Ninja Gaiden 4 Review

After over a decade, the Ninja Gaiden series is finally making its long-awaited return. Originally launched as a challenging 2D side-scroller, the series evolved into a fast-paced 3D action title that was widely embraced, spawning several mainline titles and spinoffs before quietly fading into the spotlight.

Now, in a hotly anticipated return from Platinum Games and Team Ninja, Ninja Gaiden 4 is back and bloodier than ever. This new installment reintroduces iconic protagonist Ryu Hayabusa, though this time in a supporting role as the narrative shifts focus to a fresh cast of characters. With the series stepping back into the arena, the question remains: Does Ninja Gaiden still have the edge that once defined it?

New Shinobi in Town

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a gifted young warrior from the Raven Clan, a branch of the legendary Hayabusa lineage. Touted as a prodigy nearly matching Ryu Hayabusa’s prowess, Yakumo embarks on a mission to assassinate Seori, the priestess of the Dark Dragon and a recurring antagonist in Ninja Gaiden lore. According to prophecy, her death is the key to vanquishing the Dark Dragon once and for all.

However, the mission takes an unexpected turn when Seori reveals a deeper truth behind the prophecy. She proposes an alternative path, one that could ensure the Dark Dragon’s complete defeat, but only if Yakumo defies his orders. This twist sets the stage for a potential clash with Ryu Hayabusa himself, as loyalties and destinies clash.

As a direct sequel to Ninja Gaiden 3, the game will be a great follow-up for longtime fans due to familiar lore and returning characters, while offering newcomers a good entry point. An in-game Archive system helps players get up to speed with key figures and events, making the narrative accessible without prior knowledge of the series.

The story is straightforward with some light twists in between, bringing in returning faces and even a cameo from a fan-favorite female ninja from another franchise. While the writing doesn’t aim to be heart-wrenching or anything of that sort, it is serviceable and works to drive the action forward, blending drama and humor to keep players engaged.

Ninja Gaiden 4’s gameplay unfolds across chapter-based levels, each packed with relentless enemies and stylish combat opportunities. Players are graded at the end of each chapter based on performance metrics like combo count and death tally, encouraging players to skillfully weave their way through the levels and not just charge in recklessly.

Combat mechanics include light and heavy attacks that can be chained into combos, alongside defensive options such as blocking, dodging, and parrying. Advanced techniques like perfect parries and timed blocks unlock as players progress, adding layers of mastery that will be essential for survival, especially when enemies increase in numbers and come from all directions.

True to its roots, Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers fast-paced, high-pressure combat. Enemies are aggressive, often attacking in groups with little breathing room, forcing players to stay sharp and reactive. Unlike other stylish action games that reward flashy move variety, Ninja Gaiden 4 emphasizes efficiency, maintaining combos and avoiding damage to earn Ninjacoins, the in-game currency used to purchase consumables, upgrades, and combat-enhancing charms.

And that’s just on Normal difficulty. On higher settings like Master Ninja, enemy AI becomes even more punishing, demanding expert-level reflexes and tactical execution. It’s a brutal but rewarding challenge that reinforces the series’ reputation for unforgiving action. Combat in Ninja Gaiden 4 is simply peak.

Obliterate Evil

Beyond its signature high-speed action, Ninja Gaiden 4 reintroduces several fan-favorite mechanics while expanding Yakumo’s arsenal with new tools of destruction. Returning from Ninja Gaiden II, the Obliteration Moves and dismemberment system make a brutal comeback. In fact, most of the techniques from the past titles make a return, reinforcing familiarity for longtime players.

Enemies who lose limbs may appear vulnerable, but they become dangerously unpredictable, capable of launching desperate kamikaze attacks that deal significant damage. This is where Yakumo’s precision matters most because dismembered foes can be finished off with a cinematic Obliteration Technique, splattering the battlefield with blood and guts while looking extremely cool. The level of gore is off the charts.

Yakumo’s lethality isn’t limited to his dual katanas. Throughout the game, he acquires sacred weapons, including a rapier, staff, and various throwing tools. But his true edge lies in his ability to activate his Bloodraven form, allowing Yakumo to transform his weapons into devastating variants: katanas become a Tachi, the rapier morphs into a drill-like lance, the staff evolves into a massive hammer, and throwing tools shift into mechanical clawed arms. Each Bloodraven weapon unlocks unique moves available only to that form, purchasable via in-game resources.

