2025 could be considered the year of the ninja in video games. We began with Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, which features a ninja protagonist, and we’ll end the year with Ninja Gaiden 4. Now, during summer, gamers can enjoy the two titles this article is about — Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. If you’re a fan of ninjas, you’re in for a treat.
Both games hearken back to their respective 2D sidescrolling origins in terms of graphics and gameplay. That said, they also feature modern niceties, such as frequent checkpoints, robust customization options and numerous upgrades. These are challenging games, but far more lenient than the original 8- and 16-bit counterparts you might have played on systems like the NES or Sega Genesis. They’re the best entries of their respective franchises we’ve seen in years.
Whether you’re a veteran or newcomer to these series, I think you’ll have a great time with both Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Here's why.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is the most “old-school” game I’m discussing here, thanks to its pixelated graphics and unapologetically 1980s-inspired soundtrack. Presentation-wise, it appears like a long-lost game developed for the 32-bit era, since its graphics and sound quality are far beyond what the NES or Genesis could have produced. That’s absolutely a compliment!
The main hook of Ragebound is that you’re playing as two ninjas who inhabit the same body. Keiji Mozu is a Hayabusa clan member like series star, Ryu Hayabusa, while Kumori is a kunoichi (female ninja) of the rival Spider Clan. You must use their distinctive skills, such as Keiji’s katana and Kumori’s kunai, to defeat a horde of demons threatening to conquer Earth. Using the characters’ ever-expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities is extremely engaging.
Though Ragebound has a fair share of items hidden in its levels and even several secret stages, it’s a relatively straightforward affair in terms of exploration. Action is the name of the game, with a good mix of intense fighting and perilous platforming to keep your heart pumping. This game can be unrelenting, but you can lower the difficulty if you need to. Regardless of how you play, you’re going to have a good time.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance might have old-school 2D gameplay, but its hand-drawn sprites and backgrounds give it a modern presentation. The same is true for its soundtrack, which mixes various musical genres that lend the game a unique, timeless vibe. Though Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is graphically impressive, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance has it beat in terms of looks. It’s absolutely stunning to behold, but there’s more to it than impressive graphics.
Playing as the protagonist, Joe Musashi, you traverse diverse environments while fighting the villainous ENE Corporation that slaughtered your village. Like Ragebound, there’s a good mix of action and exploration, with both expanding as you progress.
Joe learns new ninja skills and combos that can make the daunting battles more manageable. The levels are decidedly “Metroidvania,” in design, which involves a fair bit of backtracking when you gain new skills that allow you to access previously inaccessible areas. I also enjoy the quirky cast and how the story plays out.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is another instant classic from developer Lizardcube, who was also responsible for the excellent Streets of Rage 4. Though you can probably plow through it in under eight hours, discovering secrets and completing challenge levels can add to your playtime. I don’t see myself putting it down anytime soon, since there’s a lot to discover and overcome.
Bottom line
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance are both brilliant games worth owning. The former offers a steep challenge and a killer soundtrack, while the latter delivers deep gameplay and jaw-dropping graphics. I recommend them to just about anyone seeking an action-packed ninja adventure. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
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