Ninja Gaiden 4: The Ultimate Thrill Ride Returns!

In a gaming landscape dominated by soulslike titles, the question loomed: does the beloved Ninja Gaiden still have what it takes to captivate players in 2025? After my first exhilarating hands-on experience with Ninja Gaiden 4 last weekend, the answer is a resounding yes! This game is not just relevant; it’s a turbocharged, visceral delight that stands out among all the games I encountered at the recent showcases. As a die-hard fan of Ninja Gaiden Black, I emerged from my session elated.

A New Era, Same Intense Action

Though my 25 minutes with Ninja Gaiden 4 was brief, it was enough to make me feel like a lethal force while still providing significant challenges. With PlatinumGames at the helm and Team Ninja guiding them, the spirit of Ninja Gaiden remains intact. According to producer Yuji Nakao, the goal was to modernize the fast-paced gameplay while honoring the franchise's roots, firmly pushing against the current trend of soulslikes.

Meet Yakumo: A Fierce New Protagonist

Engaging as Yakumo, a member of the Raven Clan, I dove right into Chapter 1, which is set in a future Tokyo overshadowed by the ominous return of the Dark Dragon. While I didn’t get to play as the iconic Ryu Hayabusa, I found Yakumo’s unique blend of classic moves and new Bloodraven attacks invigorating. However, my transition to utilizing these fresh mechanics posed some challenges— I missed the chance to face the daunting Chapter 1 boss due to my slow adaptation.

Bloody Good Fun

This new installment cranks the gore factor to unprecedented levels. Imagine rivers of blood cascading as Yakumo employs Ryu's legendary moves and his own visceral Bloodraven attacks. The combat is delightfully chaotic— a vampire's dream, with arterial sprays painting the landscape in splashes of crimson. And let’s not forget the thrill of executing assassinations for that extra punch!

Enhanced Gameplay and Fluid Controls

Ninja Gaiden 4 feels not just faster, but more fluid than ever, with Yakumo’s speed eclipsing even Ryu's from past iterations. Player comfort seems to have been prioritized— the revamped camera worked flawlessly during my hands-on session, enhancing the immersive combat experience without distractions.

Dynamic Difficulty and Useful Features

The game incorporates adjustable difficulty levels, allowing players to switch from Hard to Normal seamlessly during tough encounters, with an easy mode known as Hero mode in the mix. Moreover, the checkpoint system alleviates the stress of finding save points, and red-eyed ravens allow players to unlock new combat skills by spending in-game currency. Practice modes further let players hone their skills effectively.

Collectibles and Future Adventures Await

And for the collectors out there, the adorable Gourdys can be snatched up through quick-time events, adding an engaging layer of exploration to the game.

A Bright Future for the Franchise

Entering my play session with sky-high expectations, I was relieved to see that PlatinumGames and Team Ninja are on the right track. My excitement is palpable as we await the game’s release on October 21. With a robust lineup of ninja-themed titles this year, including Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for ninja fans. The thrill is real, and I cannot wait to dive deeper into this compatible action classic!