SEGA has announced the return of one of its most beloved franchises. Shinobi returns as Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world created in collaboration with Lizardcube, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4. Unveiled at The Game Awards 2023 alongside other SEGA classics, it will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Nintendo Switch.
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Ninja Master Musashi
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Shinobi: Art of Vengeance follows the franchise’s hero and ninja arts master Joe Musashi. Returning home after an adventure, he discovers his village is ravaged by fire and his clan has been turned to stone. Driven by vengeance, he sets out on a quest facing hordes of enemies and boss battles across breathtaking hand-drawn worlds. In this entry, Art of Vengeance promises multiple paths for players to explore, with dynamic combat that invites timely reactions and bold attacks, encouraging players to dive back in for more.
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The combat system emphasizes speed and flow, encouraging the use of a wide arsenal of ninja tools such as kunai, ninjutsus, ninpos, and the Oborozuki katana. Battles are designed to be fast, with unlimited combos to defeat foes precisely. As the story progresses, Musashi will unlock talismans that expand his capabilities, providing more strategic options.
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Born in arcades
The Shinobi saga began its journey in 1987 with its first arcade title. The game, developed by SEGA, introduced a new type of protagonist: the ninja. In a platforming action setting, it was an instant hit in arcades and years later on home consoles. The main character, Joe Musashi, is a ninja master whose story has evolved across several installments. One of the most compelling aspects of the series is its approach to ninja abilities, from combat to infiltration and secret techniques.
The Original Team
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The team behind Shinobi included several key figures who are legends in the video game industry. Yu Suzuki, known for Virtua Fighter and Out Run, was among the designers and producers on the original Shinobi, shaping character design and gameplay mechanics. Hiroshi Kataoka, another standout, led the art direction and created the environments, giving the series its distinctive visual tone with urban and exotic landscapes that became a signature of the franchise. Their collaboration, supported by a capable group of programmers and engineers, produced a title that quickly became a hit.
Trivia
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The word Shinobi is a traditional term used in Japan to refer to a ninja. Interestingly, it was also the title of a 1980 film by Hideo Gosha that explored ninja culture, a possible influence on the video game series.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance – Announcement Trailer
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance – Announcement Trailer
Although the franchise has spanned several console generations, the series enjoyed a notable revival on PlayStation 2 with Shinobi (2002), revisiting the classic gameplay in a more modern 3D form. Across the entries, the protagonist has been joined by allies and rivals who left a lasting mark, such as the enigmatic Tetsu, a cult figure among fans. With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, SEGA aims to honor these roots while delivering a contemporary visual style crafted with Lizardcube, promising an episode worthy of the master Musashi.