Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and as more and more kids who grew up in the 90s find themselves making games, fans are getting to enjoy reimaginings and rebirths of their childhood favorites. For SEGA kids, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance brings back the legendary Joe Musashi himself in this brand new adventure from the talented team at Lizard Cube, and I got a chance to go hands-on with his latest adventure at Summer Games Fest Play Days, which is one of my top contenders for game of the show.
This time around, Joe’s world quickly turns into chaos as a mysterious new foe named Ruse destroys Joe’s home and his students, and it is up to him to deal with this new threat. Right away, I was assaulted with some of the best visuals in a 2D game that I have seen in a very long time.
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Every aspect of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, from its environments to the characters and stunning special moves, is presented in a hand-drawn animation style. I’m not sure how they managed it, but if you told me that the team hand-drew every animation frame for the characters, environment, and effects, I would believe you.
As a ninja master, Joe has no shortage of moves and abilities that he can use to dispatch his enemies. In addition to his signature kunai that have been present in every game, the combat in this game is heavily combo-based, meaning you will be stringing together devastating quick and heavy attacks, hitting enemies into the air, juggling them, and slamming them down until their health bar depletes. It’s a dynamic dance of death that plays out on the screen, and I loved every second.
Joe’s dynamic combat is something to be in love with for every second.
As you deal damage to enemies, a bar under their life will fill, and once it is full, the enemy enters a state that will allow Joe to finish any enemy on screen that has entered that state. Doing so will grant you extra rewards such as kunai ammo, health, or coins that can be spent to purchase new abilities for our master ninja.
In addition to his standard sword and kunai attacks, Joe also has access to special ninja powers called Ninpo – basically magic attacks – and his Ninjutsu – his most powerful ultimate attacks that can be used once a bar is filled by taking damage. Not too dissimilar from a limit break in Final Fantasy. The only Ninjutsu that was available in the game summoned large fire serpents from a scroll, dealing considerable damage to everything on screen, and was accompanied by a dramatic cutscene that added to the moment.
Much like previous entries of the franchise, this latest title is divided into different stages, but those stages were large maps that were sprinkled with secrets and collectibles that could be found, including amulets that impart Joe with additional bonuses and buffs.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a textbook example of how audio design can further elevate an experience.
These stages also include areas that require abilities acquired in future levels to get past, so if you plan to 100% this game, expect to revisit stages. Additionally, once you beat the game, you will unlock “Arcade Mode.” This removes the story elements from each stage and focuses on earning points to score the best rank you can with bonuses provided if you manage not to get hit. Unfortunately, the team isn’t planning a leaderboard feature to see how well your ninja skills stack up against your friends and the rest of the world.
For as much as I love the visuals and the combat of this game (and I love them both A LOT), what has really stuck with me is the audio design. Hits have a real impact, accompanied by loud “WACK” and “CRACK” sounds that really showcase the wind-up and hits.
My personal favorite was an aerial move where Joe would spin around in the air and kick an enemy downward, slamming them into the ground. Just thinking about it makes me smile. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a textbook example of just how audio design can further elevate an experience.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance looks to be setting itself up as one of the best action platformers of the year, with its rewarding and responsive combo-focused gameplay and comic book-esque visuals. I went into my demo excited for this game, and I came out of it begging for it to come out sooner. I want this game. I need this game. Watch out, Ruse, you’ve pissed off Joe, and NO ONE pisses off Joe, and lives.
