SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a 2D action platformer starring ninja Joe Musashi. It launched on August 29, 2025, for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. The August launch is now past; the game is available as a digital release, with Standard and Digital Deluxe options.
What is SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance?
Developed by Lizardcube, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a new 2D action platformer. Its story follows Joe Musashi after he returns to find his village burned and his clan turned to stone. He sets out on a quest for vengeance.
SEGA describes hand-drawn visuals, obstacle-filled stages, combat combos, and an arsenal that includes a katana, kunai, Ninjutsu, Ninpo, and Amulets. The announcement describes more than a dozen stages, with settings including military bases and deserts; Ninjutsu also figures in platforming puzzles and routes to hidden areas. SEGA’s announcement has the launch overview.
How does its stage structure work?
The game is level-based, not a Metroidvania built around exploring one continuous map. Producer Toru Ohara said in a PlayStation Blog Q&A that new abilities can nevertheless open hidden routes in stages players have visited before. That offers some reason to revisit levels without changing the overall stage-based structure.
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- The Iconic SHINOBI Returns: An all-new action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.
- Deluxe Edition includes: SHINOBI Game, Translucent Character Cards, and SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Art Book
- Also includes: SEGA Villance Stage DLC, Ghost Outfit, Medic Lite Amulaet, Digital Art Book and Soundtrack, 2000 Gold, and More
Which platforms can you buy it for?
SEGA lists PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. The official site describes the game as digital-only. SEGA’s launch notice specifically says there is no physical version for PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Steam. Check the listing for your specific platform and region before buying, as the format and local price can vary by listing.
What is included in each edition?
| Option | What it includes | Availability and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | Base game | Listed by SEGA; check your platform’s current store for local price and format. |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | Base game, Starter Pack (Ghost Outfit, Medic Lite Amulet, and in-game currency), SEGA Villains Stage, and digital art book and soundtrack | SEGA-listed edition. The official site also lists a separate Digital Deluxe Upgrade. |
| SEGA Villains Stage | Five crossover stages, six music tracks, three bosses, three additional Ninpo, three outfits, and two Boss Rush modes | Requires the base game. Listed as DLC on the official site. |
The official site lists the Deluxe Upgrade and Villains Stage as additional purchase paths, but their current regional prices are not established here. Check the official game site and your platform’s store for current availability and exact contents.
Rank #2
- DLC Included: Ghost Outfit SEGA Villains Stage Downloadable Content Medic Lite Amulet Digital Art Book and Soundtrack 2000 Gold Genre: Action # of Players: 1 Player
What did SEGA say about the series and visual style?
Ohara described the game as a brand-new title with a new story and gameplay elements, rather than a sequel or side story. Creative Director Ben Fiquet said its inspirations include The Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III, alongside French comics and Japanese anime, while retaining a Mega Drive/Genesis visual aesthetic. These comments appear in the PlayStation Blog Q&A.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release date, regional price, and review-score context
SEGA announced the August 29, 2025 release and confirmed the game was out that day. Its launch notice listed Japanese suggested prices of ¥3,000 before tax for Standard and ¥4,000 before tax for Digital Deluxe. Those are Japan-specific suggested prices published in 2025, not current universal prices. The same notice reported a Metacritic score of 90 as of August 29, 2025, based on the Xbox version score; it is a dated publisher-reported figure, not a statement of the current aggregate. See SEGA’s launch notice for both details.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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.
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