《Shinobi 復仇之斬擊》（SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance）是SEGA經典忍者動作遊戲系列《Shinobi》的全新重啟之作，由擅長手繪風格的法國開發團隊Lizardcube操刀開發，於2025年8月29日發售，登上PlayStation 5、Xbox Series X|S、Nintendo Switch 與PC平台。以2D橫向卷軸為核心玩法，融合現代美術與經典系統，不僅是致敬，更是一次面向新世代玩家的全面革新。

劇情方面，傳奇忍者「喬‧武藏」（Joe Musashi），他在歷經多年修行後重返故鄉，卻發現自己的村莊已被神秘敵對勢力摧毀、族人全數石化。為復仇與拯救族人，喬踏上斬斷黑暗陰謀的復仇之路。故事不僅呼應系列過往的主軸，也融入全新角色與設定，呈現出一段既熟悉又新穎的忍道之旅。

最大特色之一是極具視覺衝擊力的手繪畫風。延續其在《Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap》中的美術風格，將場景與角色細緻刻劃，充滿濃厚的法式漫畫與日系動畫融合氛圍。關卡設計橫跨軍事設施、都市廢墟、火山地形等超過12個舞台，每處不僅風格迥異，也藏有眾多分支路線與隱藏要素，鼓勵玩家反覆挑戰探索。

戰鬥方面，則承襲系列一貫的高速斬擊操作與忍術系統。除可使用象徵性的太刀「朧月」進行近戰攻擊外，還能投擲苦無、施展忍術與秘傳的「忍法」技能（Ninpo Techniques）。這些技能不僅有攻擊用途，還能改變地形、解開機關，成為闖關與戰鬥的雙重利器。更設有「神具」（Ningi）與「護符」等裝備要素，可藉此強化能力或開啟新的關卡路線，賦予每場冒險更多變化與策略選擇。

聲音方面，由傳奇音樂家古代祐三（Yuzo Koshiro）親自操刀配樂，他將電子合成音與和風樂器巧妙融合，打造出既懷舊又前衛的背景音樂，完美呼應遊戲的動作節奏與忍者美學。在操作方面，支援精準流暢的雙搖桿操作與快速反應的格擋閃避系統，戰鬥節奏緊湊俐落，講求對敵人行動模式的理解與反應。敵人與頭目各具特色，有的擅長遠程火力，有的則會佈設陷阱或召喚機械獸，需要靈活應變、精準施展技能。

市場所預熱與評價相當熱烈，特別是在發表預告後於各大遊戲媒體與社群平台引發懷舊玩家與新世代玩家的熱議。許多玩家對美術呈現與戰鬥設計給予高度期待，並認為這將是近年最具潛力的2D動作遊戲之一。預購的標準版定價29.99美元，數位豪華版售價39.99美元，內含搶先體驗權限、專屬服裝「經典街機裝」、數位美術書、原聲帶，以及未來推出的追加DLC關卡，該關卡更將登場多位SEGA歷代惡役作為BOSS，為粉絲帶來驚喜。

整體而言，《Shinobi 復仇之斬擊》不僅成功重現經典忍者遊戲的精神，更以現代藝術風格與細膩的遊戲設計，塑造出兼具視覺美感、操作快感與敘事張力的忍者冒險。對於喜愛高挑戰性2D動作平台遊戲與老派忍者風格的玩家而言，無疑是值得關注與入手的重磅之作。

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a bold reboot of SEGA’s legendary ninja action franchise, Shinobi, developed by the French studio Lizardcube, renowned for their hand-drawn artistry in Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap. Set for release on August 29, 2025, the game arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. With its core gameplay rooted in side-scrolling 2D action, the title blends classic mechanics with modern aesthetics—more than just a tribute, it’s a full-fledged reinvention aimed at a new generation of players.

The story follows the iconic ninja Joe Musashi, who, after years of training in exile, returns to his homeland only to find it in ruins. His village has been obliterated by a mysterious enemy faction, and his clan turned to stone. Driven by vengeance and the desire to break the curse, Joe embarks on a deadly mission to uncover and destroy the dark conspiracy behind this catastrophe. While the narrative honors the thematic foundation of the original Shinobi series, it also introduces new characters and lore, creating a journey that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.

One of the game’s standout features is its stunning hand-drawn art style. Carrying forward the aesthetic established in Lizardcube’s previous work, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance presents meticulously crafted environments and character animations, merging the elegance of French comic artistry with the dynamism of Japanese anime. The game spans over 12 unique stages, from military compounds and urban ruins to volcanic landscapes. Each level offers distinct visual themes, secret paths, and hidden collectibles, encouraging exploration and replayability.

Combat stays true to the franchise’s signature fast-paced swordplay and ninjutsu techniques. Players wield Joe’s iconic katana Oborozuki for close-quarters combat, throw shurikens for ranged attacks, and unleash powerful Ninpo Techniques, which serve both offensive and environmental purposes. These abilities can trigger traps, alter terrain, or unlock hidden areas, blending puzzle-solving with combat in dynamic ways. The game also features a gear system, including mystical items called Ningi and various talismans that enhance Joe’s abilities or open up alternative stage routes, adding layers of customization and strategy.

The soundtrack is composed by legendary musician Yuzo Koshiro, known for his classic work on earlier Shinobi titles. Blending retro electronic synths with traditional Japanese instruments, Koshiro’s score enhances the game’s pace and atmosphere, delivering a soundscape that is both nostalgic and cutting-edge.

Gameplay-wise, the title supports tight dual-stick controls with responsive parrying and evasive maneuvers. Encounters are designed to test reflexes and tactical thinking, with enemies that employ diverse strategies—some relying on heavy firepower, others laying traps or summoning robotic beasts. Boss fights are particularly intense, each demanding a deep understanding of enemy patterns and precise execution of skills.

The game has generated considerable buzz in the gaming community. Since its trailer reveal, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance has captured the attention of both longtime fans and new players, praised for its striking visuals, fluid combat system, and respectful modernization of a classic. Critics and fans alike are calling it one of the most promising 2D action titles in recent years.

The standard edition is priced at $29.99 USD, while the digital deluxe edition costs $39.99 USD. The latter includes early access, an exclusive “Arcade Classic” costume, a digital art book, the official soundtrack, and access to an upcoming DLC stage featuring multiple iconic SEGA villains as bosses—a special treat for longtime fans of the brand.

Overall, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance successfully revitalizes the spirit of the classic ninja series with a contemporary twist. Through its detailed design, stylish presentation, and high-intensity gameplay, it delivers a compelling ninja adventure packed with challenge, emotion, and artistic flair. For fans of precision-based 2D action and retro-modern aesthetics, this is a title well worth watching—and playing.