This has been a huge year for ninja games, thanks to two major titles that dropped in 2025: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Both fall under the 2D action platformer genre, boasting striking art directions.
If you’re here, chances are you’re a bit confused, since these games share similarities yet still approach their ninja adventures in very different ways. The question is, which one should you pick up first?
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Let’s start with the first of the two to release. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is the latest spin-off in the series, taking a step away from Ryu Hayabusa, who just so happens to be on a trip to America during the events of this game.
Developed by The Game Kitchen, the minds behind Blasphemous, Ragebound introduces Kenji Mozu, a young warrior from Hayabusa Village tasked with defending it from invading forces.
The game is brutally challenging, which makes it a perfect fit for players who enjoy nail-biting 2D platformers like Celeste or even parts of Cuphead. Boss fights escalate quickly and often, carrying the same tense, oppressive energy that Blasphemous fans will immediately recognize.
You will love this if: You enjoy challenging old-school 2D action platformers without roguelike or Metroidvania elements. This is not Dead Cells. Instead, it leans closer to Shovel Knight and The Messenger. Fans of the Ninja Gaiden series will also appreciate the many callbacks to the originals, as well as a setup for the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4.
You will hate this if: You don’t like punishing difficulty in your platformers. This game demands patience, so if you find that frustrating, it might not be for you.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Now for the other contender. The Shinobi franchise is one of the classics that helped popularize ninja games from the late 80s through the 2010s. Unfortunately, it’s been on ice for years. That changed in 2025 with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, marking the long-awaited return of Joe Musashi.
Developed by the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, Art of Vengeance is a stylish 2D action platformer that revives SEGA’s iconic series with a vibrant cyberpunk-inspired setting. Where Ragebound sends you through ruined temples and dungeons, Art of Vengeance thrusts you into neon-lit cityscapes and military outposts teeming with movement and flair.
You will love this if: You prefer a more accessible 2D action platformer with a focus on fluid movement. While not a Metroidvania, the game does borrow a few light elements from the genre, though levels remain standalone rather than interconnected.
You will hate this if: You’re looking for the kind of punishing difficulty found in Ragebound or Hollow Knight. This game is more forgiving and designed to welcome casual players back to the series.
Which Should You Choose?
While the two games share plenty of similarities, they each shine in their own way. If you want something that pushes your limits, go for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. If you’d rather ease into a smoother ride with a stylish flair, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is your pick. Of course, you could always grab both. Either way, these two ninja titles are strong entries in their franchises and offer experiences that fans of the genre will not want to miss.
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