There's a prevalent myth in the gaming community that true immersion in video games necessitates a three-dimensional experience. While nostalgic side-scrollers have their charm, many believe the future lies solely in photorealistic 3D worlds. However, recent indie successes, such as "Hollow Knight," are proving that the timeless allure of 2D hand-drawn art will continue to thrive in the gaming industry. One notable figure championing this art form is Ben Fiquet, a Parisian artist and founder of the game studio Lizardcube.
Fiquet, now collaborating with Sega to reinvigorate some of its classic intellectual properties, serves as the creative director for the highly anticipated title "Shinobi: Art of Vengeance," set for release on August 29 across platforms including Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Inspired by the award-winning game developer Dave Perry, known for his visually stunning creations in the 1990s like "Earthworm Jim," Fiquet established Lizardcube as a beacon of 2D animation in gaming.
Under Lizardcube's direction, Sega has seen the successful revival of several critically acclaimed 2D titles, including "Streets of Rage 4" and the "Wonder Boy" series. Fiquet emphasizes the unique qualities of 2D art, stating, “The inherent power of 2D lies in its straightforward simplicity: the artist’s vision brought directly to life. There are no tricks or deceptions, just pure craft.” He believes that while it may be challenging to evoke emotions in players through 2D, the medium can resonate more deeply and lastingly.
Recently, Sega of America visited The Washington Post newsroom, bringing along a PlayStation 5 console and an early copy of "Shinobi: Art of Vengeance." The gameplay showcases a blend of mental agility and focus akin to fighting games, featuring a dynamic combat system that includes juggling combination attacks, counters, and follow-up maneuvers such as rolls and dive kicks. This innovative approach is part of what makes the game stand out.
Sega recognized Lizardcube's potential due to the studio's success in modernizing the classic arcade brawler "Streets of Rage 4," ensuring it retained the original's nostalgic essence. Kagasei Shimomura, director of Sega’s content production department, has been instrumental in keeping Sega's franchises alive, especially since the company transitioned from console hardware to becoming a publisher and developer in the early 2000s.
Sega is renowned for iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, but in recent years, it has also found success with role-playing games that delve into Japanese culture, such as the Like a Dragon series and the multi-million-selling Persona franchise. This resurgence has fueled Sega's confidence in reviving beloved franchises from its golden era. “When launching the Ages project, our first task was to select a series to bring back, and the one that always came to mind was Shinobi,” Shimomura remarked, further emphasizing the significance of this revival.
After several attempts to breathe new life into the Shinobi series, including a 3D PlayStation 2 title in 2003 that had limited success, Lizardcube’s upcoming release marks the first Shinobi game in 14 years. The decision to return to a two-dimensional format is intentional. Shimomura notes, “Our revival project is guided by the principle of lore meeting innovation.” This approach aims to enhance the visuals of past titles while redefining their core appeal and integrating new elements to captivate contemporary players.
One of the hallmarks of the Shinobi franchise has been its punishing difficulty. However, Lizardcube has introduced multiple options to ease gameplay, allowing players to control the challenge level. The game's protagonist, Joe Musashi, can hit harder while taking more damage, offering a more accessible experience for those seeking relaxation.
Visually, the game boasts stunning layered backgrounds that merge traditional Japanese aesthetics with urban environments, showcasing bustling cityscapes adorned with digital and street art. Players can explore a surprisingly nonlinear level design filled with collectibles, enabling them to develop a robust skill tree throughout their journey. Additionally, arcade-like challenges provide focused experiences on platforming and action without narrative interruptions.
The fluid animation in "Shinobi: Art of Vengeance" is underscored by the exquisite black ink brushstrokes reminiscent of traditional Japanese art. Fiquet acknowledges that creating immersive images through 2D hand-drawn art poses unique challenges compared to 3D games. “While not overly complex, it demands skilled artists and a pipeline capable of handling it,” he explains, noting that modern hardware is typically optimized for rendering intricate 3D assets.
In many respects, 2D renderings are less flexible, requiring meticulous planning and decision-making well in advance. “Shinobi: Art of Vengeance” is poised to become a flagship title for Sega's commitment to honoring its arcade roots. With Lizardcube's dedication and expertise, this upcoming release will further demonstrate the resilience and longevity of 2D art in the ever-evolving landscape of video games.
