Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Review (PC) – Joe Musashi’s Triumphant Return

This Shinobi: Art of Vengeance review is not just about another release. This is about the revival of one of SEGA’s most iconic series, and for me, a personal milestone. I grew up with the Shinobi series, from the arcades to the Sega Master System, Genesis, PlayStation 2, and even the Nintendo 3DS. Then, just like that, the franchise disappeared for decades. Now Joe Musashi is finally back, and while SEGA took a risk bringing him out of retirement, they did not need to worry. Shinobi is not only back, it is sharper, faster, and more relentless than ever. Dare I say this is one of the best ninja games of all time?

Game Name: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Platform(s): PC (Reviewed), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Developer(s): Lizardcube
Publisher(s): SEGA
Release Date: August 29, 2025

Story and Setup

The premise of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is pretty straightforward. The star of the Shinobi series, Joe Musashi, comes out of retirement to avenge the destruction waged on his village, all thanks to the ENE corporation. This isn’t just a simple enemy, and it has more on its mind than just ruining the village. As such, Joe sets out on his latest adventure in a modern era that has been waiting for his return.

What’s interesting is that the game references familiar events that took place during The Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, such as Joe’s marriage and the birth of his child. In this game, however, his wife is still pregnant. It’s important to note that Art of Vengeance is more of a soft reboot than a direct continuation, and it doesn’t fully fit into the prior Shinobi timeline.

Gameplay and Combat

Right off the bat, one of the biggest updates to this Shinobi title is the action. Joe not only has access to his trusty katana but also a wide range of attacks, from quick strikes, devastating combos, and his iconic ninja magic. Combat is fluid, satisfying, and downright addictive. Lizardcube nailed this aspect; smacking enemies in the face, flipping around them to extend combos, then drop-kicking them into the ground or bouncing them back up for more punishment feels like a seamless dance of violence.

This reimaging of Shinobi sees the return of the health bar, which was an on-and-off again feature in the prior games. The health bar gets depleted every time you take a hit, with you dying and needing to continue once the bar is zeroed out. Thankfully, you’re able to find health boxes scattered throughout the levels that heal you up, and checkpoints that will let you restart from that point should you Game Over.

Unlike another recent ninja-focused title, Shinobi’s main focus is on action and making sure that it flows with as few interruptions as possible. Yes, there are traversal segments that require some crafty jumping between ledges, hanging from ceilings, while searching for hidden items. Yet, they’re minimal compared to the hacking and slashing that takes center stage.

A nice addition is also being able to find gear and purchasing new Ninjitsu magic and abilities that will not only change the way you play, but can be swapped out at any time by going to the menu. Some may think that cheapens the experience, but I felt it was a good way to give players the ammo they need to get past certain segments, while also figuring out what kit works best for them.

Highlights and Surprises

Fans of the series will be thrilled by the return of Yamato, Joe’s faithful dog from Shadow Dancer. One stage even has Joe riding Yamato across a scrolling level, dodging fire and enemies in a tense, fast-paced sequence.

The boss fights are another highlight. Each encounter is introduced with stylish animations and dialogue before the fight begins. They aren’t just simple hack-and-slash affairs either — some require strategy, such as breaking through shields or exploiting specific weaknesses. They’re fun, challenging, well-designed, and fair, even if it doesn’t seem like it the first few times you take on a boss. They’re not a simple rush in and smash them a few times and it’s over. They require you to watch the patterns, maybe not be too greedy, and most importantly, use the skills that you have at your disposal to help you.

Lastly, for you fans of the original Shinobi, there’s a returning boss, which is confusing, since again, this game is a reimagining. If that’s the case, why does this boss remember Joe? As to what boss this is, I’m not telling. Go play the game to find out.

Honestly, my only gripe is that I wish there were more of them, since Art of Vengeance is on the shorter side.

