Sega revealed during the PlayStation State of Play event in February 2025 its new title from one of its franchises: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. This game, which marks the return of the Shinobi series after a hiatus of more than a decade, will be released on August 29, 2025, and will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The production is handled by Sega in collaboration with Lizardcube, the studio known for games like Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Streets of Rage 4.
Revenge is a dish best served cold
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is presented as a reboot of the series, combining elements from classic games like The Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III, with new features aimed at attracting both franchise fans and new players. Ben Fiquet, creative director of Lizardcube, emphasized that the game pays homage to the old titles, including settings and enemies that evoke the essence of the saga.
Players will take on the role of Joe Musashi, who seeks revenge after an unspecified tragedy. To achieve his goal, Joe will be equipped with the famous Oborozuki katana, kunai, as well as Ninjutsu techniques that will allow for unlimited combos. Additionally, secret paths are mentioned in some stages, adding a level of exploration that will enrich the gaming experience. Collectible amulets will also allow players to customize and enhance their preferred skills.
This release is not the only strategic move that Sega has up its sleeve; the company is also developing a Shinobi movie, as part of its effort to broaden the audiences for its classic franchises. With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Sega aims to revitalize interest in one of its beloved icons while projecting itself towards new platforms and formats.