PlayStation Drops Epic Free Download You Don't Need PS Plus For

You can play a highly anticipated PlayStation release today, and you don't even need a PS Plus subscription.

In my opinion, there’s no better way to see if a game is for you than downloading a free playable demo to check it out. Sure, gameplay trailers give a decent indication, but nothing quite beats playing the game first-hand, even if it's a mere sample.

One such free demo is for a game that looks awesome, and one that I cannot wait to play for myself, and that’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, published by SEGA and developed by Lizardcube.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a 2D, side-scrolling throwback to the retro classics of yesteryear on the SEGA Master System and Mega Drive, which has been revived alongside the Ninja Gaiden series.

Those old-school Shinobi games were tough back in the day, and I suspect this new release will be no exception. What’s more, if Lizardcube’s previous game is anything to go by, Streets of Rage 4, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance should be an absolute blast.

“The iconic Shinobi returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look. Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts,” reads the synopsis of the game.

“After finding your village burned to the ground and your clan turned into stone, you must set off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil and avenge your clan.”

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a few weeks away from being released, but if you wanted to check out the game today, its demo is out now across all available platforms.

The free playable demo will grant access to the first stage of the game, Oboro Village. Furthermore, it also includes the Arcade Mode, where you can not only aim to achieve a high score, but it also has hidden paths to discover.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance will be released on 29 August 2025 for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.