If you grew up dodging shurikens and humming that old Shinobi theme, today’s a good day. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance lands on PS5 and PS4, bringing Joe Musashi back in a slick 2D action platformer from Lizardcube. Sony’s official blog pegs the launch for August 29 and frames this as a respectful but playful revival classic ninja fantasy with modern touches. It’s cross-gen on PlayStation, with other platforms in the mix too.
What to expect at launch
Early reviews and hands-on pieces suggest a game that feels fantastic minute-to-minute. Combat is the star: quick cuts, satisfying parries, and “I can’t believe I pulled that off” strings of attacks. Several outlets praise the responsiveness and art direction, while noting that not every level flows perfectly some platforming bits may feel a little fussy. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing going in.
Movement sits in that sweet spot between exacting and readable. You’re encouraged to play assertively dash in, tag an enemy with steel, then zip out before the counter lands. A few critics call out how the game rewards late-fight discipline more than brute force; when you slow down and pick your moments, the whole thing “clicks.” If you enjoy chasing a cleaner run on your second or third attempt, you’ll probably vibe with it.
Review snapshot (quick pulse)
- Combat: Repeatedly highlighted as the reason to play fast, readable, and downright crunchy.
- Level design: Good overall, with some uneven stretches that can break the flow if you rush.
- Presentation: Hand-drawn look, high-impact animations, and a love letter to Sega’s legacy.
Performance tips (aim for smooth 60)
On PS5, footage and previews consistently show the game running at 60fps, which suits a precision platformer. If the Graphics menu offers a Performance vs. Quality toggle, pick Performance for the cleanest timing windows. If there’s a motion-blur slider, try dialing it down; many players find it muddies fast reads. Sensitivity and vibration are personal, but a small bump to stick sensitivity can help with quick facing adjustments, and toned-down haptics reduce hand fatigue in long sessions. On handheld/PC devices, reviewers recommend capping to 60fps for stability—good advice if you value flow over raw resolution. As always, scan the in-game Display and Controller tabs on first boot; small tweaks here tend to pay off instantly.
A few beginner pointers
- Lead with safe confirms. Open with quick attacks or kunai to test spacing, then commit to longer strings once you’ve earned advantage. (Several reviewers note that patience pays off.)
- Treat tricky jumps like puzzles. If a section feels “off,” it might be timing rather than inputs—pause, watch the enemy rhythm, and go on the second beat.
- Replays matter. Arcade/Boss Rush modes are built for mastery loops; once you’ve cleared a stage, go back and try cleaner routes.
I’ll admit I went in expecting a nostalgia tour. What’s here appears closer to a confident reinterpretation one that respects the old moves while trimming the friction that used to scare people off. If the platforming snags crop up, they’re the kind you can learn around; the combat, meanwhile, keeps inviting you to take one more swing at a flawless run. That may be the real hook.