PLATFORM: PC, PS4/5, SWITCH, XBOX ONE/SERIES (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 29TH (EARLY ACCESS FROM AUGUST 26TH)

This first new entry in the series since 2011 – and the first true 2D instalment since 1995 – plays very much like a “greatest hits” version of the classic late 80s / early 90s Shinobi side-scrollers, revisiting some familiar gameplay features and mechanics of previous titles while adding plenty of touches to bring it into the modern era. Art of Vengeance is a side-scrolling action-platformer that takes series hero Joe Musashi from his home in Oboro Village through ten beautifully hand-drawn levels en route to a final showdown, on a quest to take down those responsible for burning his village to the ground and turning his clan to stone. Callbacks to previous instalments are immediately apparent in Joe’s diagonal jumping kick attack, and familiar kunai and katana weaponry, but now you’re also able to perform combos using both weapons in tandem, and a new execution attack can be performed when an enemy’s stun meter has been depleted – the more you execute in one go, the more rewards you’ll gain. Amulets can be equipped to give Joe a variety of perks (although only one can be equipped at any given time) and the series’ signature Ninpo and Ninjutsu attacks return, giving Joe almighty powers that deal massive damage.

Each area is much larger than those in previous games, with multiple checkpoints that act as fast travel points to make exploring a bit easier. There are plenty of secrets to discover, from Elite Squads (taking them all down rewards you with an upgrade or other handy boost), hidden Oboro Relics that can be exchanged at the shop to access new combos, and Ankou Rifts, challenging platforming or combat sequences. On your first playthrough, you’ll find areas that are impassable, but it’s worth revisiting them later after gaining access to Joe’s full suite of abilities so that you can hunt around for any additional relics and unlock the game’s most elusive items. In addition to the regular levels, there are a couple of “riding” stages where Joe mounts his pet wolf and later a surfboard, barrelling through enemies and hazards in another reference to old-school Shinobi titles which longtime fans of the series will appreciate.

Even if you don’t backtrack until reaching the very end of the game, by which time it seems like there’s not much use for any additional goodies you might find, it’s still a worthwhile endeavour as all of your abilities and upgrades can be used in the Arcade Mode, unlocked after the main credits have rolled. Here, your performance in each area is ranked based on time taken, enemies defeated, relics found and a handful of other variables. The mode doesn’t add any extra content to the game itself, but it does at least give you something to aim for when replaying the game. There’s also an unlockable Boss Rush mode, allowing you to take on a gauntlet of bosses one after the other, as well as a super secret challenge that only the most inquisitive players are likely to discover…

All in all, it’s difficult to find anything to complain about. The fluid movement and range of traversal abilities, along with the tight and responsive combat, are a ridiculously addictive combination, while the environments you visit are not only interesting and imaginative (the lantern festival and Kaiju levels are particular highlights) but they’re also beautiful to look at, complimented by excellent character animations and an impeccable soundtrack, and the level design makes each stage a joy to explore. Art of Vengeance really is a fantastic comeback for the Shinobi series – the only possible problem is that you may well be left wanting more!