There’s a special kind of frustration that only Metroidvania games can deliver. Not the kind caused by unfair bosses or cheap enemies, but the kind that comes from a level daring you to get better. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance leans into that feeling, and as someone who doesn’t play a ton of games in this genre, I went in both excited and cautious.
What I got was a beautifully crafted, brutally challenging revival of a classic Sega franchise that demands skill, patience, and respect.
And honestly? I loved every second of it.
Story: A Revenge Tale With Emotional Weight
ENE Corp is back at it again, bringing destruction and chaos to the Orbōro Clan. In a devastating attack, Joe Musashi’s peaceful life is shattered. His village is destroyed, many of his people are turned to stone, and his pregnant wife is placed in danger.
Let’s be real for a moment:
You don’t invade a man’s home when he’s expecting a child.
That personal motivation gives Shinobi: Art of Vengeance a grounded emotional core. This isn’t just another ninja saving the world. It’s a man fighting for his family and his legacy. It’s classic Shinobi storytelling, but delivered with enough intensity to keep you invested.
Gameplay: Fast, Fluid, and Fiercely Challenging
This is where Shinobi: Art of Vengeance truly shines.
Combat feels incredibly smooth and deliberate. On PlayStation 5, the controls are responsive and built around precision rather than button-mashing. You’ll be chaining together light attacks, heavy strikes, dodges, and Ninpo abilities to carve through enemies with style.
A typical combo might look like this:
- Dodge roll
- Heavy attack for a flying knee
- Follow-up is heavy for an overhead kick
- Air chase to continue the combo
And here’s the best part:
Your combo doesn’t disappear unless you get hit.
That means high-hit combos feel fair and achievable, including the satisfying 100-hit combo trophy. But don’t get cocky. Panic-mashing will get you punished fast.
Progression That Rewards Exploration
As you advance, Joe gains essential tools that completely change how you approach the game:
- Glider
- Grappling hook
- Climbing claws
- Special wall-breaking techniques
These abilities open new paths and encourage backtracking in true Metroidvania fashion. Early areas take on entirely new life once you return with upgraded movement options.
But make no mistake, the real challenge isn’t the enemies.
It’s the levels themselves.
Precision platforming, environmental hazards, and carefully timed jumps will test your patience far more than any boss fight. You’ll miss collectibles. You’ll fall into pits. You’ll retry sections more times than you’d like.
And that’s exactly the point.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is about mastery. Every victory feels earned.
Enemy Variety and Combat Depth
The game keeps things fresh with a strong roster of enemies, each with their own behaviors and counters. Some require careful timing, others demand Ninpo abilities, and a few will absolutely humble you if you rush in blindly.
Using Ninpo powers adds a layer of strategy, whether you’re unleashing high-damage attacks or triggering instant-kill abilities. Combined with resource management and shop upgrades, the combat system offers plenty of room for different playstyles.
Visuals: A Modern Tribute to Classic Shinobi
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance nails its presentation.
Instead of leaning on retro pixel art or overly glossy 3D models, the game uses a clean, hand-drawn visual style that feels both modern and faithful to its roots. Characters animate beautifully, environments are detailed, and every level pops with personality.
It’s not trying to look like the past. It’s trying to honor it.
And it succeeds.
Audio: A Sonic Throwback Done Right
The soundtrack is an absolute highlight, featuring original tracks from YDB that perfectly match the fast-paced action. Every sword clash, enemy screech, and environmental sound effect adds weight to the experience.
Great sound design makes combat feel impactful, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance delivers in every way.
The Bad: Your Own Impatience
Let’s be honest here. Most of the frustration you’ll feel in this game won’t be the game’s fault.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is tough, but it’s rarely unfair. It simply demands precision and focus. If you rush, you’ll fail. If you button-mash, you’ll struggle. If you stay calm and learn the systems, everything clicks.
The difficulty spikes in platforming may turn off some players, but those willing to adapt will find an incredibly rewarding experience.
Final Verdict: A True Ninja Revival
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance isn’t just a nostalgic comeback. It’s a confident, stylish, and challenging action platformer that proves this franchise still has plenty of life left.
- Gorgeous visuals
- Tight, rewarding combat
- Excellent soundtrack
- Meaningful progression
- Brutal but fair challenge
If you’re a longtime Shinobi fan or someone who loves skill-based 2D action, this game is absolutely worth your time.
Final Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A must-play for anyone ready to embrace the way of the ninja.
