Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 87 | 199 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 85 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 82% | 76 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 87 | 121 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 84% | 78 | 662 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Apr 1, 2026) · 300 reviews sampled · 662 total reviews in window · weighted 196.5 up / 37.1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (164)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 85
“Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a very well put together game. Slick presentation, watertight controls, and clever level design combine in a wonderful return for Joe Musashi. It might not be enough of a challenge for some, and it has some issues with upping its ante, but overall? Quality stuff.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“After more than 10 hours spent inside the game Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance, we see the creativity of the game's developers in every detail. They created a masterpiece in the platformer genre, as the game's stages were diverse, with each stage distinguished from the other by a different artistic style, different environments, and varied ideas in the gameplay. This was accompanied by a great diversification of skills, special abilities, and sequential combat moves, diverse enemies, and bosses distinct from one another with their dazzling fighting styles. Likewise, exploration was a perfect point; it attracts you to search for every secret on the map with enjoyable activities featuring great challenges and excellent rewards.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“A fun and entertaining action platformer that doesn't just evoke nostalgia, but tries to move forward an old series with a long history.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Lizardcube revives SEGA's iconic franchise with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a game centered around revenge and a dynamic, highly satisfying combat system that provides plenty of entertainment and fun, while the artistic style makes it a delight to behold. And despite a few minor issues, the game offers an excellent experience.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Even with the additional depth that it brings to the Shinobi experience, this is a game that doesn’t let you forget that it’s about ninjas being chased around by fighter jets, surfing the high seas and jumping over mines, and being hunted by demonic skulls in the desert.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“In reinventing the retro wheel, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance leads the way: a demonstration of how modern tools, accompanied by thought and talent, can be expanded upon to not just reboot franchises, but actually rebuild them in new and incredible ways. It's one thing to revisit an arcade action game with new graphics, moves, and weapons, cherry picking familiar set-pieces and nostalgic visuals; it's another entirely to create a new experience, utilising craftsmanship and a belief that the hardware can offer more.Art of Vengeance, its cadence and flow, its violence and exhilaration - and the fact it makes you feel like an absolute badass from one slain enemy to the next - is a trendsetter. Fix that frame rate, and it's pure ninja gold.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre, instead, it focuses on perfecting what’s already there. And in that, it’s successful. The combat is sharp and stylish, the platforming offers a satisfying challenge, and the ability to revisit sections of a level adds great replay value while giving players a chance to collect anything they may have missed. Art of Vengeance is also a great nod to the old-school Shinobi titles and the franchise as a whole, which is a nice plus for longtime fans.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Shinobi Art of Vengeance is a masterclass of a Metroidvania that delivers on every front, especially the combat which is both easy to play but really hard to master, making it really satisfying.”
read full review ↗ - 86
“SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a fast-paced action adventure that will delight fans of the genre, marking the long-awaited return of a classic SEGA series.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a triumphant return for Joe Musashi and his action-platforming ninja franchise. The combat feels like you are a badass shadow warrior on a quest for justice in a world where ninjas, mercs and demons are all out to get you, but you know they can’t touch you because you’re the freaking SHINOBI.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is the ultimate 2D ninja experience and one of the best action platformer experiences of recent memory due to its impactful combat with ample customization options and an unforgettable art style.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“It's a long time coming, but Sega and Lizard Cube have done the Shinobi name proud with this 2025 2D action offering. I can confidently say that the one true Shinobi is back and better than ever. You've been missed, Joe Musashi, and the video game action landscape is all the better for your comeback.”
read full review ↗
The Jimquisition
Eternal Games
3DNews
La Orden del Pixel
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
Fun Factor
Couch Soup
The Nerd Stash
Kakuchopurei…and 152 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance ESRB Rating UpdateJul 13, 2026
- Patch Update Version 1.2Apr 1, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Free Update with new free mode when DLC launches on April 3rdMar 26, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Update ver 1.10- Security UpdateOct 10, 2025
- Patch Update ver 1.10– Neo City Bug FixSep 26, 2025