Summary
Unveiled during the PlayStation State of Play stream,Shinobi: Art of Vengeancemarks the return of Sega’s long-running arcade franchise. The first footage ofShinobi: Art of Vengeanceshows fans the fast-paced action, along with a stunning new art direction for the 2D action platformer.
The lastShinobigame was launched in 2011 for the 3DS and received mixed reviews from critics and fans, leading to a lengthy hiatus for the franchise. It wasn’t until the 2023 Game Awards that players got their first look at the franchise’s comeback. In a brief trailer,Sega confirmed several of its IPs were being revived, includingCrazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and, of course,Shinobi. Now Sega has provided fans with an in-depth look at how the next installment in the ninja-filled series is shaping up.
Developed in collaboration with Lizardcube, the same team behindthe successfulStreets of Rage 4,Shinobi: Art of Vengeanceis a 2D action platform game set to be released across Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One on Jul 25, 2025. Featuring a striking new art style,Shinobi: Art of Vengeanceoffers a crisp modern look while honoring the arcade roots of the franchise. The game sees the return of longtime protagonist Joe Musashi, who embarks on a quest for vengeance after discovering his village in ruins, and features over a dozen environments to explore.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Announced by Sega
Players can preorderShinobi: Art of Vengeancedigitally for $29.99, though there is currently no information regarding a physical release. A special edition ofShinobi: Art of Vengeanceis also available for $39.99 and includes early access to the base game, a digital art book, and the game’s soundtrack. Also included is the Starter Pack, which unlocks the Ghost Outfit, the Medic Lite Amulet, and In-Game Currency for upgrades. A Sega Villains Stage featuring iconic bosses from Sega’s expansive portfolio will be released in 2026 and rounds out the special edition package.
The announcement ofShinobi’s return after 14 years will undoubtedly thrill fans, but it appears that Sega has more plans for the Ninja franchise. Following the huge box office success of threeSonic the Hedgehogmovies,Shinobi is Sega’s next franchise slated to be adapted for Hollywood, with a film currently in early development.
The arrival ofShinobi: Art of Vengeancerounds off an already thrilling year for ninja enthusiasts. Last month,Team Ninja shadow-droppedNinja Gaiden 2: Blackonto PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, with the developers confirmingNinja Gaiden 4is in the works. In March, players will see the awaited release ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows, set in Feduel Japan, featuring duel protagonists in the form of a tanky samurai and stealthy ninja.
Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts. After finding your village burned to the ground and your clan turned into stone, you must set off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil and avenge your clan.EXECUTE THE NINJA ARTS WITH PRECISIONWield your vast ninja arsenal including the great Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo to vanquish your foes.MASTER THE WAY OF THE SHINOBIUnleash limitless combos with unique combat moves, acquire Amulets for enhanced abilities, and discover Ningi tools to overcome obstacles and uncover new paths.JOURNEY THROUGH A STYLISTIC NEW WORLDVenture through more than a dozen unique and visually striking stages, from military bases to a scorching desert, challenging platforming puzzles, and hidden secrets.
