Sega’s most iconic antagonists are preparing to cross blades with Joe Musashi in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance this spring. Developer Lizardcube and publisher Sega announced on Wednesday that the “Sega Villains Stage” DLC is slated for an April 3 release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
A cinematic preview for the expansion showcases a trio of legendary boss encounters: Dr. Eggman (of Sonic the Hedgehog fame) battles through the lush greenery of Green Hill Zone; Yakuza’s chaotic “Mad Dog of Shimano,” Goro Majima, stalks the rain-drenched neon streets of Kamurochō; and the towering Death Adder reigns supreme over a Golden Axe-inspired throne room.
The Sega Villains Stage DLC packs a significant amount of content for fans, including:
- Three legendary boss encounters
- Five meticulously designed stages
- Two challenging Boss Rush modes
- Three unique ninpo abilities
- Three unlockable character outfits
- Six fresh musical compositions
The expansion is included for those who own the $39.99 Digital Deluxe Edition of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. For standard edition players, the add-on is available separately for $9.99, or as part of an $11.99 Deluxe upgrade package.
In addition to the premium content, a free title update arrives on April 3. This update introduces a grueling Hardcore Mode, various balancing tweaks to the combat engine, and visual refinements to character outlines, navigation maps, and the tutorial interface.
Since its debut, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance has been celebrated as a premier title of 2025. Critics have described it as a “superb action-platformer that strikes a perfect balance between vintage arcade challenge and modern Metroidvania-style exploration.” Lizardcube’s reimagining of the franchise has been widely praised for its striking visual fidelity and responsive gameplay, leaving many to wonder which Sega property the studio will revitalize next.
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Source: Polygon
