Sega looking at Shinobi: Art of Vengeance as a chance to fully revive the Shinobi franchise

Here’s a declaration of confidence in a new game that you don’t hear often from Sega or their partners. Sega and Lizardcube are working right now on Shinobi: Art of Vengeance with the aim for this to be the smoking gun that brings Shinobi back as a top IP at Sega. We think they got a fighting chance so far.

That sentiment was shared by Game Informer (A publication that can relate to dying and then rising from the ashes) as they wrote an article about the hard work being done to not only make a great game out of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, but for it to be so great that it can potentially bring Shinobi as a whole back to its long lost status as a franchise on the level of Sega’s best, like Sonic the Hedgehog. Certainly no easy task, in fact Sega have tried it 14 years ago with Shinobi (3DS), only for the momentum from that game to have quickly fizzled out despite people generally liking that game well enough. If that game couldn’t pull it off, how could Art of Vengeance do it? Sega’s content production department director Kagasei Shimomura and Lizardcube CEO and creative director Ben Fiquet feel they’ve cracked the code.

Wanna hear what got them fired up to get Shinobi back in style? Slip on in past the break and find out for yourself.

Explore the Story of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance in this Behind the Game Video

Continuing the behind the scenes development of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, SEGA has uploaded new video with Lizardcube showcasing a teaser on the game’s story where Joe Musashi seeks vengeance against the villainous, Lord Ruse.

The video highlights the game’s cinematic storytelling, art style, and music, promising a magical and immersive experience with developers expressing their passion for the SHINOBI series and hope players enjoy the game.

SHINOBI: Art of Vegeance will be available on PlayStation 4 | 5, Xbox Series X|S/One, Nintendo Switch & Steam on August 29. Pre-order your copy here!

Let us know your thoughts on Shinobi: Art of Vengeance story in our comment section below!

 

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. has “exceeded expectations” in North America; now more popular than VF5 Ultimate Showdown

Pat yourselves on the back, VF fans in North America. Legacy Virtua Fighter Project Producer Seiji Aoki has found himself pleasantly surprised with the latest version of Virtua Fighter 5’s sales performance in the region so far. He even says it “exceeded expectations” already and that it’s done much better sales-wise than Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown had done on PlayStation 4 since its release way back in 2021.

This news comes from an interview with him and New Virtua Fighter Project Producer Riichirou Yamada at Event Hubs. Here’s what Aoki-san had to say exactly about the matter.

“Compared to Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown, VF5 R.E.V.O. has been enjoyed by a significantly larger number of players. In particular, its popularity in North America has exceeded our expectations. Moving forward, we plan to implement various initiatives and updates to ensure that even more people around the world can pick up and enjoy the game. Our goal is to continue growing and further developing the VF community.”

If that’s not impressive enough, recall that on Ultimate Showdown’s release, it was given away free to PlayStation Plus subscribers for a while. R.E.V.O. was discounted a couple of times, but never free as of this writing. Still, fans spoke with their wallets and their message was heard loud and clear. Maybe it was the long requested rollback netcode that sweetened the deal? Maybe just the simple fact that a Virtua Fighter game was available officially on PC for the first time since Virtua Fighter 2 28 years ago? Whatever the case may be, we’re not complaining.

Wanna see more? Walk the walk past the break.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Story Trailer Revealed Showcasing Joe Musashi’s Quest For Vengeance

SEGA revealed new story details for their upcoming 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance™. Featuring gorgeous artwork from the team at Lizardcube, the new story trailer introduces the game’s premise as well as some mysterious new characters, setting the scene for ninja master Joe Musashi’s quest for vengeance.

The trailer illustrates protagonist Joe Musashi’s tragic story, taking viewers through the loss of his village and the deadly curse placed upon the Oboro Clan. Left with nothing, his sole focus becomes defeating those responsible for burning his village to the ground – Lord Ruse and the ENE Corp. However, the path ahead holds many challenges, for Lord Ruse wields a powerful stolen artifact that grants him immortality. Nothing and no one can stand in his way… or can they? Rise to the challenge and become the ultimate ninja when SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29, 2025.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is available now for pre-order on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam for $29.99 USD. It will be available for pre-order on Nintendo eShop at a later date. Fans who pre-order the game will receive a 10% discount, the Original Arcade Outfit, and Fortune Hunter Amulet. Physical editions of the game, including a special Collector’s Edition, will be available for pre-order from Limited Run Games starting May 30, 2025.

Dreamcast online shooter Outtrigger now back online thanks to Dreamcast Live

We’re live with a new Dreamcast Live update, as Outtrigger’s online multiplayer is now back in action thanks to Dreamcast Live. This is all thanks to Dreamcast Live legends Shuouma and Flyinghead, who also recently brought Sega Tetris and Speed Devils: Online Edition back online through Dreamcast Live.

