Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a Love Letter to Sega’s History More Than Anything

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The launch of “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance” signals the comeback of a timeless Sega series that hasn’t seen daylight for approximately 14 years. LizardCube, the team behind the successful reintroduction of another Sega title, “Streets of Rage 4” in 2020, infused a strong dose of affection for the series into “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance”, which veteran fans will undoubtedly cherish. More than just an ode to the golden age of the “Shinobi” franchise, “Art of Vengeance” serves as a salute to Sega as a whole, with subtle nods to the company’s history subtly interwoven into its levels.

In Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, it’s almost equally crucial to observe the stage backdrops as it is to monitor enemies and obstacles that Joe Musashi encounters. Frequently, gamers discover significant elements hidden in the backgrounds of the game’s levels – such as approaching enemies or forthcoming challenges they must prepare for. Moreover, these stage settings sometimes subtly incorporate nods to Sega, serving as Easter eggs for keen-eyed players who appreciate intricate details.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance’s Sega References Run Deep

Players Can Spot Hidden Sega References in the Backgrounds of Certain Stages

In the game “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance,” one clear nod to Sega can be seen on the Neo City stage. Toward the western part of the map, players come across a big building adorned with an enormous “SEGA” sign atop it. This could possibly be reminiscent of Sega’s well-known arcade in Akihabara, Tokyo. Since Neo City appears to be a futuristic rendition of Tokyo, this connection seems likely, but it might also just symbolize Sega as the proprietor of the Shinobi franchise.

The historic Sega Akihabara building, now known as Gigo Akihabara, regrettably had to shut down for good. This closure lends a touch of nostalgia to any mentions of “Art of Vengeance“.

In the game Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a hidden Easter egg related to another Sega franchise can be found during the Fish Market stage. This secret may easily go unnoticed by players who aren’t familiar with what to look for. Once you reach the warehouse area in the Fish Market, keep an eye on the background as a character driving a forklift might briefly pass by. If you’re observant, you may recognize this driver as Ryo Hazuki from the Sega franchise Shenmue, which includes a forklift-driving mini-game. Although Shenmue isn’t as well-known among Sega franchises today, this Easter egg in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance serves as a nostalgic nod to the Sega Dreamcast era and the groundbreaking title that Shenmue represented when it was first released.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance’s Sega Villains DLC Continues this Trend

In Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, players who appreciate Sega’s classic games are in for a special treat with the upcoming Sega Villains Stage DLC. This DLC intends to incorporate battles against legendary Sega villains within the game, giving players an opportunity to demonstrate their skill and test Musashi’s weapons against these famous adversaries. At present, Dr. Eggman from the Sonic the Hedgehog series is the only confirmed boss for this DLC, but there are many other memorable Sega villains slated to appear in the expansion.

The Sega Villains Stage DLC is slated for an Early 2026 release.

The game, titled “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance,” doesn’t just revive the franchise – it delves deeper by incorporating not just hidden references (Easter eggs), but an entire expansion pack (DLC) where Joe Musashi battles Sega’s roster of baddies. This suggests that the game isn’t merely a resurrection of Shinobi, but a heartfelt tribute to Sega and its enthusiasts, especially those who cherish classic Sega games from arcade days up to Dreamcast. As new villains for the Sega Villains DLC are revealed, they’re likely to intensify the wave of nostalgia that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance evokes.

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2025-08-31 16:04