The Sega Villains Stage DLC is bringing Yakuza’s Goro Majima, Sonic’s Dr. Eggman, and Death Adder from Golden Axe to the game’s world via mysterious rifts that Joe Musashi is trying to close by the most obvious method: Defeating the source of their power. That’s going to lead to some memorable showdowns with the aforementioned characters, who are in a decidedly different element than what we’ve come to expect.

There are five new stages aside from the three bosses, alongside new music tracks inspired by them. Aside from two Boss Rush modes featuring the new threats, there’s a trio of ninpos and skins each to round things off. We were very happy with the base game last year, and there’s no reason to believe that the DLC is going to be any different. It’s time to let your katana sing as you side-scroll through some chaotic fighting against familiar yet formidable opponents,

If you’re still on the fence, perhaps watching Joe take on an assortment of its new additions in the launch trailer below can help you decide if you’re diving in right away.

It’s an odd addition, for sure, especially since Majima has been more of a tweener in more recent entries. Nevertheless, his concept art looks pretty good – time will tell how he and the other villains actually factor into this DLC stage, and whether they’re a match for Joe Musashi.

The standalone pricing for the Sega Villains Stage DLC is unknown, but it’s included in the Deluxe Edition. Stay tuned for more details on its release date in the coming months (perhaps at The Game Awards 2025).

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is available for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Check out our review for it here – we gave it a nine out of ten, praising the art style, combat and stage design.

As a side-scrolling beat ’em up, Golden Axe is one of Sega’s more iconic franchises, though it hasn’t received a new installment since 2008’s Beast Rider. A new entry was announced at The Game Awards 2023, alongside Shinobi, Streets of Rage, and more, but it’s yet to receive any updates.

Regardless, stay tuned for more updates on the Sega Villains Stage DLC, which launches in early 2026. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is available for PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Check out our review here, where we praised the combat, art direction and level design.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance brings back Joe Musashi, who battles the ENE Corp after they attack a ninja village. With his students encased in stone, the legendary ninja must traverse multiple stages to stop the group’s plans and exact revenge. The classic platforming is still in place, but along with a deeper combat system, Musashi can utilize Shinobi Executions to decimate enemies.

Levels are also full of secrets, from battles against Elite Squads to Rifts, and players will discover ninja tools, Ninjutsu, and Ninpo to even the odds. Check out our review for more details.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is available for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. It will receive DLC content in early 2026, with Musashi battling villains from other Sega franchises, including Dr. Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog.

Debuting in 1987 for arcades before coming to the Master System in 1988, Shinobi is also a side-scrolling action platformer starring Joe Musashi, the relatively silent leader of the ninja clan and all-around one-man army. Despite being relegated to the shadows over the past decade, the franchise is as influential as Ninja Gaiden. And yet, there’s plenty about Art of Vengeance that sets it apart, offering an incredible side-scrolling action-adventure for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

The story focuses on the mysterious ENE Corp, led by Ruse, which has caused widespread havoc and chaos worldwide. In his infinite wisdom, he decides the best course of action is to attack Oboro Village, where Joe Musashi and his students are, destroying everything and turning the latter (save for one) into stone. His one mistake is leaving Joe alive, and thus begins a quest for vengeance.

"Focusing more on heavy attacks and kunai will open up enemies to stylish executions, where Joe becomes a venerable shadowy silhouette, dicing through as they explode in splotches of red. Alternatively, it comes across as something painterly, giving a deeper meaning to the “art” of vengeance."

This old-school approach is thankfully humanized in different ways, from Joe’s interaction with his wife, Naoko, to conversations with the enthusiastic Tomoe (who’s strangely the only one who can actually understand Joe). The self-serious atmosphere is all the more humorous when most characters, from the demonic shopkeeper to Ruse himself, can’t really understand what Joe is saying. None of it feels overdone, however, and the fantastic voice-acting only elevates the characters even more (and yes, that includes the requisite bosses who are destined to die).

Art of Vengeance wastes no time throwing you into the action, and, much like Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, the controls are simply sublime. From the outset, Joe is capable of bouncing back and forth between walls to achieve greater heights, double-jumping, dive-kicking fools in the face, and so on. Additional tools, from the grappling hook and the glider to claws for slowly climbing walls, become available as you progress, adding to the movement repertoire while opening up optional areas.