Similar to the story of Speed Devils Online, Shuouma began work getting Outtrigger online years ago, but was unable to finish the job by himself. Years later, he showed Flyinghead the work he had done and he finished it for him. Now we all get to enjoy some online Outtrigger action once again through a DreamPi or a Dreamcast Broadband Adaptor, for those lucky enough to own the latter.

Check out some more info beyond the break and then get to blasting in Outtrigger.

SONIC WEEKLY: Season 3 Finale – Superman, NiGHTS, and Skittles

In the 42nd episode of the 3rd season, we open the mailbag and Grant pontificates about NiGHTS and Sonic Heroes; Bo shares his Skittles discoveries with Rings of Saturn; and David rants and raves about the Superman trailer. Don’t miss this one!

For more episodes, search SONIC WEEKLY on any podcast service!

Pre-orders for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance open on May 30th at Limited Run Games

Limited Run Games have announced that pre-orders for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance are set to open May 30th with Standard, Classic and Collector’s editions available. As usual with Limited Run Games, the cheapest option is the game only, the middle option has a classic case with steelbook (for this game, it’s a Genesis style box) and the collector’s option has a soundtrack CD, classic case, steelbook, statue, art book, art board and a new issue of SEGA Visions Magazine.

Click the links above to check out the various editions and set a reminder for the open pre-order period which begins May 30th and ends June 29th.

SEGA Unveils Brand New Sonic the Hedgehog Fan Celebration with “Racing Around the World”

Today, SEGA announced its latest brand campaign for Sonic the Hedgehog, Racing Around the World, which pays homage to Sonic the Hedgehog’s trademark characteristics of speed and attitude and supports the upcoming video game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. To kick off the campaign, SEGA has partnered with Red Bull to create a thrilling stunt racing film, which features globally renowned high-speed stunt driver Brandon Semenuk, along with fun easter eggs from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. You can check out the film here.

The Racing Around the World campaign celebrates decades of Sonic’s iconic racing speed and is set to electrify fans with new levels of acceleration. Fans can also expect new racing-inspired brand partnerships, upcoming mobile game events, merchandise, and much more to come. Check out the full press release about the new Sonic campaign for more details!

New SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Stage “Neo City” Revealed!

Today, SEGA released a new video for their upcoming 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, showcasing the game’s Neo City stage, and giving fans another peek into one of the many visually stunning hand-drawn worlds created by the team at Lizardcube.

In this stage, prepare to leap, dodge, and battle your way across the rooftops of Neo City! Track your enemies from the shadows, mark your next target, and unleash your vengeance with every strike. The stage is also filled with nods and easter eggs. How many were you able to spot?

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Nintendo Switch on August 29, 2025 and is available for pre-order on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

Dive Deeper into RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army with The Principles of Raidou Video Series

Today, ATLUS released a new video for their upcoming supernatural action RPG RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of The Soulless Army™, showcasing the historical Taisho Era Capital setting and the allied demons players will meet on their journey. 

In the new video, Devil Summoner Rasputin introduces players to detective Raidou Kuzunoha and shines a light on the mysteries he will encounter during his investigation, the function of demons like Jack Frost and Muu Shuwuu and key gameplay functions like demon fusion and devil charts. 

Fans looking to learn more about the upcoming game can keep an eye out for a second Principles of Raidou video about the battle system on May 27, 2025 and a third episode highlighting the story and characters on June 3, 2025 on our ATLUS West YouTube channel.

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of The Soulless Army will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Xbox Series X|S on June 19, 2025, and is available to pre-order now.

SEGA Talk #163: Tokyo Joypolis Review (2025)

On this SEGA Talk, Barry takes a visit to Tokyo Joypolis and shares his full day of fun playing games, eating food and getting yelled at by staff! Is SEGA’s last standing theme park a Joy? Watch and find out on SEGA Talk!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – Download]

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, have your memories read on the show, select the games we talk about!

Take a Behind the Scenes look at SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance from Lizardcube!

SEGA has uploaded the first behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance featuring the creative minds at Lizardcube, makers of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Streets of Rage 4, as they discuss their unique approach to bringing the story and art to life in this new entry of the series.

SHINOBI: Art of Vegeance will be available on PlayStation 4 | 5, Xbox Series X|S/One, Nintendo Switch & Steam on August 29. Pre-order your copy here!

Let us know your thoughts and excitement on Shinobi: Art of Vengeance so far in our comment section below!

ATLUS Announces Persona5: The Phantom X, Launching June 26, 2025

Today, SEGA and ATLUS announced that Persona5: The Phantom X will be launching on PC and mobile on June 26, 2025. In this unique turn-based RPG set in the world of Persona 5, players will lead a double life as a student and a Phantom Thief with a brand-new protagonist and band of Phantom Thieves.

Check out more information and screenshots of the game in the next section of the article.

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