SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance similar games & best alternatives
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
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
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Autonomy4
"Players have freedom to choose combat styles, combos, and exploration paths with backtracking and upgrades."
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Competence4
"Combat is skill-based with deep combos and responsive controls; platforming offers challenge but some frustration."
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Competition-3
"Focus is on personal mastery and exploration; arcade mode offers scoring but no strong multiplayer competition."
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Continuation3
"Players report wanting to replay arcade mode and boss rush; some frustration with platforming may limit long-term play."
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Cooperation-5
"Single-player experience with no mention of cooperative gameplay."
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Creativity3
"Players customize loadouts, combos, and ninpo abilities; level design encourages exploration and revisiting."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of dominating others; gameplay is individual and focused on personal skill."
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Escapism4
"Immersive combat and exploration provide strong distraction and fantasy escape from reality."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia; no obligation or pressure noted."
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Experimenting4
"Players try different combos, ninpo, and revisit levels to discover secrets and new strategies."
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Exploration4
"Level design encourages discovering secrets, backtracking, and uncovering hidden areas."
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Expression3
"Customization of abilities and some cosmetic unlocks allow player expression."
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Fantasy4
"Strong ninja fantasy theme with supernatural ninpo abilities and stylized combat."
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Fellowship-5
"No social or community features mentioned; experience is solitary."
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Growth4
"Players learn and master complex combat mechanics and platforming challenges."
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Health-5
"Typical sedentary gaming experience with no physical activity elements."
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Idle-4
"Requires focused attention and skillful input; not a casual or background game."
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Intimacy-5
"No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing in gameplay."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management roles; purely single-player."
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Progression4
"Players collect upgrades, unlock new abilities, and improve power through exploration."
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Relaxation2
"Some players find flow in combat, but platforming and difficulty spikes cause tension."
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Sensation4
"Visually stunning hand-drawn art and impactful combat animations provide strong sensory stimulation."
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Status-4
"No social recognition or leaderboard emphasis; focus is on personal achievement."
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Story2
"Story is serviceable and straightforward, providing context but not deeply immersive narrative."
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Strategy3
"Combat and exploration require tactical thinking and planning of combos and ability use."
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Thrill3
"Combat and platforming challenges create moments of tension and excitement."
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Value1
"Generally positive value for price; some complaints about game length and replayability."
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Violence4
"Combat focused on defeating enemies with combos, executions, and ninja arts."
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Survival2
"Players must avoid damage and manage resources to survive combat and platforming hazards."
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Where to buy
Last update: 06/03/2026