Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is Basically a Platformer for Fighting Game Fans

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As a gaming enthusiast in 2025, I’ve been utterly captivated by the resurgence of the platformer genre, with standout titles such as “Split Fiction” and “Donkey Kong Bananza” gracing our screens alongside highly anticipated releases like “Hollow Knight: Silksong”. However, among these stellar games, “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance”, a revival of the classic Sega franchise by LizardCube, truly shines. This game has already secured its place as one of the best platformers of 2025, but it does more than just excel within its genre; it gracefully traverses a gap between genres that few other games this year have dared to cross.

In the same vein as the legendary Sega Mega Drive and Genesis versions of Shinobi, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance highlights protagonist Joe Musashi’s impressive martial arts skills alongside his agile movement abilities. The seamless transitions between attacks are remarkably similar to movement fluidity in Shinobi, giving the game a fighting-game feel as well as being a platformer. Therefore, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is worth a try for both platformer and fighting game enthusiasts.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is One Part Platformer, One Part Fighting Game

Combos Are the Name of the Game in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

As a newcomer diving into the world of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, you’ll swiftly notice that the combat experience is significantly amplified when you begin stringing attacks together seamlessly. The combos in Shinobi transition smoothly from one to another, a trait that 2D fighting games like Street Fighter and Guilty Gear consider instinctive. Though it doesn’t delve into complex directional inputs, the prerequisites for some of Musashi’s combat moves provide a depth that dedicated fighting game enthusiasts can truly grasp onto. Among Musashi’s skillset are capabilities such as:

  • Light Attacks
  • Heavy Attacks
  • Kunai Throw
  • Dive Kick
  • Shinobi Execution
  • Double Slash
  • Kunai Burst
  • Cannon Punch Finisher
  • Finishing Blow
  • Aerial Slash
  • Aerial Kunai Burst
  • Rising Strike
  • Aerial Spin
  • Knee Attack
  • Launch Kick
  • Spin Slash
  • Super Kick

In order to acquire all the combat techniques in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, players must enhance the shop using Oboro Relics, which can then be used to buy fresh fighting abilities.

Alongside these combat options, a character named Shinobi also possesses Ninpo skills. These can be linked to specific button sequences to launch potent elemental assaults. By merging these Ninpo skills with the fundamental Shinobi Combat Moves, you’ll discover a unique gameplay style that integrates elements similar to special moves in Super Smash Bros., as well as combos typical of conventional fighting games.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is the Perfect Game for Fighting Game Fans to Dip Their Toes into Platformers

In Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, the fighting game-style aspects definitely steal the show, but don’t forget about the thrilling platforming segments! This game offers almost as many ways to navigate levels as it does to vanquish enemies. As you progress through the game, you’ll gradually unlock Shinobi’s Ningi abilities. By taking this approach, your platforming skills will grow and develop organically over time, leading to a perfect balance between combat and movement.

The design of the platforming mechanics in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is tailored to suit beginners of the genre, as it delays demanding complex jumps or maneuvers until well into the game. Newcomers will find comfort in the combat-focused start of the game, a familiar feeling for fighting game enthusiasts, particularly those who have experienced LizardCube’s previous Sega revival, Streets of Rage 4. Mastering Shinobi: Art of Vengeance’s combat rhythm facilitates smoother platforming, especially when players acquire new Ningi abilities such as Ninja Flip, Ninja Hook, Glider, and others later in the game.

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2025-08-29 16:16