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SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 • 2025

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Quick resume

The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.

Global score

82/100

Genres

Action, Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up

Pros

  • Fluid and deep combat system
  • Gorgeous hand-drawn art style
  • Engaging exploration with secrets and upgrades
  • Responsive controls and satisfying animations
  • Nostalgic homage to classic shinobi games

Cons

  • Platforming sections can be frustrating and punishing
  • Short main campaign length
  • Boss fights sometimes underwhelming
  • Lack of harder difficulty modes
  • Limited replay value beyond arcade mode

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose combat styles, combos, and exploration paths with backtracking and upgrades."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat is skill-based with deep combos and responsive controls; platforming offers challenge but some frustration."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal mastery and exploration; arcade mode offers scoring but no strong multiplayer competition."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report wanting to replay arcade mode and boss rush; some frustration with platforming may limit long-term play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no mention of cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players customize loadouts, combos, and ninpo abilities; level design encourages exploration and revisiting."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of dominating others; gameplay is individual and focused on personal skill."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive combat and exploration provide strong distraction and fantasy escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia; no obligation or pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players try different combos, ninpo, and revisit levels to discover secrets and new strategies."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Level design encourages discovering secrets, backtracking, and uncovering hidden areas."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of abilities and some cosmetic unlocks allow player expression."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong ninja fantasy theme with supernatural ninpo abilities and stylized combat."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features mentioned; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn and master complex combat mechanics and platforming challenges."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gaming experience with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and skillful input; not a casual or background game."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing in gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely single-player."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players collect upgrades, unlock new abilities, and improve power through exploration."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find flow in combat, but platforming and difficulty spikes cause tension."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Visually stunning hand-drawn art and impactful combat animations provide strong sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or leaderboard emphasis; focus is on personal achievement."

  • Story
    2

    "Story is serviceable and straightforward, providing context but not deeply immersive narrative."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat and exploration require tactical thinking and planning of combos and ability use."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Combat and platforming challenges create moments of tension and excitement."

  • Value
    1

    "Generally positive value for price; some complaints about game length and replayability."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat focused on defeating enemies with combos, executions, and ninja arts."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must avoid damage and manage resources to survive combat and platforming hazards."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026