Yeah, it's good. I'd even call it a hidden gem. The game is essentially a level-based 2D action platformer, but each individual level (with a few exceptions) serves as kind of a mini-metroidvania. There are hidden areas and items, some of which are inaccessible until you come back with power-ups that let you cover more ground. This kind of exploration is rewarding too, allowing you to find health upgrades, new combat moves, new skills etc and really making your character more powerful. Exploration itself is made painless because you can warp between each checkpoint altar, plus the map is pretty good at showing you areas you haven't explored yet. Combat is also satisfying and challenging, with more depth than you would usually attribute to this kind of game. Emphasis on challenging, for sure, but not overly so, and I was able to get past most bosses after 2-3 tries. All in all, a great action/kinda-metroid-like game that goes way deeper than you would thing. Highly recommend.

Not a fan of the art on any of Lizardcube games, feels cheapish and flash-like. Sorry to say, because I’m sure there’s been plenty of work put into it, but the art direction in their games is lacking in character and cohesion, they need to mix it up and bring some other people into the team. The animation seems to override the game feel in all their games too, which makes them slippery and janky, and Shinobi is no exception. UI and UX is also lacking. The music is forgetabble. It is a shame that this game has been given such high scores from the press, because it sends the wrong messages both to Lizardcube and Sega.

The art is beautiful, the combat and movement are incredible, the level design is very good, the soundtrack is great, the story is okay, and there's even quite a lot to **** only criticism is that the game is quite short, but other than that, the game is amazing.