Sega villains stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launches today
SEGA and Lizardcube have launched the SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, introducing legendary SEGA bosses and new challenges. A free update also adds new gameplay features and improvements.
SEGA, in collaboration with Lizardcube, the creators of the successful brawler Streets of Rage 4, has officially released the SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance. This new content is now available alongside a free update, offering players fresh challenges and experiences. Below are some key highlights of both the DLC and the update.
About the SEGA Villains Stage DLC
The DLC introduces players to iconic SEGA antagonists, including Goro Majima from the Like a Dragon and Yakuza series, DeathAdder from the Golden Axe series, and Dr. Eggman from the Sonic series. Players will navigate through dimensions to battle these legendary villains.
Contents of the DLC:
- Five crossover stages
- Three bosses: Goro Majima, DeathAdder, and Dr. Eggman
- Two Boss Rush modes featuring the new DLC bosses
- Three additional ninpo
- Three new outfits
- Six new music tracks
This DLC is included in the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Digital Deluxe Edition and the Digital Deluxe Upgrade. Players need to own the base game to access this new content, which becomes available after completing the fourth zone.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Free Update
The free update introduces a Hardcore Mode, which presents a higher difficulty level with altered enemy placements and enhanced boss attacks. Additional combat settings now allow players to adjust recovery frames, damage flash effects, and camera shake during gameplay, along with several quality-of-life improvements.
Developer Insights
Takaharu Terada, SEGA’s Senior Director, expressed gratitude for the game’s success and shared insights into the DLC’s development. Initially envisioned as a series of boss battles, the DLC expanded to include a variety of new features based on player feedback.
Ben Fiquet, Lizardcube’s Art Director and CEO, highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for the game and the cultural collaboration between SEGA and Lizardcube that brought SHINOBI to life. He described the DLC as a tribute to SEGA, featuring formidable foes and new abilities for players to explore.
Digital Deluxe Edition and Upgrade
The Digital Deluxe Edition offers the complete SHINOBI experience, including all DLC, a starter pack, a digital art book, and soundtrack. Current owners of the standard edition can upgrade to access all additional content.
Product Information
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance was released on August 29, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC launched on April 3, 2026, and is available in multiple languages including Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.