Shinobi: Art of Vengeance — Behind the Scenes with Lizardcube Ahead of August Switch Release

Sega’s legendary ninja action franchise is poised for a high-profile revival with the upcoming release of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.

Developed in collaboration with Lizardcube—renowned for their acclaimed work on Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap—this bold new entry delivers a fresh visual identity and pushes the boundaries of 2D game animation.

Scheduled to launch globally on August 29, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and additional platforms, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is already drawing attention from series veterans and newcomers alike. Since its debut in arcades in 1987, the Shinobi series has established a legacy as one of Sega’s most beloved action franchises.

With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Lizardcube aims to honor this heritage while simultaneously reinventing the experience for modern audiences.

The studio’s commitment to quality and artistic innovation is front and center in their recently unveiled behind-the-scenes development series, which provides unprecedented insight into the game’s production. The inaugural episode of the series spotlights Shinobi: Art of Vengeance’s visual direction, placing Lizardcube’s signature hand-drawn animation at the forefront.

Viewers are treated to in-depth discussions featuring Lizardcube’s CEO and art director Ben Fiquet, as well as background supervisor Julian Nguyen-You.

They discuss the passion and craftsmanship required to redesign the classic Shinobi aesthetic for a new generation of players, while retaining the kinetic energy that defines the franchise. In describing their approach, Ben Fiquet outlines how the team at Lizardcube has embraced a blend of traditional artistry and advanced animation methods to make every frame stand out.

Julian Nguyen-You further explains how the game’s backgrounds are painstakingly illustrated to complement the fluid motion of the main character and enemies, ensuring that the environments feel dynamic and immersive.

Together, they aim to present a "next-generation ninja adventure" that pays homage to the roots of Shinobi while leveraging contemporary technology. Pre-orders for Shinobi: Art of Vengeance are now live, with the game set to arrive in both physical and digital formats—including via the Nintendo eShop.

The Switch version, in particular, has generated anticipation thanks to the console’s growing reputation as a home for expertly-crafted action-platformers. As August 29 approaches, additional details and development updates are expected, giving fans even more reasons to look forward to the triumphant return of Sega’s iconic ninja.

Stay tuned for further coverage as Shinobi: Art of Vengeance prepares to make its mark on Nintendo Switch and beyond.

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