ADEPTUS CRITICUS GAME REVIEWS

Developer: Sega & Lizardcube

Publisher: Sega

Platforms available on PC, PS5 & 4, Xbox one/Series X & S Nintendo Switch 1 & 2

Review code provided: No purchased-on Nintendo Eshop

In Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, players control Joe Mushashi, the legendary Ninja and head of the Oboro Clan. The game begins with Musashi’s village being attacked and his clan turned to stone by the evil paramilitary organization ENE Corp, led by Lord Ruse.

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2

Musashi embarks on a quest for vengeance, battling through various stages
filled with enemies and obstacles to restore peace.

Shinobi is a hand drawn 2d action platformer which I must say looks incredible and when you see it moving my jaw dropped. You traverse from burning villages to mountains with hidden basses to cityscapes all of which looks brilliant.

I absolutely loved the combat in Shinobi every attack felt substantial and the
movement to set up an attack or to evade an attack is expertly done.

The platforming at times I struggled with but that was because I feel I am too aggressive due to the nature of the combat I found myself adding that aggression to the platforming sections I had this same issue in Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. The level design I thought was excellent overall although I did not enjoy the 2nd level riding the massive dog as much but that’s just my opinion. I exploration of the levels is top notch with lots of secrets and parts of the map you are not able to reach until you get further into the game unlocking new abilities.

Now I will compare this to Ninja Gaiden Ragebound to a degree as they are both 2D action platformers and both well of course Ninja games but they are different games, Shinobi is fast and frantic but in my opinion not as fast as Ninja Gaiden rage bound, but you feel more of a tank in Shinobi I suppose the Doom Guy of Ninja’s but the biggest difference is the exploration, in Shinobi you have to progress through the game to unlock new abilities that will allow you go back to the other levels to reach the areas previously not reachable you do not need to do that in Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. Shinobi leans more towards MetroidVania than what Ninja Gaiden Ragebound does and this no bad thing as I am big fan of MetroidVania.
There are also plenty of Sega easter eggs dotted around for you people that have eagles’ eyes.

The story in my opinion is a little longer than Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, but I feel has more replay ability than Ragebound due to the Arcade, Boss rush and timed challenges modes.

In conclusion Shinobi Art of Vengeance is another MUST BUY for me, and I really hope Sega doesn’t leave it too long before we see another Shinobi game.
And as always this is just my opinion, please go watch some gameplay videos or streamers or take the plunge and purchase the game.
Oh, and before I forget I mentioned in the review for Ninja Gaiden Ragebound the battle of the Ninjas. Can I pick a winner well no I can’t so just buy them both they both offer different things and there is definitely room for both in your collection.