Ninja Comeback of the Year? SHINOBI Art of Vengeance Review Drops the Katana!
Is SHINOBI Art of Vengeance Review the ninja revival we’ve been craving in 2025? Yo, gamers, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is slicing its way back from the shadows, bringing that classic SEGA slash-and-dash vibe with a modern glow-up. With hand-drawn visuals, a slick combat system, and a 10-hour ninja rampage, this game’s got us dodging traps and shredding enemies like it’s the ‘80s arcade all over again. From bamboo forests to neon-lit cities, this SHINOBI Art of Vengeance Review breaks down why Joe Musashi’s return is a must-play for action platformer fans. Let’s unsheathe that katana and dive in!
A Ninja’s Tale of Revenge
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance throws you into Joe Musashi’s sandals as he ditches retirement to take down the evil AN Corp, a paramilitary crew that’s taken over the world. After they trash his village, Joe’s on a global killing spree, slicing through soldiers, specters, and samurai. The story’s simple—like a cheesy ‘80s action flick—but it’s all the excuse you need to unleash ninja chaos. This SHINOBI Art of Vengeance Review loves how the gruff, grunting cutscenes add comic relief to the bloodshed.
Visuals That Pop Like a Shuriken
Lizardcube’s hand-drawn art style in Art of Vengeance is straight-up gorgeous:
Stunning Stages: From lush bamboo forests to New York’s scorched skyline, every level’s a visual feast. Puddles reflect Joe’s sprints, and container ships loom like bosses.
Unique Vibes: Each of the 40 levels feels distinct—think speeding train rooftops or gloopy alien labs that scream Rick and Morty.
Retro Nods: The bonus surfing stage (a throwback to Shinobi III) is peak ‘90s cool. Ninja on a surfboard? Yes, please!
Pro Tip: Crank the brightness to catch every detail in darker levels like the AN base.
Combat: Slash, Dash, and Combo Like a Pro
The heart of this SHINOBI Art of Vengeance Review is the combat—and it’s a banger:
Fluid Fighting: Unlike Ninja Gaiden’s one-hit kills, enemies have health bars, so you’re chaining light/heavy attacks, shuriken throws, and flaming divekicks. By the end, you’re juggling foes like a circus act.
Ninja Gauge: Fill it by landing hits or collecting orbs, then unleash specials like dragon breath or a revive wave. Save it for bosses to turn the tide.
Customization: Two amulet slots let you equip buffs (e.g., extra health or damage). Mix and match to slay your way.
Quick Hack: Buy new combos from the in-game merchant to keep your attack chains fresh. The spinning katana move is a crowd-killer!
Level Design: A Ninja’s Playground
The 40 levels in Art of Vengeance keep you on your toes:
Variety Galore: Stalk rooftops, dodge rockslides, or infiltrate Metroidvania-style labs with lunging mutants. No two stages feel the same.
Secrets & Challenges: Unlock new areas with abilities like wall-climbing ninja cloaks or grappling hooks. Hunt for tokens, costumes, or elite encounters (arena battles with hordes).
Rift Challenges: These Super Meat Boy-style platforming gauntlets test your double-jump and dash skills. Tough but fair, with instant restarts.
Pro Tip: Revisit early levels with new abilities to snag secrets like the cherry blossom pink costume. Flex it on the Discord!
Boss Fights & Difficulty: A Mixed Bag
Bosses in this SHINOBI Art of Vengeance Review are a highlight, though not perfect:
Epic Showdowns: Favorites include the twin mutants that fuse into a mega-freak and the griffin-summoning desert master. They force you to mix ground and air attacks.
Weak Links: The returning Mandara boss feels clunky, like it’s stuck in a Master System cartridge.
Difficulty Options: The standard Shinobi setting is approachable, with accessibility tweaks for newbies. Hardcore fans can tackle optional rift challenges or boss rush mode.
Quick Hack: Save your Jutsu Gauge for bosses—it’s a game-changer for tougher fights like the desert master.
Why Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Slays
This SHINOBI Art of Vengeance Review calls it: Lizardcube nailed the comeback. It’s not a Metroidvania, but the optional secrets and replayable levels keep you hooked. The combat’s fluid, the art’s a stunner, and the mix of retro nods and modern polish makes it a blast. Minor gripes? The pause menu map’s vague, and enemy respawns can annoy when backtracking. Still, whether you’re a Shinobi vet or a newbie, this is a ninja adventure worth diving into. Check gggamer.net for more action platformer guides and join the Shinobi Discord to share your sick combos!
