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.

If that’s appealing to you, you’re probably as much of a sucker for punishment as we are, and are going to love the ones that are on this list. Each one of them is going to test you in its own way, but the journey is certainly worth it as they are experiences you’d not want to miss.

Let’s dive in, and let the battles begin.

1. Bionic Bay

If you’re raising your eyebrows at the thought of a 2D platformer being among the hardest games of the year, allow us to warn you that this one comes with a lot of moments where you’re going to be feeling despair at the seemingly impossible challenge in front of you. That’s a sentiment that never fully leaves you as you try to navigate the complex pathways to your character’s ultimate escape that serves as the narrative framing for this adventure.

It takes a determined player to get to the end of this one, and if that’s you, strap in for a hell of a good time.

2. Elden Ring: Nightreign

Although I’d personally recommend you bring a couple of friends along to Limveld, playing with complete strangers might just be a natural part of the challenge on offer in this roguelike debut from FromSoftware. From planning the perfect route and being as efficient as possible when you take on the many threats you’re going to find along the way, this one is a rush through risky lands that can get quite addictive.

Of course, the bosses at the end of each run are going to be absolute walls that require multiple runs before you can even begin to formulate a strategy to take them down that can work with different combinations of weapons. We could go on, but you get the point.

3. Haste

While its premise, gameplay loop, and control scheme are deceptively simple, Haste is so unpredictable and reliant on precision for the best rewards that it becomes quite challenging to play it the way it wants you to. For a game that’s about running as fast as you can before you try to stick a perfect landing to preserve your momentum, it sure brings a myriad of ways to bring you to a sudden halt.

But if you’re the type to keep getting back up and trying again, you’re going to have a lot of fun (and digital concussions) with this one.

4. Escape From Tarkov

No matter the mode you pick on this extraction shooter, things are going to be challenging as you begin to trade damage with enemies and pick up a few injuries along the way. That’s thanks to the game’s emphasis on being a realistic tactical shooter, requiring you to be very cognizant of your presence in the world, and ever on the lookout for signs of life from your enemies, too.

Things can get tense with this one, especially against players who know what they’re doing with it. Approach it with caution and pay attention to its mechanics, as they could mean the difference between life and death.

5. Wuchang Fallen Feathers

This fantasy, based on the end of the Ming Dynasty, is a great example of a game that encourages you to try different approaches to insurmountable challenges until you find one that works. Its combat mechanics are sublime, with each of its weapon types coming with distinct mechanics that make them very special.

Its enemies and bosses are all excellent adversaries, while some of its harder enemies had us grinding our teeth in frustration at the errors they forced us to make. For a visually stunning world teeming with difficult fights to pick, this one is a no-brainer.

6. AI Limit

Life as a Blader isn’t easy, and Arissa is no stranger to the challenges that come her way in this sci-fi ARPG. But she’s only as good as the player guiding her actions, and the combat loop on offer makes things quite challenging to stay on top of. This game’s Soulslike trappings are proudly on display, and its enemy types make it quite hard to predict potential attacks and form strategies.

The result is an experience that needs you to think on your feet, and comes off all the more rewarding as a result.

7. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Henry’s adventure in this sequel can get quite challenging if you don’t make good use of its excellent combat mechanics. While you can make things easy for yourself by exploring as much as you can, things are designed to remain a challenge throughout the experience in this title.

Its Hardcore mode takes the realism it presents to a whole other level, removing a lot of important assists that you might otherwise rely on. You’re going to want to master the basics of this game’s combat system and practice as much as you can to make the most of it.

8. Hollow Knight Silksong

As a worthy sequel to the original game, this one’s expanded size and scope make both exploration and combat work very well together to present a gameplay loop that constantly has you on the back foot if you’re prone to making errors in combat. Hornet’s improved agility and new moveset are a valuable addition to a game that brings a very troublesome rogues’ gallery to its levels.

You’re going to want to be precise and attack with intent if you want to survive this one’s toughest battles. To hesitate is to die, and this game does not let you forget that.