Exploration and Challenge

Beyond the combat, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance features light Metroidvania elements. Stages include areas inaccessible early on, and only later in the game, once Joe acquires new gear or abilities like a super-powered punch that crumbles barriers or wall-climbing claws that let you climb up walls, can players return to explore hidden sections. This adds replay value for those who want to search every nook and cranny and collect all hidden items.

There are also optional puzzle and challenge sections that test your precision. These can be rewarding or frustrating, depending on your patience — instant-death traps included. Thankfully, they’re optional, but purists and completionists will likely feel compelled to tackle them (and maybe smash a controller or two in the process).

Sights and Sounds of Vengeance

When it comes to presentation, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance doesn’t miss a beat, which is due in part to the amazing work from Lizardcube. If you thought the animation gods did fantastic work with Streets of  Rage 4, then just wait until you see this game in action. The animation is razor sharp, with every slash, flip, and ninjutsu technique flowing together like a perfectly rehearsed routine. Joe Musashi moves with precision, and the game makes sure every action has weight. Enemies don’t just stand around either. They animate with menace, telegraphing attacks in ways that make every encounter feel alive and dangerous.

Visually, the game is a treat. It strikes a balance between modern polish and the series’ classic identity. One minute you’re scaling neon-lit rooftops that feel ripped out of a cyberpunk fever dream, and the next you’re cutting through burning temples straight out of feudal Japan. The environments drip with atmosphere, filled with small touches such as fluttering ash, swirling mist, and dynamic lighting that keep each stage visually distinct and memorable.

The music ties everything together, all thanks to Tee Lopes and Yuzo Koshiro. A mix of traditional Japanese instruments and modern electronic beats creates a soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The score shifts seamlessly depending on the moment, subdued during stealthy sections and erupting into heart-pounding intensity when the blades come out. Longtime fans will also notice subtle callbacks to classic Shinobi themes, which add an extra layer of respect to the franchise’s legacy.

Performance on the PC

While most of my playtime was on my beast of a PC, I also tested the game on my ASUS ROG Ally X. The experience was flawless across both, with no stuttering, frame drops, or performance hiccups. The game runs smoothly even on lower-end hardware, so accessibility shouldn’t be an issue.

In terms of options in tweaking options or settings, there are none. This game is as barebones as it can be, and outside of setting your resolution, display mode, and limiting your FPS, there’s nothing else you can adjust. Does the game need it? No, not at all. Yet, it’s one of those things you need to spell out, as people can get frustrated if nothing is there.

Everyone can get in on the Action (Accessibility)

One thing I’ve been stressing more than anything in recent games is the importance of accessibility and inclusion. Every developer should keep this in focus, and it’s great to see SEGA and Lizardcube doing exactly that. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance includes several options to support players who need a helping hand against the ENE Corporation. You can choose from preset difficulty levels or create your own custom setup. These custom options let you adjust factors like enemy damage, how much damage you deal, and even enemy health. Big kudos to SEGA for making this available.

That said, some players may not realize these options exist since they can only be set once you’re already in a stage. It would make more sense to also place them in the main menu settings screen, where players are more likely to find them.

Final Thoughts

SEGA has done what many thought would never happen, bringing Joe Musashi back without missing a step. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance feels like a true evolution of the series, blending nostalgia with fresh energy in a way that makes it one of the most exciting comebacks in recent memory.

For longtime fans, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a love letter that proves Musashi still matters. For newcomers, it’s a fast, stylish action game that stands tall on its own. If this is the future of Shinobi, I hope we won’t have to wait decades for the next chapter. I can already see the debates about whether this surpasses Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. In my opinion, it does. This is the best title in the Shinobi series to date. Though I’ll give credit where it’s due, the Genesis classic held the crown since its release in 1993.

The only thing that stinks about this game is that I wish it were longer, coming in around 10 – 12 hours to complete, or more if you’re trying to find every item and finish super ninja skill requiring levels. Still, I haven’t found every item or challenge in the game, so I’ll keep returning until I do.

Review Disclosure Statement: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was provided to us by SEGA for review purposes. For more information on how we review video games and other media/technology, please review our Review Guideline/Scoring Policy.

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