Best Combat Moves to Get First in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Beyond categorizing as a Metroidvania-style platformer, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance serves as an engaging hack-and-slash game that boasts precision controls and exhilarating combo sequences. The combat mechanics allow for an abundance of potential combinations, granting players ample flexibility when confronting diverse types of adversaries.

As a gaming enthusiast, diving into Shinobi: Art of Vengeance feels like stepping back into the arena with familiar foes – a delightful mix of nostalgia and fresh challenges if you’re a fan of fighting games or 2D beat-em-up titles. The progression system is simple enough to navigate, but if you’re curious about which combat moves will give you the edge in battle, I’ve got just the guide for you. It outlines our top recommendations, helping you dominate the competition with style!

Shinobi Execution

Hold L1/LB, then R1/RB when an enemy’s Execution Gauge is full

Start by addressing the main point first: Shinobi Execution is a feature that players should make use of, particularly as tougher enemies with higher health levels become prevalent. Instead of completely depleting an enemy’s health, you can opt to build up their Execution Gauge. Once filled, this allows you to instantly eliminate the enemy, regardless of their current health status.

Besides its instant-death capability, the Shinobi Execution is a fundamental gameplay element linked to numerous other Fighting Techniques and Ninja Arts in the game “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance“. Don’t miss out on mastering this technique!

Kunai Burst

After attacking an enemy, press Circle/B to throw a fan of kunai.

A valuable ability to not overlook is Kunai Burst, which significantly increases an opponent’s Execution Gauge when struck by it. This move is particularly effective against lighter enemies such as shuriken ninjas and gun drones.

The Aerial Kunai Burst version is equally crucial and serves to either prolong or conclude your air combo sequence. Fret not about the cost of Kunais, as you’ll likely recoup them during the mission. However, be mindful not to deplete all of your Kunai supply.

Rising Strike

Press Heavy Attack after two aerial Light Attacks to launch enemies even further upward.

Discussing air combos, Rising Strike can prove crucial in Elite Squad fights or battles against numerous adversaries. By keeping enemies off balance, airborne, or otherwise disabled, this principle is widely applied in 2D fighting games, and it holds true here as well.

The Ascending Attack is equally effective against armored drones, jetpack-equipped assailants, and nearly any airborne adversary. In case the ground becomes overcrowded, simply propel someone aloft and execute your moves accordingly.

Launch Kick

Press Heavy Attack after dashing.

In simpler terms, a basic powerful strike often sends opponents flying, including some bosses. If you’d like to set up a Shinobi Execution by launching an enemy during a combo in the air, though, the Launch Kick move would be ideal.

Just like Rising Strike, Launch Kick excels due to its ability to initiate aerial combos. Engaging enemies mid-flight, instead of on the ground, usually offers increased safety, while also allowing for the utilization of potent skills such as Bomb and Wind Slash Ninpo.

Dive Kick and Aerial Spin

Press Heavy Attack while mid-air. Hold Heavy Attack for a longer dive.
Press Heavy Attack after hitting Dive Kick. Hold Heavy attack for a longer spin.

These two techniques, Dive Kick and Heavy Attack, are closely connected. With a Dive Kick, you’ll make any unprotected airborne foe fall to the ground headfirst. Following this, if you swiftly execute a Heavy Attack, you can perform an Aerial Spin which inflicts significant damage on both their armor and Execution Gauges.

Mastering these skills forms a strong basis for creating various aerial combinations, so make an effort to understand their mechanics in conjunction with other maneuvers.

What About The Rest?

The moves not specifically listed here are equally valuable in their own context, yet they either mirror the moves already mentioned or are surpassed by Ninpo techniques. While you can certainly employ them for impressive results and exciting combinations, if we’re focusing on practicality and essential Combat Moves to master first, then the ones highlighted earlier should be your primary focus.

2025-08-26 04:39