9. Blue Prince

This one is a great test of your wits for those among you who prefer that kind of a challenge. Finding the hidden 46th room in a mansion whose layout is ever-changing is going to have you thinking about potential solutions even while you’re at work. It’s maddeningly simple and yet quite hard to nail down.

When considered alongside a gameplay loop that’s designed to keep you bamboozled, this is a game that can send you in circles before you find that a solution was right in front of you all along.

10. The First Berserker: Khazan

For an exhilarating combat system backed up by a great story and some very unique visuals, Khazan’s battle is going to hit all the right notes and then some. The combat system gives you all the tools you need to face down any threats standing in your way, but makes each of those threats so memorable and challenging that you can’t help but get up and try again when they take you down.

This one’s so good that giving up on it isn’t an option, as you’re going to find out when you dive in.

11. DOOM: The Dark Ages

The Slayer might be feared by the forces of Hell, but he’s only as good as the one who wields his mighty arsenal of weapons. This prequel can get overwhelming if you don’t take full advantage of its new mechanics, and even that might not save you on its harder difficulties.

This is a game that needs you to be quite tactical as you take on enemies, planning a bloody path through their ranks with the brutal efficiency that only Earth’s mightiest defender can wield against the forces that threaten his world. The Slayer’s latest adventure is a deadly one, but it’s totally worth it if you’re up for the challenge.

12. Warriors: Abyss

Although the massive roster and a great combat system are the main draws of this one, it can get quite difficult to take on the armies it throws at you in the heat of battle. You’re going to have to master your moves to get the most out of your build, and the game’s enemies are no pushovers, ready to slice and dice you into oblivion if you allow the momentum of a battle to slip away.

While the story could have been better, it does manage to give you a reason to take on as many enemies as you like with almost reckless abandon, provided you earn your mastery through practice and perfection.

13. Ninja Gaiden 4

The new Ninja Gaiden does very well to preserve the franchise’s trademark challenge, with both Ryu and Yakumo having their abilities pushed to their limits over the course of the story. Taking on enemies with its combat system might be familiar if you’re a returning veteran, but it can get a tad challenging to master for a newcomer.

Either way, this is a game where you need to use all of the skills you learn in order to stay on top of everything it throws at you. Oh, and of course, you have to do it all with style. Otherwise, what’s the point?

14. Hell Is Us

While this game’s combat might not be too much of a challenge, it’s in how the game’s very design is aimed at making it all as opaque as possible that gets you. Hell is Us can get quite complicated if you’re not paying attention, with so much of its content hidden away behind a veil of obscurity that seems to cover its world.

Uncovering it all is going to require the best of your sleuthing skills, and of course, a bit of talent with your blades whenever the need arises. Even that might not be enough to see all it has to offer in a single playthrough. Approach this one with a suitable notepad in hand.

15. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Joe Musashi’s fight against the ENE is a great action-platformer that can have you retrying portions of it more often than you’d like to admit. While you do enjoy Musashi’s agility and a solid arsenal of skills and tools to make fights easier as the adventure goes on, its enemies ensure that you’re always kept on your toes and that no victory feels cheap.

It’s a deadly dance of attacks and dodges that can have you spending hours just enjoying its balance between simplicity and depth.

And that’s a wrap on the hardest games of 2025 that caught our attention. We can only wonder what the year ahead has in store for us, but no matter what, know that we’re going to be there for it all alongside you!

We’re here to give them the spotlight they deserve, and perhaps give you a great new game to pick up and play. Join us as we take a look at a few excellent titles that deserve your attention. There’s something for everybody, and you’re sure to find a title that joins your list of favorites!

1. Blue Prince

With a rather unconventional premise, and a whole lot of entertaining puzzle-adventure gameplay to stretch your brain power to its limits, this is a gem of a game that did not get its due in a year crowded with huge releases. But Simon P. Jones’ surreal trip through the Mt. Holly Estate and the discovery of its story make for an unforgettable adventure.

If you enjoy solving puzzles and are the kind who doesn’t like to leave any loose ends in their games, this one is going to have you occupied for quite a while.

2. Dispatch

It can be jarring to be relegated to a desk job after an exciting stint in the field even for the best of superheroes. But Mecha Man, aka Robert Robinson III, faces a frustrating twist to his career and having to manage a team of reformed supervillains is the perfect recipe for a story that’s told with heart and charm.

