Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

The reviews of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance highlight that while the story is not the game’s strongest element, it is generally functional and serves its purpose within the action-oriented framework. Critics like IGN Spain and TechRadar Gaming acknowledge that the narrative, though thin, provides a clear motivation for the protagonist, Joe Musashi, as he seeks vengeance against ENE Corp or Lord Ruse. Meristation notes that the story is conveyed through levels and gameplay, emphasizing its role as a backdrop rather than a central focus. Some praise the narrative’s engagement, with WellPlayed appreciating its over-the-top characters and Noisy Pixel highlighting the satisfactory plot that complements the gameplay. Additionally, Game Informer and Cultured Vultures commend the story for its connection to the series’ legacy and its ability to set a compelling stage for the action, even if it lacks originality. However, the story is frequently criticized for its lack of depth, clichéd tropes, and weak character development. Saudi Gamer, Metro GameCentral, and Areajugones all describe the narrative as uninteresting or secondary, with GameSpot and GameCritics pointing out the lack of compelling characters and a poorly executed villain. Xbox Tavern and GameSpew note the story’s simplicity and standard structure, while GameCritics specifically criticizes Lord Ruse’s ineptitude as a villain. Nintendojo and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the narrative’s failure to challenge veteran players or offer fresh ideas, and LaPS4 mentions that the story, while thematic, is “somewhat negligible.” These critiques collectively underscore a consensus that the plot is by-the-numbers, relying on familiar revenge arcs without significant innovation or emotional resonance. Overall, the critics agree that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance prioritizes gameplay over storytelling, with the narrative functioning as a serviceable framework rather than a standout feature. While IGN Spain and Meristation acknowledge its adequacy, and Game Informer notes incremental improvements over the original, the majority of reviews emphasize that the story lacks the depth or originality to elevate the experience. TechRadar Gaming and Noisy Pixel suggest it “serves its purpose,” but Saudi Gamer and GameSpot argue it fails to meet expectations for a genre that typically demands more. Despite this, the game’s reliance on classic revenge themes and its integration with action mechanics—supported by elements like cutscenes and voice acting—keeps the narrative from being a major detractor. The consensus is that while the story is not a weakness, it is also not a strength, leaving the game’s appeal largely dependent on its gameplay rather than its narrative.

The gameplay of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is widely praised for its dynamic combat, intricate mechanics, and Metroidvania-inspired exploration. Critics highlight its "powerful moveset" and "variety of attack moves," with many noting the fluidity and satisfaction of its combat system. For instance, GameOver.gr and Cultured Vultures commend the responsive controls and deep combo mechanics, while TechRadar Gaming and IGN Benelux laud its "satisfying combat" and "organic learning without a tutorial." The game’s emphasis on strategic play, such as SpazioGames’s mention of "layered and engaging combat" and TheXboxHub’s focus on "mastery of Joe's techniques," underscores its appeal. Additionally, GamingTrend and GAMES.CH appreciate the evolving mechanics and blend of linear and open-level design, with Multiplayer.it calling it a "modernized platform hack'n'slash" that encourages exploration and skill progression. These reviews collectively paint a picture of a game that rewards player creativity and precision, particularly in its combat and traversal systems. However, several critics point to notable flaws that temper the experience. GameCritics and XboxEra criticize the "excessive hitstop" and "imprecise platforming," respectively, which can disrupt the flow of action. Jeuxvideo.com and The Jimquisition note issues with "repetitive level design" and "frustrating roadblocks" in the early stages, while GamingTrend and Shacknews mention backtracking and harsh penalties for mistakes as drawbacks. Xbox Tavern and Worth Playing acknowledge the game’s difficulty but suggest that some mechanics, like platforming, feel inconsistent or overly punishing. These critiques often focus on balancing challenges, with Nintendojo pointing to a lack of meaningful resource management and XboxEra highlighting that platforming "frustrates" despite the combat’s strengths. While these issues are not universal, they represent recurring concerns about structure and design that some players may find detracting from the overall enjoyment. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers agree that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance delivers a highly engaging and technically robust gameplay experience. Game Informer and Digital Chumps praise its "precision-driven action" and "intricate level design," while Carole Quintaine and Atomix describe it as "ultra satisfying" and "frenetic and responsive." Even with the noted flaws, the consensus leans toward the game’s strengths: its "deep combat system" (as highlighted by GamersRD and Checkpoint Gaming), "variety of playstyles" (SpazioGames), and "rewarding progression" (ElDesmarque). While some critics mention specific shortcomings, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game’s strengths—particularly its combat fluidity, exploration, and skill-based challenges—make it a standout title. The negatives, though valid, are often framed as minor irritants in an otherwise compelling package, with PlayStation Universe and Worth Playing emphasizing its balance of challenge and reward. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a strong foundation that elevates the experience despite its imperfections.

