SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Review – A Hand-Drawn Ninja Tribute Across Platforms

Overview & Release

Developed by Lizardcube and published by Sega, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a stunning hand-drawn 2D action-platformer reboot of the classic franchise. It releases on August 29, 2025 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC (via Steam)

Story & Setting

You play as legendary shinobi Joe Musashi, returning home to find his village destroyed and his clan petrified—setting him on a path of vengeance. Across multiple hand-drawn stages—from military bases to neon-lit rooftops and scorching deserts—he battles ENE Corporation to restore honor and justice.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Combat System: Sleek combos, Kunai, Katana Oborozuki, Ninjutsu, and powerful Nimpo abilities are at your fingertips.
Exploration: Metroidvania-style routes let you uncover secrets via Ningi tools and amulets that enhance skills and unlock new paths.
Level Design: Over a dozen meticulously designed stages featuring platforming puzzles, environmental hazards, and hidden routes.
Modes: Once completed, stages can be replayed in Arcade Mode—fast-paced runs with all powers unlocked.
Progression: Includes a skill tree, amulet upgrades, and collectible-driven unlockables to gain new techniques.

Visuals & Art Direction

Hand-Drawn Brilliance: Crafted in the studio’s signature ink-painting style, the visuals evoke emotion through fluid animation, ink-brush aesthetics, and richly built environments.
Atmospheric Detail: Dynamic backdrops—from industrial zones to serene temples—infuse personality and mood into every scene.
Artistic Legacy: Lizardcube’s pedigree with Streets of Rage 4 frames Art of Vengeance in a legacy of high-quality, hand-crafted 2D art

Platform-Specific Features

The gameplay remains consistent across PS5, PS4, Xbox, and PC, each offering responsive controls and multiple difficulty settings for accessibility. While full technical performance reviews are pending, fans expect polished optimization on current-gen hardware.

Verdict

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance masterfully bridges nostalgia and modern design. With its enchanting hand-drawn visuals, tight and tactical combat, and thoughtful level design, it stands out as one of 2025’s most stylish action-platformers. While its linear structure may limit exploration, the depth of its combat and presentation ensures a satisfying ride for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Best On Platforms:

PS5/Xbox Series / PC: Expect the most polished performance and visual fidelity.
PS4/Xbox One: Still highly playable, offering a strong rendition of Lizardcube’s artistry.

System Requirements

Minimum:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS: Windows 10
    Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 or AMD Phenom II X3 720
    Memory: 6 GB RAM
    Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 730, 2 GB or AMD Radeon R7 240, 2 GB Intel Arc A310 LP, 4 GB
    DirectX: Version 11
    Storage: 20 GB available space
    Additional Notes: 1080p @ 30 FPS

Recommended:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS: Windows 10 or higher
    Processor: Intel Core i5-2300 or AMD FX-4350
    Memory: 8 GB RAM
    Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti, 2 GB or AMD Radeon HD 7770, 1 GB or Intel Arc A310 LP, 4 GB
    DirectX: Version 11
    Storage: 20 GB available space
    Additional Notes: 1080p @ 60 FPS

Pros

Gorgeous hand-drawn animation that brings classic ninja action to life.
Deep, combo-focused combat with meaningful progression and variety.
Exploration rewards through layered stage design and replayable content.
Multiple difficulty and accessibility options accommodate both veterans and newcomers

Cons

Linear level structure may disappoint fans hoping for a full metroidvania experience.
No co-op mode—purely single-player gameplay.
Occasional frame drops noted in early demos, though likely resolved before launch.