A stellar voice cast elevates the experience, and Dispatch is a game that you enjoy from the very beginning right up until you navigate a roller coaster of decisions whose varying outcomes could have you wanting to dive back in for another playthrough. That’s certainly a game that’s easy to recommend.

3. Tormented Souls 2

Caroline Walker (or Emma, if you’re familiar with this one’s predecessor) just can’t catch a break. This sequel builds on the first game’s strengths while telling a grim, chilling story about a cult that seems intent on continuing Noah’s work.

But Caroline has never been one to sit around and wait for fate to play its hand, and you’re going to be navigating dark hallways and dangerous places with bated breath. This is an excellent horror experience that does well to bring forgotten genre trappings back with style.

4. Keeper

It isn’t everyday a game gives a lighthouse the ability to walk, and puts its players behind a character as unique as the one in Keeper. As the lighthouse, your travels aren’t as lonely as they could be thanks to Twig, and the bond that forms between them as they tackle the scourge that’s affecting their home is a lovely story.

This one’s bizarre premise lets its creators come up with some very inventive designs in their levels, and navigating its world isn’t going to be easy. But we can tell you it’s definitely worth it.

5. Atomfall

An action survival gameplay loop set in an alternate, post-apocalyptic version of the British countryside into a radioactive zone was always going to be a blast, and our time with Atomfall had us chuckling away at the humor that it has managed to bake into an otherwise grim world.

The story is definitely gripping enough to make this a rewarding experience while the side content brings some top-shelf writing into the fray. This is a world that’s going to be very worthwhile to those of you who like ferreting out secrets and leaving no missions incomplete.

6. Cronos: The New Dawn

The Bloober Team cemented its reputation as a talented horror studio with its take on a time-travelling survival horror adventure. As the Traveller, every step you take into the game’s world makes you feel the weight of its desolation, while its threats can have you missing perfectly aligned headshots thanks to their raw aggression and feral rage.

However, for those of you who learn the art of survival in this bleak world, you get to find very creative ways to turn the tables in a deadly dance of tactics, strategy, and skillful shooting. It’s a slow-paced ride but a wild one nonetheless.

7. Hell is Us

Although this one did gain a fair bit of traction, it can be hard to put the allure of a world that staunchly refuses to reveal its secrets to none but the most diligent of players into words. But Hell is Us does just that, leaving you scribbling furiously away on a notepad just so that you get to experience all that it has to offer.

It can be quite a disorienting experience at first but the story and combat can have you quite invested. If exploration and lore hunting sound like hours of fun to you, this one is going to have you very content with how it presents its best features.

8. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Fast, stylish, and well-paced, Joe Musashi’s battle against the ENE Corporation is a great game. The story moves along at a breakneck pace, giving you new ways to dish out damage in your 2D platforming adventure. Musashi’s agility and the fact that the stakes are literally about life and death with a dollop of vengeance thrown in make this a shinobi adventure with all the good stuff.

Just be ready to bring your best fighting skills to the table as you take on the ENE’s hordes of soldiers, yokai, oni, and imposing bosses.

9. Echoes of the End

Although Ryn and Abram’s journey didn’t get the start that developer Myrkur Games might have wanted, the studio has done well to release an enhanced edition of Echoes of the End as a free update, fixing a significant portion of its launch issues and making it a very enticing offering.

The combat is now quite good, while the story has several great moments in the second half of the adventure. Stick with this one and you’re going to find yourself quite invested in how things turn out.

10. The Rogue Prince of Persia

If you’re a fan of roguelites, this one might be right up your street. Playing a Prince who is on the run from an army of possessed soldiers is a great way to spend a few hours exploring well-designed levels with mechanics that are quite engaging.

Evil Empire has done well to capture the look and feel of a Prince of Persia game a action adventure game, and you should definitely give this one a shot. Its recent Switch debut should see it get some well-served attention, too.

11. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

This side-scrolling hack n’ slash spin-off of the popular franchise is definitely up there with the best ones of the year. Kenji Mozu’s inspired effort to defend the Hayabusa village from demonic threats, leaving Ryu free to live out his legend in America, is a very entertaining take on the Ninja Gaiden universe.

Its slick combat and challenging platforming make it a pleasure to play too. This is a great choice for those of you who love to let your blades do the talking.

12. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

If you’re a Soulslike fan and have somehow missed this one from Leenshee Games, it’s worth checking out. Bai Wuchang’s mission to save her sister quickly turns into an exploration of sinister events against the background of a failing dynasty.

That premise does very well to set up battles that can test your reflexes and ability to improvise in the field. Combat is an art in this game, and you’re given a wide set of tools to use as you paint a bloody canvas that tells an epic story. Expect to be challenged, and this one is going to take your breath away.

13. Shadow Labyrinth

Bandai Namco’s refresh of the classic character was such a blast we almost forgot our initial scepticism of the entire exercise. The swordsman and Puck are quite a duo, navigating a treacherous world that leaves a very interesting trail of information about its history and denizens.

With challenging enemies and mechanics, Shadow Labyrinth is a game that has you always on the lookout for a detail that you missed, and can take a long time if you’re intent on teasing out all of its secrets.

14. Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream

While it can be difficult to handle the emotional weight that this excellent story brings to the table, Hanna’s desperate journey to rescue her brother, and the people she meets along the way make this one a worthy addition to our list of 2025’s underrated gems.

This is a game that brings some great stealth mechanics in a world in which the shadows are your biggest strength, and a story that underlines the importance of staying unseen through the eyes of a young orphan. This one’s a winner for all of you stealth nuts out there.

15. Steel Seed

Bringing excellent stealth action, robust platforming, a dark sci-fi-world, and a relatable protagonist and companion duo, there’s a lot to like about Steel Seed. Although this one did draw a bit of flak on the critical front, its story and excellent world building are compelling reasons to dive into this title.

Zoe’s sassy yet earnest nature wins you over quite quickly, and her proficiency with her weapons make her fun to embody in this tale of redemption. Despite a relatively shorter runtime, this game has its charms, and the journey is definitely worth it.

And that’s a wrap on our best single-player sleeper hit titles that you might have missed out on this year. Here’s to a fresh new batch of winners as we look to 2026 and beyond.

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.

Mafia: The Old Country

Almost nine years after Mafia 3, Hangar 13 is going back, at least chronologically, with Mafia: The Old Country. Set in 1900s Sicily, players control Enzo Favara as he transitions from an indentured labourer to a Torrisi family mafioso. Quaint countrysides and ruins replace sprawling cities while Enzo engages in as many knife duels as gun fights. As more of a linear narrative, Mafia: The Old Country could be the revival that the series needs when it launches on August 8th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Echoes of the End

Announced four years ago, Echoes of the End launches on August 12th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. As Ryn, players work alongside Abram Finlay to explore the fantasy world of Aema and stop a conspiracy. With a healthy mix of magic, exploration, puzzle-solving, platforming and, of course, combat, Myrkur Games promises a new yet also comfortingly familiar adventure.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (PS5)

After debuting on PS4 (and PC) all those years ago, Senua finally returns with her latest adventure, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, which launches on August 12th for PS5. “Adventure” is probably being a little kind since she ventures to Iceland to battle the Northmen, draugar and other horrors, all while managing her psychosis. Still, with gorgeous visuals, a cinematic presentation and a new update that adds 60 FPS, it may be worthwhile for PS5 players.

Madden NFL 26

Madden NFL is back yet again, and we can’t even say it’s personal. Nevertheless, Madden NFL 26 does offer a few new features, including the new Sphere of Influence system in Career Mode, new coach archetypes for Franchise mode, extreme weather conditions that affect gameplay, and a revamped presentation. It’s out on August 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Drag x Drive

Honestly, I don’t know what Nintendo is thinking with Drag x Drive. As unique as the concept is and how much the Switch 2’s mouse controls are interwoven, the marketing has been mysteriously sparse. Nevertheless, there’s some hope that the actual game offers much more than we’ve already seen (which looked solid, if nothing else). We’ll find out when it launches on August 14th for $19.99.

