Few rivalries in gaming history are as iconic—or as low-key—as the one between Sega’s Shinobi and Koei Tecmo’s Ninja Gaiden . Both franchises defined the golden age of side-scrolling action platformers in the late ’80s and early ’90s, captivating players with their challenging gameplay, atmospheric worlds, and ninja-themed narratives. But after transitioning to 3D in the early 2000s, both series gradually drifted away from their 2D roots, leaving fans longing for a return to form. Now, in 2025, these legendary franchises are making a triumphant comeback with two highly anticipated 2D retro revivals: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Developed by some of today’s top studios, these games promise to recapture the magic that made them legends while adding modern twists to keep things fresh.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – A Beautiful Reimagining
Announced during this week’s PlayStation State of Play, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is being developed by Lizardcube, the studio behind critically acclaimed titles like Streets of Rage 4 and Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap. These credentials alone should be enough to get any fan excited, but the first trailer for Art of Vengeance has already set expectations sky-high. Scheduled for release on August 29, the game looks stunning, blending vibrant, painterly visuals with fast-paced combat mechanics.
The protagonist, Joe Musashi, returns as the series’ silent yet deadly ninja, effortlessly dispatching enemies with precise combos and acrobatic maneuvers. What stands out most about Art of Vengeance is its attention to detail—the lush environments seem almost alive, and Musashi’s movements flow with an elegance that feels both familiar and refined. New additions, such as air dashes and flashy special abilities, add layers of depth to the classic formula without straying too far from what made the original games so beloved.
For longtime fans, Art of Vengeance represents not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also a chance to see how far the genre can evolve when handled by skilled developers. With Lizardcube at the helm, it’s clear that Sega is committed to delivering a title worthy of the Shinobi name.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound – Back to Basics
Meanwhile, Koei Tecmo is bringing Ninja Gaiden back to its roots with Ragebound , announced during last year’s Game Awards pre-show. Developed by The Game Kitchen, the team behind the dark and punishing Metroidvania series Blasphemous , and published by Dotemu, known for preserving and revitalizing classic gaming experiences, Ragebound aims to deliver a modern take on the brutal difficulty that defined the original trilogy.
From the very first trailer, it’s evident that Ragebound leans heavily into the series’ signature style—vibrant pixel art, smooth platforming combat, and plenty of blood. While it incorporates modern polish, the game appears to stay true to the essence of old-school Ninja Gaiden , complete with techniques like wall bouncing and precise timing-based attacks. This adherence to tradition will likely resonate deeply with long-time fans who have missed the series’ signature challenge.
Unlike Art of Vengeance , which embraces more dynamic and showy movesets, Ragebound seems content to focus on refinement rather than reinvention. Its approach harkens back to the days when mastering a game required patience, practice, and perhaps a few dozen tries before progressing past the opening levels. For those who grew up playing the NES originals, this return to basics is sure to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia.
Why Now?
Both Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden transitioned to 3D in the early 2000s, hoping to capitalize on advancements in technology and shifting player preferences. While these efforts produced memorable entries in each franchise, they ultimately lacked the charm and immediacy of their 2D predecessors. Over time, both series faded into relative obscurity, overshadowed by newer IPs and evolving trends in gaming.
In recent years, however, there’s been a resurgence of interest in retro-inspired games, driven partly by nostalgia and partly by the desire for simpler, more focused experiences. Titles like Mark of the Ninja and The Messenger filled the void left by absent classics, offering fresh takes on ninja-themed side-scrollers. But neither quite matched the raw intensity or intricate design of the original Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden games.
Now, with Art of Vengeance and Ragebound , fans finally have the opportunity to experience something closer to the real deal. These new releases aren’t mere remakes—they’re reimaginings, crafted by teams who clearly understand and respect the legacy of these franchises. By returning to their 2D foundations, both games tap into the core appeal that made them timeless in the first place: tight controls, challenging gameplay, and immersive storytelling.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
While both games aim to honor their respective legacies, they also bring distinct flavors to the table. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance leans toward spectacle, incorporating dazzling effects and over-the-top abilities that wouldn’t feel out of place in a modern anime. On the other hand, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound sticks closer to the series’ gritty, no-nonsense aesthetic, emphasizing precision and perseverance over flashiness.
This contrast reflects the differing philosophies of the two franchises. Shinobi has always been about speed, agility, and adaptability, whereas Ninja Gaiden thrives on its unrelenting difficulty and methodical progression. Fans of either series will find much to love in both games, but personal preference may dictate which resonates more deeply.
As someone raised on 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, I’m particularly drawn to the simplicity and purity of 2D platformers. There’s something inherently satisfying about navigating levels without the clutter of mini-maps, crafting systems, or overly complex mechanics. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with gaming in the first place—the joy of mastering a system and overcoming challenges through skill alone.
A Personal Perspective
Though I appreciate both franchises equally, my heart belongs to Shinobi . The original Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master remain among my favorite games of all time, blending action, strategy, and atmosphere in ways few others could match. While the original Ninja Gaiden trilogy was undeniably great, it never quite reached the heights of Sega’s masterpiece. That said, I’m thrilled to see both series get their moment in the spotlight again, especially under the care of such talented developers.
Looking Ahead
With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance releasing later this summer and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound following sometime in 2025, gamers have much to look forward to. These titles represent more than just throwbacks; they’re celebrations of everything that made side-scrolling action platformers special. They remind us that sometimes, less is more—that stripping away unnecessary complexity can reveal the beauty of pure gameplay.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either franchise or simply curious about what made them so special, these upcoming releases offer something for everyone. As we await their arrivals, let’s hope they live up to the hype and prove that even after decades apart, these legendary rivals still have plenty of fight left in them. After all, the best kind of competition isn’t about winning—it’s about pushing boundaries and inspiring greatness. And if nothing else, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound already seem poised to do exactly that.
Add Comment