Lizardcube has rolled out two new bundles on Steam, pairing their latest release, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, with the studio's previous hits. The new collections link the TGA Best Action Game nominee with Streets of Rage 4 and Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, effectively grouping the developer's modern retro portfolio into cohesive packages.
If you have been following the side-scrolling renaissance, you know Lizardcube doesn't just remaster games; they rebuild the mechanical soul of the genre. These bundles aren't just random pairings—they represent a specific lineage of 2D action design. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance draws heavily on the precision combat lessons learned during the development of the studio's previous titles, making these pairings particularly relevant for players interested in game design evolution.
The Beat 'Em Up Connection
The first bundle pairs Shinobi with Streets of Rage 4. While one is a hack-and-slash and the other a beat 'em up, both rely on distinct "crowd control" philosophy. In Streets of Rage 4, survival is about managing i-frames (invincibility frames) and spacing. Shinobi takes that concept and makes it lethal—swapping extended combos for decisive, one-hit kills and parries.
For players who appreciate the "hitbox porn" of Streets of Rage 4—where every pixel of a punch connects exactly where it looks like it should—Shinobi offers that same level of technical polish, just at a much faster pace.
Exploration Meets Action
The second bundle includes Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap. This is the title that put Lizardcube on the map for its hand-drawn art style, a visual signature that defines Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. While Wonder Boy leans harder into exploration and RPG elements, it shares the platforming DNA that makes Shinobi's movement feel grounded and weighty.
Which bundle fits your playstyle?
If you prefer mastering combat loops, frame data, and high-score chasing, the Streets of Rage 4 bundle is the logical pick. It doubles down on arcade aggression. However, if you are more interested in atmosphere, level design, and the artistic transition from 8-bit roots to 4K hand-drawn animation, the Wonder Boy pairing offers a better look at how the studio builds its worlds.
With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance currently nominated for Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2025, these bundles serve as a victory lap for a developer that has consistently kept 2D action relevant in a 3D world.