The combat is something truly incredible, as its hack-and-slash, combo-focused nature is reminiscent of the 3D Ninja Gaidens. You have light and heavy attacks, which can chain together in predetermined combos and techniques, and you can throw kunai to eliminate smaller threats. Focusing more on heavy attacks and kunai will open up enemies to stylish executions, where Joe becomes a venerable shadowy silhouette, dicing through as they explode in splotches of red. Alternatively, it comes across as something painterly, giving a deeper meaning to the “art” of vengeance.

Aside from looking incredible and reinforcing the power fantasy, it only adds to your score and ensures more drops, including currency and health. So while you’re free to experiment with combos and hack opponents to pieces, skillful use of different moves and tools results in more efficient and rewarding resolutions. It also

That’s only the start of all the incredible ways that players can run roughshod on ENE Corp. A straightforward dodge roll can transition into other moves as much as vaulting over obstacles to maintain your platforming momentum. Dive-kicking into enemies is good, but it can be even better when you unlock the ability to chain into a spinning downward slash – perfect for tougher enemies.

"The real treat is in going off the beaten path (or rooftop) and exploring for secrets. You’ll encounter Elite Squads, some in precarious combat scenarios. Finding and clearing all of them grants rewards, but some areas are only accessible with tools obtained in later levels."

Ninpo provides special attacks, and while the standard fire breath isn’t too exciting, there are other notable options – like the Water Slash for parrying incoming attacks and dishing out damage. Like kunai, it isn’t infinite, so you’ll need to keep the melee pressure up. Then there’s Ninjutsu, powerful screen-clearing techniques that are as devastating as eye-watering.

If that wasn’t enough, you can discover Amulets which provide different benefits when equipped, like increased healing effectiveness, kunai piercing multiple opponents (but costing more), and so on. While the build-crafting isn’t going to give Grinding Gear Games any sleepless nights, it offers some nice little wrinkles for one’s playstyle.

All of this would mean nothing if the enemy types weren’t on point, and thankfully, that’s not the case. They each offer their own unique twists in combat, whether it’s more mobility or area denial, and the Elite variants up the challenge all the more without feeling downright oppressive. Also, I don’t know what it is about Lizardcube and how they imbue so much personality into their enemies, but it works so well.

The thought of “just” over a dozen levels may turn some off, but these are some very well-crafted stages, boasting extensive variety. Yes, some set-ups may feel a little too familiar – the swamp leading into the festival, for starters – but they’re all packed with unique platforming and combat challenges. As cliché as running away from the destructive force consuming the other side of the screen may seem, I won’t mind as long as it’s reinforced by solid platforming. Even the puzzles, simple as they seem, feel logical without bogging down the action.

The real treat is in going off the beaten path (or rooftop) and exploring for secrets. You’ll encounter Elite Squads, some in precarious combat scenarios. Finding and clearing all of them grants rewards, but some areas are only accessible with tools obtained in later levels. While I don’t mind revisiting stages, especially since Arcade Mode incentivizes retrying them for better scores, the rewards feel a bit superfluous, especially when you’re clearing the game as is. While not completely overwhelming the core gameplay loop, it’s more for the sake of completion than anything else.

"If it wasn’t obvious enough already, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a must-buy. For side-scrolling action fans, it’s a wonderful trip across numerous gorgeous levels with incredible combat mechanics, stellar controls, and varied platforming mechanics."

Of course, above all else, there’s the presentation, and I can’t get enough of how animated and detailed everything is. It all moves so fluidly with such style and panache, and yet, it’s inherently Shinobi. When you’re not marveling at the Ninjutsu animations, you’re probably entranced by the backgrounds as helicopters fly about or giant monsters, their slower movements belying how much they tower over everything else, crawl along or neon signs bathe their surroundings, granting a cyberpunk-ish feel. And yet, despite all the flashiness, the art direction is inherently clean, making it easy to see incoming threats and adjust accordingly. The soundtrack is similarly brilliant, channelling that old-school excellence in ways that simply defy description while balancing the highs and lows of different scenarios.

