basically a special move. Holding both triggers, and pressing any one of the corresponding face buttons will perform a ninjutsu once the meter is full, which will see a fire rage around Joe Mushashi, followed by a striking animation that encapsulates the whole screen. Each have their own gameplay benefits, but you’ll want to perform these moves just to see them play out.
Beyond the appearance and aesthetic, LizardCube have also crafted an excellent map, that is very easy to discern and navigate, that makes finding secrets straightforward, which allowed me to 100% every level as a result. It’s worth noting that while it is not a metroidvania, you will get new abilities that open up areas in previous levels.
All in all, the superb art on display is equal to Shinobi’s combat, complementing it further with its slick animation work. It’s incredibly eye catching, easily readable, and utterly gorgeous. I may be a sucker for hand drawn 2D art, but this is amongst my absolute favorites.
Story Time
ENE corp, which is a paramilitary operation led by Lord Ruse, have seized territories across the globe, and you’re essentially tasked with guerrilla striking these bases, until you can reach the big bad himself.
Comparatively to the rest of the game, the story is a little light, but it works. It is suitably retro in its approach, rather on the nose even, but they’re absolutely self aware, and that allows them and us, to just have fun.
Shinobi riding a missile? Sure, why not. Fighting failed lab experiments and supernatural yokai? Hell yes. I was relieved with every passing story beat that it wasn’t taking itself seriously. Joe Mushashi says one word throughout the entire game, which I won’t spoil, because it had me grinning from ear to ear upon delivery.
Most of the time, he simply just grunts in reply to the characters around him regardless of the context, which definitely got a laugh out of me on a few occasions. The supporting cast often supply the narrative, while Joe moves it forward by slicing and dicing his way through each level. It does feel old school, but in the best possible way.
I ran into no issues during my time with Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance, and while the game is relatively short, and I do wish there were just a few more stages, I managed to play this game for 25 hours. Attaining 100% on every level, completing all secret challenges, and finishing the boss rush mode, there is certainly a fair amount of content.
Lizardcube has hit a home run with Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance, providing one of the best 2D action-platformers in years, and even if you’re not familiar with the franchise, I urge you to pick this game up, because it is an absolute blast from start to finish.
Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance Releases August 29 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC .
Review code kindly provided by publisher.