The majority of critics lauded Shinobi: Art of Vengeance for its stunning and innovative visual design, with many hailing it as a masterpiece. The hand-drawn, cel-shaded, and paintbrush-style art direction was repeatedly praised for its beauty and uniqueness. MMORPG.com highlighted the "gorgeous cel-shaded art style" and its effective contrast between attackers and Musashi’s environment, while IGN Spain noted "well-crafted animations" that elevate the combat experience. Nintendo Insider and Push Square celebrated the "stunning paintbrush-style visual design" and "beautiful illustrated art style," respectively, with the latter emphasizing detailed environments. The game’s blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with futurism, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, and its vibrant color palettes, described by Gamesurf as "impressive technical and artistic design," created a visually immersive experience. Critics like GameSpot and Meristation praised its "striking hand-drawn art style" and "unique artistic style combining French and Japanese influences," respectively, while Forbes called the visuals a "masterclass in art direction." The dynamic camera work, layered backgrounds, and parallax effects—highlighted by Cubed3 and Jeuxvideo.com—further enhanced the sense of depth and novelty, making the game a standout in terms of visual creativity. Despite the widespread acclaim, some reviewers pointed out minor technical and stylistic drawbacks. Nintendo Insider noted that character clarity suffered slightly during movement, while Push Square mentioned that cutscene details could appear "fuzzy." XboxEra observed that backgrounds "did not match the quality of the characters," and Saudi Gamer criticized "awkward animations" despite the overall visual appeal. Shacknews pointed out that "some foreground objects can obstruct gameplay," which might detract from the experience in fast-paced moments. Additionally, Xbox Tavern acknowledged that the watercolor-brushed visuals "resemble Streets of Rage 4," suggesting a potential lack of originality in certain aspects. However, these critiques were often framed as minor quibbles, with most reviewers emphasizing that such flaws did not overshadow the game’s artistic strengths or detract from its overall enjoyment. The overwhelming consensus among critics is that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance delivers a visually breathtaking experience that redefines the series’ aesthetic. While a few noted isolated technical issues, the praise for its hand-drawn art style, vibrant environments, and dynamic animations was unanimous. GameSpot called it "one of the most beautiful games of the year," and KonsoliFIN deemed it "the best work by Lizardcube to date." The game’s ability to blend nostalgia with modern flair—whether through "Japanese ink style" (Shacknews), "traditional Japanese paintings" (Atomix), or "nostalgic and modern" influences (GameSpot)—was seen as a triumph. Even critics like XboxEra and Gameliner acknowledged its "phenomenal art style" and "significant improvement" over predecessors, reinforcing that the visual design is a cornerstone of the game’s success. These reviews collectively affirm that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a visual masterpiece, with its art style serving as both a technical and creative highlight.

