Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Review – The One and Only

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In the realm of remakes, revivals stand out uniquely. Instead of mere copies, they breathe new life into old Intellectual Properties (IPs) that have been gathering dust, preserving the core elements that made them cherished, while updating and refining them with modern technology. They don’t necessarily require state-of-the-art visual realism; rather, a deep appreciation for the franchise and the artistic liberty to recreate it in contemporary form is key. Witness this in The Game Kitchen’s Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a stunning homage to classic NES games, boasting an aesthetic that’s both retro and polished. And now, we find this approach again in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.

Back in 1987, I found myself captivated by the arcade release of a game called Shinobi. A year later, it made its way to the Sega Master System, where I had the pleasure of playing it. This side-scrolling action platformer introduced me to Joe Musashi, the silent yet powerful leader of the ninja clan and an unstoppable one-man force. Although he’s been operating in the shadows for the past decade, the Shinobi franchise remains as influential as the legendary Ninja Gaiden.

But what truly sets Art of Vengeance apart is its remarkable blend of side-scrolling action and adventure. Whether you’re a fan of the original or just discovering this iconic franchise, there’s something for everyone in this exciting journey.

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in a thrilling narrative centered around the enigmatic ENE Corp, masterminded by the cunning Ruse. This corporation, responsible for wreaking havoc and chaos across the globe, has set its sights on Oboro Village, home to the legendary swordmaster Joe Musashi and his devoted students. In a move that I can only describe as misguided genius, Ruse orders an attack that leaves the village in ruins, turning all but one of Joe’s students into stone. The one exception? Me, Joe Musashi. With my life spared, I am now on a relentless quest for vengeance against this elusive enemy. The stage is set for an epic showdown!

By emphasizing strong assaults and kunai, you’ll have opportunities for stylish finishes where Joe appears as a revered, shadowy outline slicing through enemies who burst into splashes of red. It also has a painterly quality, lending depth to the concept of “art” in revenge.

In a refreshing twist, this traditional method is subtly humanized in various ways. For instance, Joe’s interactions with his wife Naoko and the energetic Tomoe (who oddly seems to be the only one capable of comprehending Joe) are part of this transformation. The serious tone becomes even more comical as characters like the demonic shopkeeper and Ruse himself struggle to grasp Joe’s words. Yet, despite this, nothing feels excessive. On the contrary, the excellent voice-acting adds depth to the characters, including the expected bosses who are doomed to perish.

The game titled “Art of Vengeance” plunges you straight into the thrilling action, akin to the graceful control system found in “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound“. Initially, the protagonist Joe has an impressive arsenal of agile moves such as wall-bouncing for higher reaches, double-jumping, and even face-kicking enemies. As you advance, new devices like a grappling hook, a glider, and wall-climbing claws are introduced to enrich the character’s movement options and provide access to hidden zones.

The fight scenes are simply amazing, resembling the fast-paced, combo-focused action of 3D Ninja Gaiden games. You can execute light and heavy attacks that link together in specific combos and techniques, and you can toss kunai to take out minor enemies. If you concentrate on heavier attacks and kunai, you can perform impressive execution moves where Joe turns into a ghostly silhouette, slicing through enemies who then explode in bursts of red. In another way, it seems like a work of art, adding depth to the concept of vengeance as an artistic expression.

In simpler terms, apart from making you look impressive and fueling the feeling of being powerful, these moves not only increase your score but also provide additional rewards such as currency and health. While you’re welcome to try out various combos and brutally defeat opponents, strategically using a variety of moves and resources will lead to more effective and satisfying outcomes.

Starting with just a basic dodge roll, players have numerous opportunities to explore various moves and maintain their momentum while navigating obstacles. Dive-kicking foes is effective, but it becomes even more powerful once you acquire the skill to chain into a spinning downward slash – an ideal move for tackling tougher opponents.

Venturing away from the usual routes (or climbing up to rooftops) offers an exciting adventure where you might stumble upon hidden challenges. These areas often feature Elite Squads in intense battle situations. By completing and clearing all of these challenges, you’ll receive rewards. However, some regions can only be accessed once you’ve obtained specific tools at later levels.

Ninpo offers unique attack options, and although its default fire breath might not be thrilling, it boasts other impressive choices such as the Water Slash for deflecting incoming attacks and causing harm. Similar to kunai, it’s not inexhaustible, so maintaining close combat is crucial. Lastly, there’s Ninjutsu, potent abilities capable of wiping out entire screens and leaving quite a sight to behold.

Apart from that, you’ll encounter charms that offer various advantages when utilized, such as enhanced healing capabilities, kunai capable of striking multiple enemies (but at a higher cost), and more. Although the character customization won’t pose a challenge to Grinding Gear Games, it does introduce some enjoyable nuances to your gameplay experience.

This scenario would be meaningless if the enemy types weren’t well-designed, but fortunately, that’s not an issue. Each type of enemy brings a distinctive edge to combat-either increased agility or territory control, and the Elite versions crank up the difficulty without being overwhelmingly tough. Moreover, Lizardcube’s knack for infusing their enemies with character is impressive and contributes significantly to the gameplay experience.

Despite the potential deterrent of more than a dozen stages, these are intricately designed levels offering an abundance of diversity. Indeed, certain environments might evoke a sense of déjà vu – such as the swamp transitioning into a festival – but each one is brimming with distinctive platforming and combat obstacles. Chasing away from the impending destruction on the opposite side of the screen may appear repetitive, yet I can overlook it if the platforming foundation is strong. Remarkably, even the seemingly basic puzzles maintain a logical flow without hindering the action.

Stepping away from the usual routes or heights reveals hidden treasures and challenges where Elite Squads can be found, sometimes in intense battles. Completing and overcoming all these squads will yield rewards, though certain locations can only be accessed with tools you’ll acquire later on. I don’t mind going back to previous stages because Arcade Mode encourages replaying them for higher scores, but the rewards seem more for finishing everything rather than enhancing gameplay. While it doesn’t disrupt the main gameplay significantly, it appears to be more about completing the game than adding much value to the experience.

Without a doubt, if you’re a fan of side-scrolling action games, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an absolute must-have. This game offers an exhilarating journey through multiple stunning levels, boasting impressive fighting systems, top-notch control, and a variety of platforming challenges. Enjoy the ride!

Clearly, what stands out most is the visually stunning presentation, and I find myself consistently captivated by its dynamic and meticulous detail. The movements are so seamless and stylish, yet they exude an undeniably Shinobi vibe. When you’re not awe-struck by the Ninjutsu animations, you’re likely drawn in by the backdrops, where helicopters whirl about or towering monsters lumber or neon signs illuminate their surroundings, creating a cyberpunk atmosphere. However, despite all the visual flair, the art direction remains crisp and clean, allowing for easy identification of potential threats and quick adjustments. The soundtrack is equally impressive, masterfully evoking classic excellence in ways that defy description while skillfully balancing the differing tones of various situations.

It’s evident that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a game worth adding to your collection. For enthusiasts of side-scrolling action, it offers an immersive journey through numerous visually stunning levels, featuring exceptional combat mechanics, intuitive controls, and diverse platforming challenges. For dedicated fans eager for the franchise’s comeback, it delivers everything you could hope for, with improvements and enhancements that make it even better. If Sega’s revivals continue in this direction, we might be in store for even greater things. In any case, don’t miss out on experiencing Joe Musashi’s return in all its gritty grandeur.

This game was reviewed on PC.

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2025-08-25 15:13