After years of silence, Sega has resurrected one of its most iconic franchises with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Developed by the talented team at Lizardcube, known for reviving Wonder Boy and Streets of Rage, this reboot launched in August 2025 across all major platforms. It’s not just a nostalgic callback — it’s a full modernization of ninja action, blending the classic 2D platforming roots of the series with the style and depth today’s players demand.
For anime and manga fans, this title carries a familiar allure. From its narrative steeped in clan honor and supernatural enemies, to its art direction that feels inspired by brushstroke-heavy manga panels, Art of Vengeance delivers the kind of dramatic flair that will make fans of Naruto, Basilisk, or Bleach feel right at home.
The Story of Joe Musashi
Players step back into the shoes of Joe Musashi, the legendary Shinobi, whose village is decimated by the ENE Corporation — a paramilitary organization with both hi-tech weapons and yokai forces at its command. Musashi’s quest for vengeance is classic ninja storytelling: burned homes, fallen comrades, and a vow to restore balance. Alongside allies and tragic losses, the narrative unfolds with just enough drama to satisfy fans of shōnen sagas while never overstaying its welcome.
The villains — ranging from resurrected samurai to monstrous abominations — are the kind of over-the-top enemies manga fans love, each feeling like they could have leapt straight out of a dark fantasy series.
Gameplay That Flows Like a Manga Fight Scene
At its core, Art of Vengeance is a 2D action platformer with heavy Metroidvania elements. You’ll dash, double-jump, wall-run, and slash your way through diverse stages, unlocking new traversal tools and abilities as you progress. Combat is fast, fluid, and wonderfully layered.
Joe’s katana and kunai are only the beginning. The game introduces “Ninpo” — magical powers that let you summon fiery dragons, create watery shields, or wipe entire rooms with a single strike. Fans of anime battles where characters unleash flashy “secret techniques” will feel right at home here. Add to that the Shinobi Execution mechanic, which lets you tag multiple enemies before finishing them off in a stylish, blood-red explosion, and you’ve got action that plays out like an animated fight sequence.
For those who love min-maxing and tinkering with builds — much like RPG systems in anime-inspired games — the amulet system adds another layer of depth. Equip different charms for combo bonuses, special kunai effects, or passive buffs, and create your own ninja style.
A Feast for the Eyes
Visually, Art of Vengeance is stunning. Lizardcube’s hand-drawn art style combines European comic sensibilities with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Think ukiyo-e brushstrokes meeting vibrant anime color palettes. Each level is a unique spectacle: neon-lit cities drenched in rain, vast deserts with skeletal remains of titans, underwater bases lit by glowing jellyfish.
The game often feels like you’re running through an anime episode brought to life. For fans who obsess over artbooks, opening credits, or the intricate backgrounds of their favorite series, this game offers that same sense of visual indulgence.
Built for Replayability
The campaign runs about eight hours, but Art of Vengeance encourages multiple playthroughs. Arcade Mode challenges you to speedrun levels with precision, while Boss Rush pits you against the game’s most fearsome foes back-to-back. It’s the kind of content that rewards mastery, appealing to the same competitive drive that makes fighting game tournaments or speedrun communities so addictive.
And with DLC planned — including crossover bosses from other Sega franchises — the game already feels like it’s building toward a larger ninja-verse of content.
Why Anime and Manga Fans Should Pay Attention
For manga and anime lovers, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance scratches a lot of itches at once. Its narrative echoes the honor-bound revenge arcs of ninja manga. Its combat channels the energy of over-the-top anime battles where protagonists push their limits. Its visuals mirror hand-drawn art and anime frames, and its structure encourages replay like rewatching your favorite fight scenes.
Whether you’re into the tactical planning of Demon Slayer, the supernatural clashes of Basilisk, or the stylish vengeance of Samurai X, there’s something here for you.
Final Thoughts
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance isn’t just a reboot — it’s a reintroduction of a legendary ninja hero for a new generation. By fusing nostalgia with modern design, Sega and Lizardcube have delivered a game that feels both like a love letter to the past and a bold step into the future.
For video game fans, it’s one of the best 2D action platformers of the year. For anime and manga enthusiasts, it’s practically required reading in the language of games. Joe Musashi is back, and he’s more anime than ever.