Black Myth: Wukong (Xbox Series X/S)

One year after launching on PS5 and PC (no timed exclusive deal, by the way), Black Myth: Wukong launches on August 20th for Xbox Series X/S. With over 20 million sold in its first month and Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on Steam, it’s finally time for Xbox players to witness the legend first-hand. Of course, if you’re craving a stellar action-adventure title with fun boss fights, gorgeous visuals and a unique art direction, Wukong is more than worth the journey.

Gears of War: Reloaded

It’s yet another end of an era for Xbox as Gears of War: Reloaded brings the cover-based shooter to PlayStation for the first time. Even if you’ve already enjoyed the original, there are plenty of reasons to revisit it, including 4K and 120 FPS support in multiplayer, no loading screens in the campaign, and improved shadows and reflections. Best of all, it’s free for all Ultimate Edition owners on Xbox and PC.

Helldivers 2 (Xbox Series X/S)

Arrowhead Game Studios’ hit co-op shooter Helldivers 2 is finally diving onto Xbox Series X/S on August 26th, bringing all the bug stomping, Automaton crushing and Illuminate…battling to a brand new audience. Crossplay is the biggest feature, which should bolster the already healthy player count, even as would-be fans hope for some kind of crossover with the likes of Halo. Whether it happens or not, Helldivers 2 is a must-play for those on Xbox.

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening

Among the many anime adaptations out there, few may have expected a side-scrolling platformer based on 1982’s Space Cobra. Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening follows the titular Cobra once more, as they venture forth across planets to save the universe. On top of blasting foes with the Psychogun, you’ll have to platform and avoid traps, either alone or in two-player co-op. Whether you’re seeking a new action platformer or a faithful adaptation of the anime’s first 12 episodes, Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening launches on August 26th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Even after all these years, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is still a great 3D platformer. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition enhances the visuals and adds Star-Crossed World, where a mysterious meteor has altered various levels. There are new paths and enemies to deal with alongside new Mouthful Modes and a new Wild Mode for a higher difficulty. Is it worth dropping $80? Probably not, but if you own the original, the $20 upgrade might be worthwhile when the Switch 2 version launches on August 28th.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Another classic franchise that’s being revived almost a decade later (we don’t talk about 2018), and this time, it’s arguably Konami’s most iconic yet. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives on August 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, featuring revamped environmental textures, character models, and effects. The classic narrative remains, but Konami (with help from Virtuos) has added a new over-the-shoulder perspective and quality-of-life features. Of course, those who want the original’s control style and camera can still enable the same.

Lost Soul Aside

There are games which have been in development for a long while, and then there’s Lost Soul Aside, which took inspiration from Final Fantasy 15 when it was still called Versus 13. Despite numerous delays – including one this year already – it’s finally launching on August 29th for PS5 and PC. A lot is going on with its art direction and story, but most importantly, the combat has held up remarkably well all this time. For those seeking a more character-driven action title, Lost Soul Aside could be the answer.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance channels the brutal side-scrolling action of the classics with a drop-dead gorgeous 2D art style courtesy of Lizardcube. Between the combo-based action, stellar Ninja Arts, detailed environments and seamless movement, you couldn’t ask for a better revival. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is slicing its way onto Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC on August 29th.

The Rogue Prince of Persia

You’d be hard-pressed to recognize The Rogue Prince of Persia since it entered early access last year, but it’s seen an art style change and heaps of new content since then. The essence of the premise – the Prince being stuck in a time loop as he tries, again and again, to save his kingdom – still holds, but there are more levels, weapons, branching paths, and bosses. Version 1.0 promises to cap it all off when it launches in August – here’s hoping it can top Evil Empire’s previous work on Dead Cells.

Sword of the Sea

From the studio behind ABZU and The Pathless comes another meditative exploration title where you, the Wraith, must restore the ocean to a mysterious barren Necropolis. You’ll traverse it on a Hoversword, which simultaneously allows for surfing, grinding and snowboarding while appreciating the incredible vistas (and vibes). Sword of the Sea launches on August 19th for PS5 and PC.