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is largely positive, with many critics praising the soundtrack's ability to enhance the gameplay experience. Several reviewers, including Nintendo Life, Atomix, COGconnected, Digital Chumps, Forbes, GameSpew, Gamesurf, Hey Poor Player, IGN Benelux, Multiplayer.it, PLAY! Zine, TechRadar Gaming, and Worth Playing, highlighted the music as a strong point, noting its blend of traditional Japanese instruments with modern elements, its nostalgic feel reminiscent of the Sega Genesis, and its ability to complement the game's action and atmosphere. Tee Lopes and Yuzo Koshiro were frequently mentioned as key contributors, with their work being described as "exceptional," "brilliant," "fantastic," and "energetic." The sound effects were also praised for their richness and impact, particularly by Cubed3 and ScreenHub, who noted how they enhance the combat experience with satisfying and crunchy feedback. However, some critics expressed reservations about the music and sound design. Nintendojo pointed out that the music did not meet the expectations set by the composers and that the mixing was a drawback. They also criticized the English voice acting as mismatched and inconsistent. Jeuxvideo.com noted that while the music featured contributions from Yuzo Koshiro, it lacked memorable themes and felt somewhat subdued compared to the game's overall quality. LaPS4 mentioned that the soundtrack, while well-executed, lacked memorable melodies. Additionally, The Jimquisition noted an unpleasant harsh filter effect on some voice lines, which detracted from the audio experience. These critiques suggest that while the music was generally well-received, there were some technical or creative shortcomings that affected the overall impression for certain reviewers. Despite the mixed feedback, the overall consensus among critics leans toward a positive evaluation of the sound design and music in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Most reviewers, especially those on PS5 and Xbox Series X, found the soundtrack to be a fitting homage to the game's 90s roots, with many highlighting its nostalgic and immersive qualities. While a few critics, like Nintendojo and Jeuxvideo.com, found aspects of the audio lacking, the majority praised the composers' work and the way the music and sound effects enhanced the gameplay. The game's audio was seen as a key element in capturing the spirit of the original Shinobi series, with KonsoliFIN and Xbox Tavern specifically commending the tracks for honoring the original's legacy. Overall, the sound design and music were considered a strong and integral part of the game's experience.

The voice acting in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance receives mixed but often nuanced praise, with many critics highlighting its intentional design and unique charm. Several reviewers, such as Cubed3, Nintendo Life, and The Jimquisition, note that Musashi’s silence—limited to grunts and huffs—creates a humorous and distinctive character presence, aligning with the game’s lighthearted tone. Atomix and GAMES.CH commend the emotional depth conveyed through minimal dialogue, particularly in Japanese voiceovers, which enhance immersion without relying on verbose storytelling. Final Weapon and Forbes praise the full voicing of other characters, emphasizing strong performances that add personality and narrative weight, while Noisy Pixel and Movies Games and Tech appreciate the voice direction for enriching the game’s storytelling. The stoic, action-driven approach is seen as a deliberate choice that complements the game’s absurd and over-the-top themes, as noted by IGN Benelux. However, some critics point to flaws in the voice acting that detract from the experience. Nintendojo criticizes the English localization as jarring and inconsistent, with poor character differentiation undermining the presentation. WellPlayed highlights minor but noticeable pronunciation issues among characters, while Shacknews and TechRadar Gaming note that Musashi’s lack of traditional dialogue feels like a missed opportunity, as his grunts and huffs are described as lacking depth. XboxEra acknowledges that the voice acting is “occasionally decent” but downplays its impact on enjoyment, suggesting it fails to leave a lasting impression. These critiques often center on the game’s reliance on minimalism for the protagonist, which some find underwhelming compared to the fully voiced supporting cast, and the technical shortcomings in localization that disrupt immersion for certain players. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced view, with the voice acting being both a strength and a weakness depending on perspective. While Cubed3, Nintendo Life, and The Jimquisition celebrate the humorous and stylistic choices, Nintendojo and WellPlayed emphasize its flaws. The game’s decision to keep Musashi voiceless is polarizing, with some seeing it as a clever narrative device and others as a limitation. Meanwhile, the fully voiced supporting characters and the inclusion of Japanese dubs are widely praised, as are the strong performances that align with the game’s tone. Despite inconsistencies in localization and the protagonist’s minimal dialogue, the voice acting is generally viewed as a fitting element of the game’s identity, contributing to its charm while acknowledging its technical and stylistic trade-offs.

