2025 is definitely spoiling those who've been missing the golden age of 2D platformers. Just as we were absorbing the intense Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance arrives on the scene - a full-fledged, fresh, truly old-school action game. Since Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi, this is probably the best entry in the series.
If you grew up on these games, get ready for a serious wave of nostalgia. If this is your first time, you're unlikely to be disappointed.
The levels are varied and crafted with care: beautiful backgrounds, solid level design, and genuinely cool artwork in the cutscenes. This isn't just a tribute to the classics - it's classic gameplay reimagined with a modern touch.
The story is as straightforward as a katana strike - pure, classic simplicity. Joe Musashi is silent and replies to every conversation with the same ominous "hmmm." Friends, foes - no one gets anything else. But when it comes to wielding his katana, his communication skills are much sharper.
The gameplay is vibrant, intense, and engaging. Imagine Scorpion from Mortal Kombat switching to a 2D ninja style: fast combos, dashes, kunai throws, stylish finishers - all here. Unlockable abilities make combat even flashier, and the system rewards style and creativity. Want a challenge? You got it. Prefer to kick back to a cool soundtrack? No problem. The flexible difficulty system nicely echoes the approach from Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound.
There are Metroidvania elements too, but exploring them is optional. Don't feel like combing every corner? Nobody's forcing you. But you can always come back later to access previously locked areas. There is, however, a downside: enemies respawn if you stray too far, which can get annoying. Not as bad as in the '90s classics, but still noticeable.
The platforming doesn't quite match the quality of the combat. It's not bad, but it feels underdeveloped: wall jumps are clunky, corridors sometimes drag on, slow-moving platforms make you wait, and the Metroidvania elements don't always clearly signal if you lack the necessary abilities. You return excited - and then face another obstacle, meaning "come back later" again. That wasted time stands out more than it should.
As mentioned earlier, the combat system is one of the game's strongest points. There are plenty of enemies, and fights stay fresh. Bosses are diverse and interesting, each with its quirks. They're not especially difficult, so you won't spend much time memorizing their patterns. Some will see this as smooth pacing; others might find it simplifies things too much. It's up to you to decide which side you're on - it depends on what you want from the game.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a solid old-school platformer with modern, fast-paced gameplay and stylish visuals. While it doesn't quite reach the same level of coolness as Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, it still deserves your attention and a solid 8 out of 10.
