SEGA’s legendary ninja made a triumphant return to New York this past weekend as SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance officially launched at Hypegolf Clubhouse in SoHo. The lower level of 147 Grand Street transformed into a full SEGA Gaming Lounge, where fans experienced three days of gameplay, exclusive merchandise and a full celebration of nearly four decades of Shinobi history.
At the center of the buzz was the limited-edition Anti Social Social Club x Shinobi collection, featuring tees that paid tribute to the franchise’s journey from its console era to today. Between the merch, giveaways of collectible posters and the energy of golf fans and players eager to try the title, the event was an authentic cultural crossover of gaming, streetwear and sport.
Inside the space, SEGA outfitted walls and shelves of original artwork from past Shinobi titles alongside striking visuals from the new release. Attendees got to test their reflexes on modern PS5 setups and also revisit the past with the Genesis Mini, which offered a chance to play Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master from 1993. It was a rare opportunity to experience the contrast between the franchise’s roots and the bold new direction of the latest title—all under one roof.
What made the moment special, though, was the game itself. Developed by Lizardcube and published by SEGA, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance reintroduces players to the series’ iconic protagonist, Joe Musashi. True to its side-scrolling origins, the game delivered razor-sharp katana combat, shuriken throws and mystical Ninpo techniques, while layering in modern mechanics like branching skill trees, exploratory level design and scalable difficulty settings. Its hand-drawn animation gives the game a fluid, cinematic feel, bridging nostalgia with the polish expected of today’s biggest releases.
By combining gaming, fashion and even golf culture in a single space, the launch captured what makes Shinobi timeless: its ability to adapt and remain culturally relevant across generations. The SEGA Gaming Lounge at the Hypegolf Clubhouse was a true revival of one of gaming’s most iconic ninjas. And for anyone who couldn’t make it—SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is officially out now on your favorite platforms.
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