Ninja Gaiden 4 Debuts Faster, Bloodier Gameplay

In an era dominated by soulslikes, does Ninja Gaiden still hold its own in 2025? After playing Ninja Gaiden 4 last weekend, my answer is resounding: absolutely. Not only does it thrive in today's landscape, but its high-octane, stylish combat feels like a revitalizing breath of fresh air. Among all the games I experienced during recent showcases, Ninja Gaiden 4 stood out as my favorite. As someone who regards Ninja Gaiden Black as the pinnacle of action games, I walked away thoroughly impressed.

While 25 minutes with Ninja Gaiden 4 isn't enough to judge its place in the franchise, it was sufficient to showcase its exhilarating combat and challenge. Led by PlatinumGames with Team Ninja's guidance, the sequel captures the essence of what makes Ninja Gaiden special. "We aimed for modernized speed while honoring Ninja Gaiden's legacy," explained producer Yuji Nakao. "We're deliberately bucking the soulslike trend."

Ninja Gaiden 4: June 2025 Screenshots

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My demo placed me in control of Yakumo, a young Raven Clan member, during Chapter 1—effectively the game's opening. Set in futuristic Tokyo after Ninja Gaiden 3 (which we'll politely overlook), the story revolves around the Dark Dragon's resurgence. Though I missed playing as Ryu Hayabusa, Yakumo's Bloodraven attacks—powerful AOE maneuvers—proved equally thrilling. My failure to master these new techniques cost me dearly in a late-game skirmish, preventing me from facing the chapter boss.

Ninja Gaiden veterans will recognize familiar mechanics: perfectly timed counters, wall-running decapitations, and Ultimate techniques powered by battlefield essence. Yet Yakumo introduces fresh dynamics, including stealth assassinations. The combat feels faster than ever—even Yakumo's sprint speed outpaces Ryu's legacy movement.

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The violence reaches new heights—literally. Enemy encounters erupt in crimson geysers, drenching Yakumo in gore. Yet beneath the brutality lies refined mechanics: the notorious camera issues are finally resolved, and quality-of-life improvements abound. Players can adjust difficulty dynamically, receive assistance after repeated failures, and utilize streamlined checkpoint ravens that double as skill-upgrade hubs.

Collectible "Gourdys" add lighthearted exploration, though their long-term value remains unclear. What's certain is PlatinumGames' reverence for the franchise—they've preserved Ninja Gaiden's trademark speed while injecting contemporary polish. After years of uncertainty, 2025 might just become the Year of the Ninja, with Ninja Gaiden 4 leading the charge alongside Shinobi's revival and other surprises. Based on my demo, October 21 can't come soon enough.