Ninja Gaiden 4 - Full Review: Pros, Cons, and Is It Worth Buying?
Introduction
After more than a decade of silence, the legendary Ninja Gaiden series returns with a vengeance. Developed in collaboration between PlatinumGames and Team Ninja, Ninja Gaiden 4 blends Platinum's dynamic, cinematic action style with the punishing precision of the original Ninja Gaiden experience.
Released on October 21, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the game aims to reclaim its throne as one of the best hack-and-slash titles in the modern era.
📋 Quick Info
| 🎮 Game Title: | Ninja Gaiden 4 |
| 🕹️ Platforms: | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam) |
| 📅 Release Date: | October 21, 2025 |
| 🎭 Genre: | Action, Hack & Slash, Adventure |
| 👨💻 Developers: | PlatinumGames, Team Ninja |
| 🏢 Publisher: | Xbox Game Studios |
| 💰 Price: | $69.99 (Standard) / $89.99 (Deluxe Edition) |
| 🎮 Game Pass: | ✅ Available Day-One on Xbox Game Pass |
| ⭐ Final Score: | 9/10 |
📑 Table of Contents
📖 Story
Set in a near-future cyberpunk Tokyo drenched in rain and neon, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a new protagonist named Yakumo, a young ninja from the Raven Clan. When the ancient evil Dark Dragon reawakens, spreading death across the city, Yakumo must uncover his clan's bloody secrets and face destiny itself.
The legendary Ryu Hayabusa returns as a secondary playable character in key chapters, offering deep lore ties and fan service for long-time followers of the series.
Supporting characters include Seori, a dragon priestess with mysterious motives, and numerous allies and enemies from the techno-mystical world that PlatinumGames crafted. The plot maintains a grounded focus on redemption, revenge, and lineage while avoiding major spoilers.
🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics
At its core, Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers fast, fluid, and brutal sword combat. The Bloodbind Ninjutsu system introduces weapon morphing, allowing players to fuse and transform blades mid-battle. Classic techniques such as Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow return, now integrated with smoother transitions and new animations.
Key Gameplay Features:
- Seamless Weapon Switching: Change weapons instantly during combos for uninterrupted flow.
- Blood Raven Form: Yakumo's ultimate state allows him to manipulate his own blood into blades for devastating finishers.
- Dynamic Parry & Fatal Flash: Master precision-timed parries to counter enemy attacks.
- Traversal Freedom: Wall-running, grappling, and rail-sliding allow fluid movement throughout Tokyo's vertical environments.
The game lasts about 15–20 hours for the main campaign, with optional endgame challenges and a Master Ninja Mode unlocking tougher difficulty tiers.
🎨 Graphics & Performance
Ninja Gaiden 4 runs on the PlatinumEngine, the in-house tech used by PlatinumGames. The art direction merges traditional Japanese motifs with futuristic dystopian tones, resulting in hauntingly beautiful urban landscapes.
Performance remains buttery smooth—60 FPS across all platforms, with an optional 120 FPS mode on high-end systems. Real-time rain simulation, reflective surfaces, and particle effects amplify the atmosphere, giving Tokyo a living, breathing quality.
🎵 Audio & Soundtrack
Composed by Masahiro Miyauchi, the soundtrack reimagines classic Ninja Gaiden themes with modern energy. The score ranges from thunderous taiko drums to synth-driven cyberpunk beats that heighten every duel. English and Japanese voiceovers are available, and the sound effects strike with weight and precision.
✅ Pros
- Fast, satisfying combat with incredible fluidity.
- Seamless weapon transitions during combos.
- Gorgeous 60–120 FPS performance and stunning environments.
- Challenging yet fair difficulty levels for all players.
- Playable Ryu Hayabusa segments with nostalgic appeal.
- Excellent PlatinumGames–Team Ninja collaboration.
- Available Day-One on Game Pass.
❌ Cons
- The camera can struggle in crowded battles.
- Some hit detection issues during intense combat.
- Visual tone is occasionally muted compared to other modern titles.
- Can get chaotic in large-scale encounters.
🏆 Final Verdict
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a brutal yet elegant return to form. It respects the series' legacy while embracing modern design philosophies from PlatinumGames. The fluid combat, intense pacing, and rewarding difficulty elevate it as one of the most exhilarating action games of 2025.
Final Rating: 9/10
Perfect For: Fans of action, hack & slash, and challenging gameplay.
Not Recommended For: Players seeking a casual or story-only experience.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly 15–20 hours for the main story plus extra challenge modes.
It offers multiple modes: Hero, Normal, Hard, and Master Ninja. Beginners can rely on assist options like Auto Block and Auto Heal.
No, the game is a purely single-player experience focused on mastery and personal growth.
Absolutely—especially free on Xbox Game Pass. It's a must-play for fans of stylish action combat.
💬 What do you think of Ninja Gaiden 4?
Did PlatinumGames and Team Ninja deliver the return fans hoped for? Share your opinion below in the comments!
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