Key Takeaways
1. Game Title and Release Date: The new game is called Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and will launch on August 29, 2025.
2. Developer Collaboration: The game is being developed by Lizardcube, a French team known for reviving classic games, in collaboration with Sega’s Japanese division.
3. Pricing and Platforms: Available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S|X, and Xbox One. The Standard edition is priced at $26.99, with a digital deluxe edition at $35.99.
4. Storyline and Gameplay: Players will follow Joe Musashi seeking revenge after his ninja village is destroyed, featuring around 10 hours of gameplay with intense combat and various settings.
5. Nostalgic Elements: The game pays tribute to classic titles in the series, retaining iconic moves, enemies, and bosses, as part of Sega’s initiative to revive old IPs.
After a long break of twenty years, Sega’s Shinobi series is making a comeback. The 2D sidescrolling ninja game will be called Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and it is set to launch on August 29, 2025.
Collaboration with Lizardcube
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is being developed by the French team Lizardcube, who are working alongside Sega’s Japanese division. Lizardcube has previously revived classic games such as Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Streets of Rage 4. Streets of Rage 4 was particularly notable for its hand-drawn animations that were influenced by Japanese manga, while also bringing back the nostalgic feel of the Sega Genesis era.
Pricing and Platforms
This game will be published by Sega and will be available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S|X, and Xbox One. The Standard edition will be priced at $26.99, and there will also be a digital deluxe edition available for $35.99, which will include extras like starter packs.
The Storyline
In Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, players will follow Joe Musashi, the main character, who seeks revenge after an evil corporation destroys his ninja village. Joe will fight through waves of enemies, mechanical foes, and challenging bosses in settings that include burning castles, neon-lit cityscapes, and underground hideouts that capture the essence of “Cool Japan.”
The game promises around 10 hours of main campaign gameplay, featuring smooth movement mechanics, intense melee combat, and a dash feature that lets players string together multiple combos.
A Legacy of Shinobi
Shinobi has played a significant role in shaping arcade and console gaming during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The first game was launched in 1987, introducing players to the original Shinobi Arcade. Over the years, the series expanded to include 11 titles across various platforms like Commodore 64, Atari ST, and Sega’s own consoles during its peak.
The last major console release for Shinobi was in 2003 on the PlayStation 2, followed by a less popular title known as Shinobi 3D that came out in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011.
Nostalgic Elements and Future Announcements
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance pays tribute to beloved classics such as The Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III by retaining many of the nostalgic moves, enemies, and bosses. The game was first hinted at during the Game Awards in 2023, as part of Sega’s “Power Surge” initiative aimed at reviving old IPs. This initiative also includes the revival of other classics like Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, and Crazy Taxi.
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