If it wasn’t obvious enough already, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a must-buy. For side-scrolling action fans, it’s a wonderful trip across numerous gorgeous levels with incredible combat mechanics, stellar controls, and varied platforming mechanics. For long-time fans, itching for the franchise’s return, it’s everything you could want, but expanded and enhanced in all the best ways. If this is the trend that revivals will follow going into the future, then perhaps the best is yet to come. Regardless, you owe it to yourself to witness Joe Musashi’s return in all its gory glory.

This game was reviewed on PS5.

It starts innocently enough – evil sentient statues, spike pits to grapple across, hostile ninjas – but then a giant skull wraith sweeps across the screen. Smaller enemy spirits appear at other points to chase Joe, but avoiding the skull, especially when it starts chasing you, is key. However, you might be able to turn it to your advantage at some points.

The endless sands on the surface are only the start as Joe descends into the depths, battling through ancient architecture and uncovering new paths.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. A free demo featuring a special version of the opening stage is available now. You can also check out our feature for more details.

As one of many revived IPs, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. A free demo is currently available on all platforms, and it’s a pretty solid quick look (though save data doesn’t transfer to the full release). Let’s dive into everything you should know about Joe Musashi’s latest adventure.

First New Title in the Franchise Since 2011

To say that a new Shinobi title is a long time coming would be an understatement. The last major title in the franchise was Shinobi 3D in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS (and you would have to go as far back as 2002 for the last console title). Unlike both of them, Art of Vengeance is a true throwback to the classics, courtesy of its art style.

New Hand-Drawn Art Style

A sleek hand-drawn look awaits, but that description doesn’t quite do it justice. The backgrounds are detailed and full of life; the character animations are fluid; and the color palette is simply incredible, especially during Shinobi Executions and Ninjutsu, the latter unfolding in fully animated splash screens. It’s a feast for the eyes, though visual clarity remains robust throughout.

Developed With LizardCube

Of course, there’s a pretty good explanation for Art of Vengeance’s art style and overall vibe. Along with Sega, LizardCube is handling development. They’re responsible for the acclaimed Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap but even more so for Streets of Rage 4, which also served to breathe new life into the franchise. Suffice it to say that it’s an incredible choice for modernizing Shinobi while retaining its old-school charm.

Side-Scrolling Action Platformer

And that’s probably the best way to describe Art of Vengeance: Old-school cool with a gorgeous new coat of paint. Much like Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, it retains the core side-scrolling action platformer gameplay, whether you’re battling enemies or navigating treacherous environments. Much like Shinobi’s revival, there are some unique twists and new mechanics to master, which we’ll get into.

Over a Dozen Stages

The action kicks off in Oboro Village, which faces a sudden attack from Ruse and the ENE Corp, but it only picks up from there. Out of the dozen-plus stages revealed thus far, we’ve seen sleek metropolitan areas, a moving train, industrial bases, and much more. Each has its share of secrets, side content, and bonus stages to explore if you take the time, but there’s plenty of room for speed-running.

Combat and Combos

The combat is very robust in Art of Vengeance, as Joe can unleash light and heavy attacks that chain together into combos. Light attacks are great for disposing of smaller enemies, but heavy attacks deal more damage and can launch them into the air for more hits. He can also attack in mid-air, whether it’s a simple slash or diving onto enemies with a kick, and unleash kunai from a distance. The combo count increases over time, which can provide some useful buffs depending on your equipment.

Unlocking New Moves and Combos

Musashi will team up with some unlikely allies against ENE Corp and gain access to shops with new moves (purchasable with gold collected throughout the stages). Each move weaves into your combos differently, whether it’s a powerful finishing blow, a running knee out of a dash that deals bonus damage to armor, and so on. You can unlock some pretty cool options, including a mid-air heavy attack that unleashes a wave of energy.

Shinobi Execution

You’ll want to use kunai and heavy attacks often on enemies, since this opens them up to Shinobi Executions, where Musashi rushes forward and finishes them off. This unleashes a burst of gold and health, alongside the benefit of instantly teleporting to a target. More executions equal a higher rank, so it’s always encouraged to set up enemies for the same.

