Shinobi: Art of Vengence Review

 

Platform Played: Steam Deck
Developer: Lizardcube
Publisher: Sega
Genre: 2D Action Platformer
Completion Status (How Long to Beat): Yes (15 hours)

Shinobi: Art of Vengence is a 2D action platformer, harkening back to its roots, but with a light touch of  Metroidvania design. The combat is fantastic. The platforming is precise. The art is beautiful. The systems, the mechanics, the level design - all superb. Lizardcube, the talented studio behind Streets of Rage 4, have done it again with another Sega IP. The reverence for Shinobi shines, with richly layered backgrounds in each level and gorgeously detailed sprites. The combat is a combo based system where enemies can be juggled with complex movesets that grow as you progress through the game. Furthering the combat depth are passive and combo based enhancements allowing each player to lean into different facets of gameplay. Art of Vengeance features a robust and diverse cast of enemy types and the bosses are of a high quality. Each stage is a self-contained level with a Metroidvania style layout. The level based Metroidvania design alleviates many of the frustrations that come with the genre, namely, getting lost. Unlike prior Shinobi games, Art of Vengeance is designed for precision platforming, with air dashes, double jumps and more. The platforming on-the-whole is topnotch with only some minor frustrations around the most difficult, and optional platforming areas of the game. The game offers a good deal of side content, like the aforementioned difficult platforming areas as well as enemy combat gauntlets offering a level of challenge for those who desire it. With its refined combat, demanding platforming, and lovingly detailed presentation, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance proves that Lizardcube has once again breathed life into a dormant Sega franchise

Pros:

• Rich detail and character in environmental backgrounds.
• Mastery of the robust combo system is immensely gratifying.
• Rewarding execution mechanic granting additional health and resources; discourages button mashing in favor of concentration and finesse.
• Self-contained Metroidvania style levels with generous fast travel alleviates the frustration of feeling lost - a symptom of the genre.

Cons:

• The most complex and optional platforming sections bring to light some of the imperfections in the traversal movesets. 
• A deeper level has elevator-like platforms which slow the otherwise tight pacing if caught at the wrong time - a very minor nitpick.

One More Try Factors:

Two of the biggest signs that I’m really enjoying a game are how hard it is to stop playing and how much I’m itching to jump back in when I’m not playing.

• Difficulty to Stop Playing: 9/10
• Desire to Return: 9/10

Note: These scores reflect my personal engagement with the game and are separate from the overall score, which considers all aspects of the game.

Overall Score: 9/10