Incredibly clunky and unresponsible controls, with noticeable input delay versus fast and agressive enemies. Yeah... I'll pass.

It's rather amusing to me that as much as I love my PS5 for next-gen gaming (Silent Hill 2 Remake) and watching 4K movies (Tron Legacy 4K), most of the time I spend on the 5 year old system is spent enjoying retro pixel art games. I bought this title (PHYSICALFOREVER!) based on the fact that I owned and loved the original NES version, and the fact that it was an actual pixel art PS5 game. I'm so glad I did! Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is an absolute masterpiece. Is it difficult? Yes. Do the controls take some time and practice to master? Yes. In fact, I'm still discovering new techniques days after playing (such as the continuous downward blade bounce). The graphics are an unbelievable 16-bit style dream come true. In fact, even for say the Neo Geo (24 bit), had a game like this come out for it, they could have built an entire empire around it. Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is literally a coin up arcade game in your living room. You can just see and hear and experience the amount of love, dedication, and time that went into this game. The depth of controls over your character is quite impressive. As is the level design. This is such a beautiful homage to an iconic period in gaming. Why can't we get a new pixel art Castlevania???

This is one of the best games ever made, period. I think the other reviews that talk about “clunky” or “dodgy” controls are making misinformed judgments. The controls work, and there isnt lag. The moves force you to commit to your actions (no cancels here. You will have to actually think and plan your movements). It feels incredibly smooth when you learn the controls. The game is beautiful both visually and in it’s game design. It is hard but fair. It promotes learning the levels and trying again. Beating the game is rewarding. The mechanics paired with the level and enemy design are perfection in game design. Time attack gives this game longevity and replay-ability. The music is great. I don’t think a better 2d action platformer exists! Please do yourself a favor and play this game!