SEGA and Lizardcube, the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4, have released the SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance! In this blog, we’d like to share some highlights from the DLC and the free update that went live today, as well as some words from the developers.
■About SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance DLC “SEGA Villains Stage”
Face off against legendary SEGA bosses Goro Majima (Like a Dragon & Yakuza series), DeathAdder (Golden Axe series) and Dr. Eggman (Sonic series) in a journey across dimensions!
Contents
- 5 crossover stages
- 3 bosses (Goro Majima, DeathAdder, Dr. Eggman,)
- 2 Boss Rush modes featuring the DLC bosses
- 3 additional Ninpo
- 3 new outfits
- 6 new music tracks
*This DLC is included in the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Digital Deluxe Edition and the Digital Deluxe Upgrade.
*To use this product, you must own the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance base game.
*You can access this stage after completing the fourth zone of the base game, which includes The Desert, Mad Train, and ENE Corp Laboratory.
*Some depictions in this DLC may be reminiscent of tsunamis and other natural disasters, which can potentially cause stress or anxiety. Player discretion is advised.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Free Update
A brand-new free update is now available for all players!
Update Overview
Hardcore Mode
A high-difficulty mode featuring changes in enemy placement and stronger boss attacks.
– Additional Combat Settings
New options let you adjust recovery frames, the flash effect when taking damage, and camera shake during combat.
– Various other quality-of-life improvements.
Special Message From the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Development Team
Takaharu Terada, SEGA’s Senior Director, and Ben Fiquet, Lizardcube’s Art Director and CEO, share insights into the new DLC along with a message for players.
Message from Takaharu Terada (SEGA Senior Director
Thank you all for playing SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance. The game has been nominated for numerous awards and received widespread acclaim for its action gameplay. Its success is a testament to Lizardcube’s uncompromising commitment to quality. We can’t thank you enough!
When we first began work on the SEGA Villains Stage DLC, the plan was simply to create a few stages focused on boss battles, but since Lizardcube’s so dedicated to quality, we ended up filling the DLC with tons of features, including Hardcore Mode, new Ninpo inspired by the bosses, and customizable combat settings.
Incorporating player feedback, we’ve packed the game with challenging content inspired by many of your requests. Whether you’re just starting out or have already spent countless hours playing, we hope you enjoy this exciting new wave of content.
Message from Ben Fiquet (Lizardcube’s Art Director and CEO)
Since the launch of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, the community’s energy has been electric. We are incredibly grateful for the passion you’ve shown for Joe Musashi’s return.
From the amazing combo reels to the fans of the franchise embracing this new adventure and aesthetics, we are very proud to be part of SHINOBI’s legacy. I believe this is one of 2025’s best action games for sure (but I may be biased 🙂 )
Reimagining SHINOBI was a unique bridge between cultures. Our production process combined SEGA’s legendary history with Lizardcube’s own craft and sensibility. This collaboration was a dream come true, SEGA’s expertise and Lizardcube’s strengths proved to be a glorious match.
As we expand the universe, this DLC is also a love letter to SEGA. You’ll be facing DeathAdder, the ultimate boss from Golden Axe, Goro Majima from Yakuza and of course Dr. Eggman, who embodies one of the coolest villains ever. Each victory will grant you a new ninpo, like the infamous Golden Axe or the clone ability from Majima that you’ll be able to use at will in the DLC and the main game. This will bring some new and amazing combos from the community. Thank you for walking the path of the ninja.
We can’t wait for you to face these new threats!
Digital Deluxe Edition and Digital Deluxe Upgrade Available
Jump into SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance with all its DLC by picking up the Digital Deluxe Edition! If you already own the standard edition, grab the Digital Deluxe Upgrade to get all of the bonus content.
【Digital Deluxe Edition Contents】
– Starter Pack（Ghost Outfit, Medic Lite Amulet, and 2,000 Gold）
*Gold is collected during gameplay and cannot be purchased separately.
– SEGA Villains Stage DLC
– the Digital Art Book and Soundtrack
【Digital Deluxe Upgrade】
Grants owners of the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance base game access to the contents of the Digital Deluxe Edition.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Product Information
Release Date: August 29, 2025 (Fri)
Platforms: PlayStation 5 /PlayStation 4 *No physical version available for PlayStation®4
Languages：Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese (Traditional, Simplified)
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance – DLC “SEGA Villains Stage” Product Information
Release Date：April 3,2026 (Fri)
Platforms：PlayStation 5 /PlayStation 4
Languages：Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese (Traditional, Simplified)