These enhanced forms aren’t unlimited, though. The Bloodraven meter must be refilled through combat, encouraging players to manage their power bursts strategically rather than relying on brute force. It’s a system that rewards aggression, timing, and adaptability, something Ninjas should know very well.

Yakumo’s journey to defeat the Dark Dragon in Ninja Gaiden 4 spans a variety of visually striking locales that cover Tokyo’s decaying streets to lush forests and high-tech facilities. Each environment offers distinct traversal mechanics that highlight Yakumo’s agility, like swinging across gaps, running along walls, and wall-jumping to reach elevated areas, eliminating the need for traditional platforming tools like ladders.

Some sequences push the pace even further, with high-speed rail segments that require players to dodge debris and incoming trains, although it does feel like one too many segments like these throughout the game. Other platforming challenges introduce gliding and water traversal, testing reflexes and awareness in ways that break the mold of standard action design, but feel like the overall level design could have been better.

Scattered throughout the world of Ninja Gaiden 4 are massive Torii gates that lead to Purgatory, which is an arena-style challenge zone where players face waves of enemies for valuable rewards. For those seeking greater risk and reward, sacrificing a portion of health before entering boosts the payout, offering a true test of skill and endurance.

Not every encounter is hostile. Players will meet Tyran, a ninja trainer who offers combat techniques for a fee, and Umi, a tech-savvy ally stationed at shrines across the map. These shrines serve multiple functions: they act as item shops, mission hubs, and safe zones for upgrading Yakumo’s capabilities.

Side Missions are also available, typically tasking players with defeating a set number of enemies or hunting minibosses. While these objectives may feel repetitive, they’re worth pursuing for the rewards they offer, especially when preparing for tougher battles ahead.

Ninja’s Work is Never Done

Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers striking visuals that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with futuristic and eerie design elements. The enemy roster is impressively diverse, ranging from armored soldiers and grotesque fiends to mechanical threats that fill each encounter with tension. Daemon bosses, in particular, stand out as brutal adversaries that demand precision and patience to overcome.

Character design in Ninja Gaiden 4 is equally thoughtful across the board. NPCs like the enigmatic trainer Tyran and the priestess Seori showcase a fusion of classic and modern styles, with Seori’s look balancing elegance and mystique. Other standout designs include the swordsman Kagachi, while returning icon Ryu Hayabusa retains his signature ninja garb, which is still as visually compelling as ever. Yakumo’s Raven Clan uniform also reinforces his identity and lineage, offering a fresh yet familiar visual anchor for the new protagonist.

Musically, Ninja Gaiden 4 hits its stride during major battles, especially boss fights, where the soundtrack elevates the intensity. Outside these moments, however, the audio landscape feels sparse. Much of the background music is serviceable but forgettable, leaving only a handful of standout tracks that truly resonate.

Voice acting, on the other hand, presents a mixed experience. The Japanese cast delivers strong performances that match the tone and personality of each character. In contrast, the English dub struggles to capture the same feel, particularly with characters like Seori and Misaki, whose delivery often feels forced or overly theatrical. Seori’s playful sass, for instance, comes across naturally in Japanese but loses its charm in English.

While the narrative centers on Yakumo, players will also get the chance to control Ryu Hayabusa in select stages. His combat style differs slightly, relying on Ninpo techniques rather than a wide weapon set. However, these segments are limited and occasionally underwhelming, as they often recycle boss fights previously encountered with Yakumo. Though the perspective shift offers variety, the repetition can feel like filler rather than meaningful progression.

Still, Ninja Gaiden 4 offers replay value for those seeking a challenge. Beyond the standard difficulty, players can test their skills in higher modes like Master Ninja, where enemy aggression and damage output are significantly ramped up. It’s a brutal gauntlet reserved for the most seasoned players.

Verdict: Buy it!

Ninja Gaiden 4 marks a triumphant return for a franchise long absent from the action spotlight. While its story may lean on familiar tropes and occasional padding, the game more than compensates with blistering combat, deep customization, and a rewarding difficulty curve that invites mastery.

Yakumo proves to be a compelling new lead in Ninja Gaiden 4 as he is distinct yet respectful of the legacy built by Ryu Hayabusa, and his debut sets the stage for future growth within the series. For fans of stylish action and punishing precision, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a welcome revival that reminds us why the series mattered in the first place.

*Ninja Gaiden 4 was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.