The technical performance of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance varies across platforms, with notable positives for each. On the Nintendo Switch, while Nintendo Insider acknowledges character clarity issues, most critics concede that the game’s performance is not heavily criticized, suggesting it meets baseline expectations despite its limitations. For the PS5, several reviewers praise its stability, with Atomix highlighting smooth 60fps gameplay and Gamesurf commending its fluidity and animation quality. The Xbox Series X also receives strong marks, as Generación Xbox notes its balanced technical performance between classic and modern elements, and TheXboxHub and Movies Games and Tech emphasize seamless transitions and a high-energy combat experience. These platforms generally exhibit polished execution, with the PS5 and Xbox Series X showcasing superior optimization compared to the Switch. However, technical shortcomings are more pronounced on the Nintendo Switch, where Nintendo Life and The Jimquisition cite frame rate hiccups in crowded scenes and occasional loss of control, respectively. On the PS5, while the majority of reviews praise its performance, critics like Checkpoint Gaming and ComicBook mention map readability issues, odd checkpoints, and sluggish vehicle sections, while Push Square and SpazioGames note collision detection and input lag problems. The Xbox Series X also faces some challenges, with Xbox Tavern implying stability but Generación Xbox and XboxEra pointing to platforming control frustrations and occasional performance dips tied to artistic choices. These issues, though minor, highlight the game’s technical inconsistencies, particularly in more complex or fast-paced sequences. Overall, the consensus leans toward PS5 and Xbox Series X being the more technically refined versions, with their performance issues being largely minor and non-disruptive. The Switch version, while functional, struggles with frame rate and control responsiveness, which detract from its experience. Critics like IGN and PlayStation Universe note that PS5’s performance is "mostly flawless" despite some edge cases, while Xbox Series X’s reviewers emphasize its smoothness and stability. The game’s technical flaws are consistent across platforms but more impactful on the Switch, where hardware limitations may exacerbate issues. Despite these, the majority of critics agree that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a polished title with minimal major bugs, suggesting that its technical performance is a solid foundation for its core gameplay, even if not perfect.

The majority of critics highlight several positive aspects of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance’s replay value, emphasizing its variety of modes and collectible-driven incentives. IGN and TheXboxHub praise the game for its secrets, optional challenges, and unlockable content like Arcade Mode and Boss Rush, which encourage players to return for 100% completion. Gamesurf and Cultura Geek note that collectibles, hidden areas, and unlockable tools create opportunities for exploration and experimentation, while Gameliner and XboxEra commend the multiple difficulty levels and alternative paths that enhance engagement. Movies Games and Tech and PLAY! Zine also highlight the game’s appeal to both newcomers and series veterans, with Cubed3 pointing to unlockables, combos, and assist options that cater to diverse playstyles. These elements collectively suggest a robust foundation for replayability, particularly for completionists and fans of action-platforming challenges. However, several critics express reservations about the game’s replay value, citing limitations in its design and execution. GamingTrend and Noisy Pixel note that the ranking system and repetitive Arcade Mode may deter players from seeking high scores or extended play. GameCritics criticizes the underutilized Metroidvania structure, arguing that limited exploration and missed potential in the genre’s core mechanics reduce long-term appeal. Areajugones and ScreenHub mention that the Metroidvania framework, while present, can hinder item collection or feel restrictive, and Metro GameCentral observes that optional content is included but not prioritized as a major feature. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and JeuxActu acknowledge the game’s 12-hour campaign as a base, but some critics suggest that the core experience may lack the depth to sustain prolonged interest beyond its initial playthrough. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance offers decent replay value through its secondary modes, collectibles, and exploration elements, though it falls short of being a standout in the genre. While IGN, GameSpot, and Game Informer celebrate its variety and incentive-driven design, others like GameCritics and Areajugones point to missed opportunities in its Metroidvania approach. The game’s replayability is often framed as a byproduct of its core mechanics rather than a central focus, with Xbox Tavern and CGMagazine noting that optional challenges and unlockables provide enough reason to revisit levels. Despite mixed opinions on its execution, the majority agree that the game’s post-story content and hidden elements make it worth replaying, even if not all critics are fully convinced of its long-term appeal.