Hand-drawn ninja action game
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance returns the iconic ninja to his roots in a visually striking 2D action platformer. From the team behind the acclaimed brawler Streets of Rage 4, this action-packed game immediately captivates with its unique hand-drawn art style, reminiscent of a moving comic book.
In SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, players step into the shoes of the legendary ninja Joe Musashi, whose quest for vengeance begins after a ruthless paramilitary faction, ENE Corp, attacks his village. The game’s premise is straightforward but effective, setting the stage for a dramatic journey to confront an unparalleled evil.
The core of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance lies in its combat, which is both fluid and versatile. Players can execute a vast ninja arsenal with precision, wielding the great Katana Oborozuki for close-quarters combat and unleashing Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo for ranged attacks. The game encourages players to experiment with a wide range of unique combat moves to create limitless combos.
Master of the ninja arts
The game takes you on a journey through a stylish and dangerous new world. The quest for vengeance leads players through more than a dozen unique and visually striking stages, from bustling military bases to scorched desert landscapes. Each environment is beautifully realized in the game’s unique hand-drawn art style. Along the way, players must navigate challenging platforming puzzles and uncover hidden secrets.
The narrative, centered on Joe Musashi’s conflict with the ruthless ENE Corp, is a solid foundation for the action. The only drawback is that the enemy types can feel limited, which occasionally leads to repetitive combat encounters in the later stages of the game. This can be particularly noticeable after mastering the extensive combat system, as players look for more diverse opponents to test their ninja skills.
Nostalgic return
Whether you're a long-time fan of the original series or a newcomer to the world of ninjas, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance offers a fast-paced and thrilling experience. A tribute to classic 2D action games, it features unique hand-drawn visuals and modern design sensibilities. Plus, its satisfying combat, diverse range of stages, and rewarding exploration mechanics create a journey that feels both nostalgic and new.
