Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Demo Impressions - A Ninja Revival Done Right

I recently had a chance to dive into the Nintendo Switch 2 demo for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, the upcoming 2D action-platformer from Lizardcube and SEGA. This revival of the classic Shinobi franchise brings back series protagonist Joe Musashi in a quest for vengeance after his village is burned and his clan turned to stone by the multinational ENE-CORP. While my hands on time has been limited to the demo, that was enough for me to get a taste of this stylish ninja adventure, and it’s clear Lizardcube has crafted something special.

The first thing that impresses are the stunning visuals

A Visual Masterpiece with Hand-Drawn Flair

The first thing that grabs you in SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is its fantastic art style. Every environment, from the burning Oboro Village to lush mountain forests, is rendered in a gorgeous hand-drawn style that makes each stage pop with vibrant detail. The backgrounds are multilayered, and create a great sense of scale and immersion. The animations for Joe Musashi’s movements and combat are equally impressive, with fluid sword slashes, acrobatic jumps, and flying dive kicks that make every action feel quick and deadly. Lizardcube, known for their work on Streets of Rage 4, has brought the same meticulous care to this revival, ensuring every frame oozes style and personality. It’s a visual feast that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge.

Fluid, Frenzied Ninja Action

The action in SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is nothing short of exhilarating. Joe Musashi wields a vast arsenal—his Katana Oborozuki, kunai for ranged attacks, Ninjutsu arts, and powerful Ninpo specials—that you can chain together to create thrilling combos. From basic light and heavy sword attacks to juggling enemies with a dive kick, the controls are buttery smooth, making you feel like a ninja master in no time. The demo introduces these mechanics early, letting you experiment with stringing attacks together for seamless, high-energy combat. Whether you’re dashing through foes or pulling off a multi-hit Shinobi Execution, the flow is so satisfying it’s hard to put the controller down.

Combat is fast and fluid, with a high skill ceiling

Upgrades and Customization Galore

Even in the demo, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance offers a taste of its deep customization system. By collecting currency from defeated enemies, you can visit a Yokai-run store to upgrade existing moves or purchase new ones. The demo teases exciting options, like screen-clearing special attacks or combo-specific amulets that reward high-skill play. This system promises flexibility, letting you tailor Joe’s moveset to your preferred playstyle—whether you favor aggressive melee, tactical ranged attacks, or a mix of both. It’s a refreshing layer of depth that hints at the replayability awaiting in the full game, and I’m already eager to experiment with different builds when it launches.

Exploration Beyond the Blade

The demo’s levels are also more than just combat arenas; they’re packed with exploration elements that keep you engaged. From the outset, you’ll find hidden areas, branching paths, and secret collectibles tucked away in the corners of each area. These additions give the game a slight Metroidvania flavor, with emerald walls that require later-unlocked abilities to access and bonus sections that test your platforming skills. The mix of linear progression and open-ended exploration feels like a natural evolution of earlier Shinobi games, making every stage rewarding to scour for secrets.

Exploration is rewarded with secret areas and collectibles

A Ninja’s Take on Doom’s Glory Kills

As I played through the demo, I noticed that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance feels like it’s taken a page from the 2016 DOOM remake and its sequel, DOOM Eternal. The combat rewards getting up close and personal with enemies, encouraging aggressive play. By dealing enough damage, you can tag foes with a symbol, triggering a Shinobi Execution that sees Joe zip across the screen to finish them off in bloody, stylish fashion—much like DOOM’s glory kills. These executions not only look cool but also restore health, incentivizing bold, in-your-face tactics. Optional combat encounters and hidden secrets scattered throughout the levels further echo DOOM’s design, blending intense action with rewarding exploration. Lizardcube has clearly embraced the best parts of these modern classics to reintroduce the Shinobi franchise with a bang.

Do you want Glory Kills in your Ninja Game? I think you do!

A Winner in the Making

Based on the demo, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance looks like a triumphant return for the series. It nails the fundamentals of a 2D action-platformer—speed, control, and challenge—while weaving in fresh ideas like deep customization and exploration. The hand-drawn art and fluid combat make every moment a joy, and the Doom-inspired mechanics add a modern edge that feels right at home in this ninja revival. Whether you’re a longtime Shinobi fan or a newcomer, this demo is a must-play, and it’s left me counting the days until the full release on August 29, for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. Head to the Nintendo eShop or SEGA’s site to try the demo for yourself, and keep an eye on GameMinr.com for more coverage when the game drops. This ninja’s return is shaping up to be a classic!