2025 was a sensational year for video games, although admittedly this isn’t really a shocking statement when said about any recent year. There were so many titles that I already want to replay less than twelve months on, and few of them quite as much as Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. We had a bit of a ninja resurgence last year, with multiple Ninja Gaiden games alongside the return of Shinobi. It led to a whole lot of fantastic titles, including one serious GOTY contender. When I heard about the madcap Shinobi SEGA Villains DLC coming to Art of Vengeance I knew I had to dust off my kunai, and I’m extremely glad I did.
For anyone who missed out on Shinobi: Art of Vengeance last year, here’s a brief look at what made it special. This 2D action platformer had it all, Metroidvania elements, drop dead gorgeous visuals, and some of the smoothest and most enjoyable combat I’ve ever experienced. It was just fantastic from start to finish, and one of the best reboots of a series I can think of in video game history. It earned a ten from me, and this meant that the new DLC got me very excited.
The Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – SEGA Villains DLC is very much end game content, and can only be accessed by beating all the stages prior to the final act. Once you do this some mysterious portals will open up, which lead you to various SEGA themed worlds. There are five stages in total in this DLC, two from Golden Axe, two from Like a Dragon and a final Sonic themed stage. Before you take them on you may need to brush up on your ninja skills though, because they’re alarmingly tough.
After replaying a few familiar stages I decided to brave the world of Golden Axe, and was greeted by a strictly linear level stuffed full of fierce foes. The theming and music took me back to my childhood immediately, but I must admit the standard Shinobi enemies were a touch disappointing to fight. The first of the Like A Dragon stages was largely the same too, but the best was yet to come.
The other three stages in the SEGA Villains DLC are massive boss fights, and they’re easily the toughest and best in the entire game. Representing these beloved SEGA franchises are Death Adder from Golden Axe, Majima from Like a Dragon, and of course Dr Eggman from Sonic. These multi-phase fights are absolutely sensational, and are easily worth the price of admission in my eyes.
Once you’ve taken down these bosses, you’ll earn a few goodies that you can take into the main game. Some of these are aesthetic in the form of cool outfits, and others are new Ninpo abilities. I must admit none of these replaced my favourites from the base game, but they’re certainly cool to have.
The SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance – SEGA Villains DLC is a seriously cool chunk of content, but a few aspects of it did disappoint me a little. The action stages just don’t live up to the main game, due to the lack of Metroidvania style exploration and generic enemies. The balance of this content is heavily skewed in the boss fight direction too, which won’t appeal to everyone.
Despite a few small issues, the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance – SEGA Villains DLC is a wonderful excuse to play one of 2025’s finest all over again. The SEGA theming will delight all the long term fans of this legendary company too, especially the boss fights against beloved characters. Just make sure you practice your skills before you face them, because these icons do not play around.
