Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Test Notes:
※ While an offline play-through of the main experience went well without any major trouble and the physical release doesn't feature any such advert on the exterior packaging, the "download requirement" specification is getting dinged only on a technicality with the product listing. It is a numbered release as part of the main 'Limited Run Games' collection and the respective website page for the game advertises extra material as "DLC included" without properly clarification over whether it would be available on hard copy. Unfortunately, the additional content, listed as the "Digital Deluxe Upgrade" on the PS Store, appears simply as a digital code voucher. It includes the "Starter Pack" ('Ghost' Outfit, "SEGA Villains" stage [available as part of post-game launch support], 'Medic Lite' amulet, digital art-book / soundtrack & 2,000 in-game gold). The physical packaging features interior artwork, an art-book and the aforementioned code voucher for reference.

-- No significant technical issues were encountered over the course of a single play-through. While it's possible minor shortcomings, such as rare frame-rate drops / stutters, likely occurred during the experience, nothing was detrimental enough to have stood out across sporadic play during a two week window.
-- Noting for posterity sake, in comparison to the ESRB Switch test, a potential grappling hook error didn't occur during the "Neo City" stage. However, the player was unaware of the potential issue and didn't specifically test to see if it could be triggered which involves exiting the level and/or closing out the game shortly after acquiring the ability. Supposedly doing those actions will prevent the hook from working and, thus, players will be hard-locked out of game progression due to being unable to navigate the last of the respective stage. Unfortunately, if the glitch does activate, the player will need to restart a whole new play-through as the bug embeds itself into the pre-existing save data. This player simply progressed through the "Neo City" level in a single sitting which avoided the error and it's simply being noted here as a pre-caution. Another side mention regarding the ESRB Switch report as the respective tester was unable to trigger the bug despite doing multiple actions in an effort to initiate it.

Content Completed:
-- Completely playable offline with no download required. However, an internet connection will be necessary to obtain the "Digital Deluxe Upgrade" found in the physical release via code voucher and advertised as "DLC included" without clarification on the Limited Run website. Beaten on default settings with Japanese audio and English subtitles. 57% completion rate. All attempted trophies unlocked as necessary. Majority of collectibles and various post-game content, such as "Boss Rush," "Arcade Mode" and a secret boss fight, were left untested for reference.

Additional Notes:
-- Install Size: 9.15 GB

Build Version: 1.000.000
Disc ID Code: PPSA-19461/US P5LR151-DSC-DL
Spine ID Code: 2110993
Number of Players: 1
Audio Language Supported: English & Japanese
Menu/Subtitle Language Supported: English, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Spanish (incl. LATAM), Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian & Chinese (Traditional / Simplified)
Accessibility Options: Adjustable game difficulty, controller vibration, enemy damage / health / attack rate / environmental damage, game over rules & combo amulet threshold
Quality/Performance Option: No