Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Earns High Praise in Early Reviews, Marking a Strong Return

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Earns High Praise in Early Reviews, Marking a Strong Return

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic time for fans of 2D ninja platformers. Hot on the heels of the recent *Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound*, the highly anticipated *Shinobi: Art of Vengeance* is set to release, bringing SEGA's classic franchise back to life with developer Lizardcube at the helm. Initial reviews are now in, and it seems the team has successfully reawakened the series after its long slumber.

As of this writing, *Shinobi: Art of Vengeance* boasts impressive aggregate scores, achieving an 88 on Metacritic for its PlayStation 5 version and a remarkable 90 on OpenCritic, where 100% of critics recommend the game. Reviewers have lauded the platformer for its ultra-detailed sprites and backgrounds, a stellar soundtrack that elevates the experience, a decent story that doesn't get in the way of the action, and a fluid, satisfying combat system. The overall sense of progression and achievement has also been a highlight for many.

However, critics did find a few minor drawbacks. Some pointed out that navigating the map can occasionally be inconvenient, certain levels felt overly long, and foreground objects sometimes obscure the on-screen action. Dustin Bailey from GamesRadar+ noted that the level design, while offering a Metroidvania-style structure with fast travel points and hidden secrets, often consists of linear tunnels and basic platforms that can quickly become repetitive. Despite this, responsive controls and consistently enjoyable abilities like double jumps and wall runs make traversing these environments a pleasure.

What the Critics Are Saying:

• VGC – 100/100 (Chris Scullion): "It’s been far too long since the last Shinobi game, but the wait has been worth it — Art of Vengeance delivered on all fronts. Stunning visuals, an exceptional soundtrack, and an engaging combat system that makes every encounter a joy elevate SEGA’s platformer to new heights, much like Lizardcube did with Streets of Rage 4. Magnificent."
• Push Square – 90/100 (Stephen Tailby): "It's hard to find serious flaws in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. The story is an acquired taste, the platforming can sometimes be annoying, and levels occasionally drag — but essentially, that’s it. Otherwise, this is a brilliant 2D action-platformer that looks magnificent and plays even better thanks to dynamic and incredibly satisfying battles that feel superb when you get into the flow. If this is an indication of how SEGA will revive other franchises, we’re in for a bright future."
• IGN – 80/100 (Tristan Ogilvie): "After the success of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (2017) and Streets of Rage 4 (2020), developers Lizardcube have already proven themselves reliable when it comes to resurrecting classic SEGA series. And Shinobi: Art of Vengeance only solidified the studio's reputation for making old feel new again. It’s a genuinely captivating 2D action-platformer, beautiful visually and even more beautiful in terms of gameplay. It features an excellent combat system that evolves briskly, as well as a large number of secret side quests offering serious additional challenges outside the main story. Like a ninja strapped to a surfboard, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is flashy, deadly, and just plain awesome."
• GamesRadar+ – 60/100 (Dustin Bailey): "Superb controls make for an incredible first impression, and the precision-based combat system gives battles a unique character. Unfortunately, the level design fails to keep pace with the quality of the core gameplay, stretching a beautiful foundation to its limits. The groundwork for a long-awaited Shinobi revival is here, but the bland levels simply don’t keep up with the strengths of everything else."

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is set to launch on August 29, 2025, for PC (Steam), PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Players eager to jump in early can do so starting August 26 by purchasing the Deluxe Edition, which is currently available for $35.99 (including a 10% discount valid until release).

With glowing reviews highlighting its stunning presentation and engaging gameplay, *Shinobi: Art of Vengeance* looks poised to be a must-play for fans of the genre and a triumphant return for the legendary ninja. Despite a few minor criticisms, Lizardcube has clearly delivered a passionate and high-quality revival that should delight both long-time fans and newcomers alike.