The revival of Joe Musashi's legacy just got the industry nod it deserves. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance has officially been nominated for Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2025. For a title that relies heavily on high-stakes tension and fluid movement mechanics, this recognition confirms that tight, arcade-style difficulty still has a major place in the modern gaming landscape.
A Win for Precision Combat
The Action category at The Game Awards is historically stacked, often dominated by sprawling 3D brawlers or massive shooters. Seeing Shinobi: Art of Vengeance secure a spot here highlights just how well Lizardcube and Sega executed the transition of classic side-scrolling gameplay into the current generation. The game's focus on silent, strategic engagement—where rushing in blindly usually results in a quick death—sets it apart from the button-mashers in the genre.
Developers at Lizardcube and Sega have expressed gratitude to the community, acknowledging that resurrecting a franchise dormant for so long was a calculated risk. The nomination validates the design philosophy of prioritizing mechanical depth and "easy to learn, hard to master" combat loops over cinematic fluff.
When does voting close for The Game Awards?
If you want to see the Oborozuki blade take home the trophy, you need to act soon. Voting is currently open online and runs until the ceremony airs on December 11, 2025. Whether you are a veteran of the 16-bit era or a newcomer who just mastered the parry windows, this is your chance to influence the outcome. Tune in on the 11th to see if the ninja takes the crown.