SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance isn’t just a game; it’s a journey that reaches back to the golden age of gaming and pulls you in with a stunning, modern grip. Lizardcube, the team that so brilliantly resurrected Streets of Rage 4, has poured their soul into this project, and it shows.

This title marks the first of several beloved franchises SEGA is reviving for modern audiences, and it sets an exceptionally high bar. The narrative is a classic tale of vengeance. You play as Joe Musashi, who returns to find his village in ruins and his clan turned to stone. Fueled by fury, you must set off on a quest to confront an unparalleled evil and avenge your fallen kin. This simple premise serves as a perfect introduction for the action-packed journey ahead.

The first thing that hits you is the visuals; they’re a masterpiece. The hand-drawn art style is breathtaking, with dynamic, layered backgrounds that give each stage its unique personality. You’ll journey through more than a dozen distinct environments, from a cityscape to a scorching desert. The character animations are a work of art, and the 60 frames per second on the Series X makes everything a smooth and responsive experience.

This is all perfectly complemented by a truly legendary soundtrack, a brilliant collaboration between Yuzo Koshiro and Tee Lopes, whose compositions create a dynamic soundscape that perfectly captures the mood of each stage.

The gameplay is where this title truly shines. It’s a masterful blend of classic 2D platforming and a surprisingly deep combat system. You start with a core set of attacks, but as you play, you’ll feel Joe’s power grow, unlocking a wide variety of actions.

This includes Combat Moves to extend combos, “Ninpo” for special techniques, and the awesome “Ninjutsu” super moves that can clear the screen in a flash. The “Shinobi Execution” isn’t just a mechanic; it’s a moment of pure epicness.

It’s a flashy finisher that rewards your skill with health and Kunai(Daggers), turning a victory into a strategic move that keeps your momentum going. The combat system rewards precision and aggression, encouraging you to go for those satisfying, high-reward finishers.

You can also customize your playstyle by equipping various Amulets, both Passive and Combo, to enhance your abilities. Paying close attention to their Damage, Armor, and Execution stats is key to finding the best way to deal with different enemies.

The level design is another major highlight, blending a linear progression with a thoughtful, almost Metroidvanian approach to exploration. The in-game map is an essential tool, guiding you to areas you haven’t yet explored, with purple areas highlighting side paths that lead to new rewards. You’ll encounter challenging platforming puzzles and hidden secrets that you may not be able to tackle right away.

The game is forgiving in this regard; if a side path or combat challenge proves too difficult, you can always return later after upgrading Joe’s health, ninpo cells, and kunai count. Simple yet brilliant details, like the ability to hold the jump button to run up a wall for a little extra height, can make all the difference in reaching those higher-up locations.

Once you’ve completed the main story, the journey is far from over. The game offers a few unlockable modes. Arcade Mode lets you replay stages for a high score, pushing you to be your best. Boss Rush Mode is the ultimate test of your mastery, a gauntlet where you battle all the game’s bosses in succession. For those with a keen eye for secrets, the LAB Key Secret Challenge offers a final, cool mystery to uncover after you’ve obtained all six keys hidden throughout the game.

Shinobi: Art of Revenge is a confident return for the franchise, one that rewards precision and never treats the player like they need their hand held. It’s a visual showcase on Xbox Series X, a narrative steeped in betrayal and blood, and a gameplay experience that walks the fine line between frustration and mastery. For those willing to commit to its demands, it offers some of the most rewarding moments in recent memory.

Written by: Bradley Thorsen