Ninpo and Ninjutsu

Ninpo are special attacks that can range from blasting fire into an enemy’s face to tossing a massive shuriken. You can equip four at a time, and there are some pretty killer options, including a Water Slash that seemingly functions as a parry and a massive serpent for a two-hit attack. Then there are the Ninjutsu – screen-wide attacks that become available after collecting Rage orbs or taking enough damage, and unleash a devastating amount of elemental damage.

Ningi Tools

Musashi possesses extensive mobility, whether it’s dashing on the ground and in mid-air, flipping over crates (and after attacks to continue combos), or using his ninja claws to climb and hang on yellow walls and ceilings. Additional tools are unlocked over time, including the grappling Ninja Hook and the Ninja Glider, providing even more options for exploration and discovering secrets.

Secrets, Elite Squads, and Rifts

Side content abounds in each stage, including Elite Squads and Rifts. Some additional platforming is required to reach them, and the Elite Squads will throw waves of challenging enemies. Clearing them provides some pretty useful rewards, however, so it’s encouraged to take a detour in stages whenever possible.

Amulets

Amulets are pieces of equipment which can be swapped as required and provide numerous benefits. You can equip two at a time – one passive, the other active. The former offers benefits such as improved healing, while the latter can increase your overall damage output at specific combo thresholds. But beware – taking any damage will cause the combo counter to reset, thus removing that benefit.

Difficulty Options

Before starting, there are three difficulties to choose from: Shinobi, the “default” difficulty; Apprentice, which slightly reduces enemy health and drastically dials down environmental damage; and Novice, where everything is dialled down, even the amount of combo hits needed to activate an Amulet’s effects. Of course, there’s also a Custom difficulty to adjust these parameters freely, whether it’s reducing enemy health while keeping their lethality or choosing to respawn at the closest location when it’s Game Over (which doesn’t apply to bonus stages). Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to increase any of the difficulty parameters beyond the current default setting.

Arcade Mode

Upon completing a stage, you can replay a stage in Arcade Mode, which challenges you to finish it as quickly as possible. You can increase the end score by taking on different objectives, including completing the stage without taking damage. It’s perfect for speed-runners and those who want to test their mastery of a stage.

PC Requirements

As you’d probably expect, the PC requirements for Shinobi: Art of Vengeance are fairly low. At the minimum, you’ll need a staggering Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 or an AMD Phenom 2 X3 720, 6 GB of RAM and either an Nvidia GeForce GT 730 2 GB, an AMD Radeon R7 240 2 GB or an Intel Arc A310 LP 4 GB for 1080p/30 FPS gameplay. For playing at 1080p/60 FPS, a Core i5-2300 or AMD FX-4350, 8 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2 GB, a Radeon HD 7770 1 GB, or an Intel Arc A310 LP 4 GB are required. Across all configurations, you’ll need 20 GB of installation space.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is putting quite a bit of emphasis on slick and stylish gameplay, and as you’d expect, that reflects in its combat as well. Players will be able to use a variety of weapons and tools, such as a grappling hook, claws with which to climb up walls, a glider, and more. Ninja arts will serve as powerful abilities, while shinobi executions will allow you to unleash deadly finisher moves on foes. 

Check out the gameplay trailer below for more information, including details on boss fights, ultimate moves known as ninpo (which also entail elemental and magical attacks), and super-powerful ninjutsu moves. 

Shinobi: Art of Vengance is set to launch on August 29 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. 

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance will see players stepping into the shoes of Joe Musashi, who sets out on a quest for revenge against the evil ENE Corp and Lord Ruse, who are responsible for burning down Musashi’s village. But with Lord Ruse armed with a unique artifact that grants him immortality, your quest for vengeance is going to prove more complicated than expected. Check out the trailer below for more details. You can also head on over here for more glimpses of the action-platformer’s gameplay and its gorgeous hand-drawn art. 

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is due out on August 29 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, and on August 26 for those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition. 

Sega has, for instance, released a new gameplay trailer that showcases Neo City, one of several locations that players will explore in the upcoming sidescrolling action-platforming. The trailer shows off several of the neon-lit city’s futuristic environments, as well as new glimpses of combat and traversal gameplay. Check out the trailer below. 

Earlier in the month, Sega showcased another in-game location in the form of Oboro Village. Check out the trailer through here. 

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will be able to play three days early, starting August 26.