Shinobi: Art of Vengeance delivers a magnificent revival of the classic franchise, boasting robust, tactical ninja combat and a stunning visual overhaul by developer Lizardcube. However, the game launched with a handful of bugs, one of which specifically hard-locks players who like to fully explore the game world.
Early in your journey through Art of Vengeance, you`ll reach a stage known as Neo City. This mission offers a more open-ended structure than previous levels, tasking you with rescuing three kidnapped children from different sections of the map. Once all three are saved, they converge near the map`s center to bestow upon you a grappling hook, essential for reaching remote areas.
While you`ve likely encountered other grappling points throughout the game, including within Neo City itself, it is imperative that you do not go looking for them prematurely. Instead, immediately use the grappling point that descends from the ceiling in the same room where you rescued the children. If you fail to do this and venture elsewhere first, this crucial grappling point will disappear permanently, remaining absent even if you exit and re-enter the stage.
This issue is particularly problematic because that specific grappling hook is the sole means of progressing to the end of the stage, which is a mandatory part of the game`s completion. Fortunately, this bug appears to be widespread, suggesting it`s likely already on the developer`s radar. I experienced it firsthand on Switch 2 (via backward compatibility), and numerous other players have corroborated the problem on Reddit. While it`s unclear if all platforms are affected equally, it’s best to proceed cautiously and follow the game`s intended sequence.
Despite these technical hiccups, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance remains an exceptionally impressive Metroidvania. In its 9/10 review, Richard Wakeling lauded it as a “thrilling triumph, adorned by a striking art style that solidifies Lizardcube`s standing at the pinnacle of their craft.”