Ninja Gaiden 4 Review – A Brutal Comeback with Modern Combat Mastery

The long-awaited return of the legendary action-franchise “Ninja Gaiden” has arrived with Ninja Gaiden 4, offering fans and newcomers alike a high-octane, blade-flinging experience that honors the series’ past while forging a bold new path. Below are the key highlights of this latest entry. A comeback decades in the making Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the first main-line entry since 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3, ending a 13-year hiatus for the series. Co-developed by Team NINJA and PlatinumGames—two studios with deep action-game credentials—the project represents a union of legacy and innovation. The game was officially announced in January 2025 and released on October 21, 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Story & protagonists While the franchise has traditionally centered on the iconic ninja Ryu Hayabusa, in Ninja Gaiden 4 the spotlight shifts to a new protagonist: Yakumo of the Raven clan—though Ryu still plays a substantial role. The setting is a Tokyo ravaged by demonic forces and the return of the Dark Dragon threat, creating a dark, intense atmosphere that the series is known for. Gameplay evolution meets familiar brutality The heart of Ninja Gaiden 4 remains the lightning-fast, highly technical hack-and-slash combat the series is famous for—but with fresh mechanics and modern polish. Some notable features: A dual protagonist structure: Yakumo’s story comprises the majority of the campaign (15-20 h total), with Ryu’s playable sections contributing around 7–9 hours. NewGameNetwork New traversal mechanics: wire and rail actions have been introduced, injecting verticality and slick movement into stages. The Bloodraven Form: a new power system for Yakumo that manipulates blood to unleash devastating attacks—giving players dramatic “turn-the-tide” moments in battle. Legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow remain, keeping true to the series’ core while layering in the new. The result: a brutal, rewarding action experience designed for veterans while still offering enough accessibility for newcomers. Accessibility, platforms & value Ninja Gaiden 4 is available across major platforms—PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC—making it widely available. On Xbox platforms, it launched day-one on Xbox Game Pass, increasing accessibility for subscribers. The PC version on Steam boasts “Very Positive” user reviews as of release. Steam Why it matters & who should play For action-game aficionados, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a significant milestone: it brings back a beloved franchise with a renewed vigor, modern sensibilities, and generous content. For fans of Team NINJA’s earlier works or PlatinumGames’ flair for stylish action (e.g., Bayonetta, NieR: Automata), this is a fusion worth experiencing. The narrative shift—introducing Yakumo—also offers a fresh entry point for players unfamiliar with the series. Final thoughts In Ninja Gaiden 4, the blade has been sharpened once more. With its brutal combat, sleek mechanics, dual-protagonist setup and striking aesthetics, the game re-affirms the franchise’s legacy while confidently marching into the present generation. Whether you’re a die-hard longtime ninja fan or simply looking for high-intensity action, this title delivers. ____________________________________________________ Division 2 : https://sovrn.co/107t0b1 #microsoft #Xbox #Games #simulator #Ninja #Gaiden