Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – The Epic Return of a Classic Ninja Franchise!

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Summary

  • Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, revived by Sega, offers a modern take on arcade action.
  • Developed by Lizardcube, the game stars Joe Musashi on a quest for vengeance.
  • Fans can preorder the game for digital release for $29.99 with a special edition available.

During the PlayStation State of Play broadcast, the game titled Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was introduced, signaling the comeback of Sega’s classic arcade series. The initial glimpses of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance revealed its fast-moving action and an impressive, modern artistic style for this 2D action platformer.

As a dedicated gamer, I remember the last time I sliced through enemies as a Shinobi back in 2011. The game was for the 3DS, but its reception from critics and fans alike was a bit mixed, leading to a long silence for the franchise. But then, at the 2023 Game Awards, my heart skipped a beat when they unveiled the return of some classic IPs, among them were Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and yes, you guessed it – Shinobi! Now, Sega has given us an inside peek at how the next chapter in this ninja-filled saga is taking shape.

Collaborating with Lizardcube, the creators of hit game Streets of Rage 4, comes the release of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – an action-packed 2D platformer set for launch on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One on August 29, 2025. The game showcases a fresh, eye-catching art style that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with the classic arcade origins of the series. Players will once again take control of Joe Musashi, as he embarks on a quest for vengeance upon discovering his village in ruins. Exploration extends across more than a dozen diverse environments.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Announced by Sega

You have the opportunity to digitally pre-purchase Shinobi: Art of Vengeance at a cost of $29.99, but no details have been provided about a physical version. There’s also a special edition available for $39.99 that comes with early access to the game, a digital art book, and the game’s soundtrack, as well as the Starter Pack which gives you the Ghost Outfit, the Medic Lite Amulet, In-Game Currency for upgrades. Additionally, a Sega Villains Stage featuring popular bosses from Sega’s diverse collection is scheduled to launch in 2026 and completes the special edition package.

  • Release date: August 29, 2025
  • Standard edition RRP $29.99
  • Special edition RRP $39.99
    • Includes Base game
    • Early Access
    • Starter Pack with the Ghost Outfit, the Medic Lite Amulet, and In-Game Currency
    • Digital Art Book + Soundtrack
    • SEGA Villains Stage (Coming Early 2026) featuring bosses based on iconic SEGA villains.

The long-awaited comeback of Shinobi, which has been absent for 14 years, is sure to excite fans, but it seems that Sega has additional strategies for the Ninja series. In light of the massive box office earnings from three Sonic the Hedgehog films, Shinobi is the upcoming franchise from Sega that’s set to be transformed for Hollywood cinema. A Shinobi movie is now in its initial stages of production.

2023 has been an exceptionally exciting year for fans of ninjas, as it culminates with the release of “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance”. Previously, Team Ninja sneakily launched “Ninja Gaiden 2: Black” on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms in February. The developers have also hinted at the development of “Ninja Gaiden 4”. And if that wasn’t enough, gamers are eagerly awaiting the release of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”, set in Feudal Japan, which will feature two main characters: a robust samurai and a stealthy ninja, coming out in March.

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2025-02-13 05:34