Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – Sega and Lizardcube Revive a Classic for Nintendo Switch

Sega and Lizardcube are set to reintroduce one of gaming’s most cherished franchises with the upcoming 'Shinobi: Art of Vengeance', slated for release in just a few months on the Nintendo Switch and additional platforms.

The return of Shinobi marks a significant moment for fans and for the developers, as the series receives its first major entry since 2011’s 'Shinobi 3D' on Nintendo 3DS.

Lizardcube, the acclaimed studio behind 'Streets of Rage 4' and 'Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap', is collaborating closely with Sega to modernize this beloved side-scrolling action classic.

The process, according to both companies, has required a delicate balance—honoring Shinobi’s rich legacy while engaging modern audiences with fresh mechanics and visuals. Reflecting on the decision to revive Shinobi, Sega’s head of content production Kagasei Shimomura explained in a recent interview: his team had thoroughly evaluated six decades of Sega’s intellectual properties before settling on the long-dormant Shinobi.

Shimomura stated that rather than simply remaster existing titles, the intention was to “create new experiences that not only satisfy long-time fans, but also attract new ones to Sega’s world.” During the 2023 Game Awards, Sega announced a slate of reboots for several of their classic franchises, with Shinobi receiving particular attention.

The selection of Lizardcube for development was a natural choice, based on their proven record revitalizing classic IPs.

Ben Fiquet, CEO and creative director of Lizardcube, expressed his team’s enthusiasm, stating that as dedicated Sega fans, working on a new Shinobi title was a dream opportunity. Lizardcube’s approach has been to draw inspiration from the original trilogy—Shinobi 1, 2, and 3—while introducing robust new systems designed for today’s players.

Fiquet described their design philosophy: “We realized that to truly engage players in combat, we needed to make it more captivating.

The result is a unique blend of Beat ‘em up mechanics in a platforming setting, with combo systems, special moves, and new abilities that reward skillful play.” In this collaboration, Sega was deeply involved, with the publisher taking an active role in shaping the game’s art style.

Fiquet noted that Sega’s guidance referenced the animated quality of hits like 'The Lion King' and 'Aladdin', aiming for a vibrant, hand-crafted look reminiscent of 1990s animation.

Veteran Sega designer Toru Ohara, with more than 30 years at the company, leads the production on Sega’s side to ensure the game captures the essence of the original while evolving for a contemporary audience. Ohara commented on the project’s progress, highlighting the growth of gameplay complexity: "While the game begins as a straightforward action experience, it quickly evolves—players master increasingly intricate combos and abilities, transforming it into a deep and rewarding fighting game experience as they advance." With a launch window drawing near, anticipation is high for 'Shinobi: Art of Vengeance'.

The partnership between Sega and Lizardcube has already demonstrated tremendous respect for the Shinobi legacy, and early insights hint at a revival that could delight both series veterans and newcomers.

As the Shinobi brand returns to mainstream gaming, fans on Nintendo Switch and beyond have much to look forward to in this modern reimagining of a legendary franchise.

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