2025 is truly the year of the ninja. From the return of Joe Musashi in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance to a new breed of ninja in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound with Kenji Mozu and Kumori, we’ve even seen the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles make an appearance or two. But it all feels like it’s been building to this moment: the true return of a series that Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound laid the foundations for and hyped up. Ninja Gaiden 4 has finally slashed its way onto the scene after a 13-year wait.
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With Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, both legends in the hack-and-slash space, joining forces, and Xbox Game Studios handling publishing, you know this is going to be something special.
Represent
Ninja Gaiden has always stood for three things: difficulty, gore, and deep combat. Its reputation makes Dark Souls and Elden Ring feel like a stroll in the park on a sunny day.
Right from the off, the game retains its brutal challenge, but only if you want it. It’s 2025, and the world has changed. There’s now a wealth of accessibility options to level the playing field.
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You can adjust the difficulty freely (except on Master Ninja mode), and Hero Mode offers auto-blocking, dodging, and one-button combos.
Densetsu
The story picks up sometime after Ninja Gaiden 3 (a title best left forgotten). Ryu Hayabusa has defeated the Dark Dragon, a malevolent god that once ravaged the world.
However, he couldn’t destroy it completely. Its husk now coils around Tokyo, drenching the city in cursed rain that merges it with the underworld. The city was evacuated and quarantined by the Divine Dragon Organisation, an independent paramilitary force.
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In a bold move, you play as Yakumo, a young ninja from the Raven Clan. He’s sent to assassinate Seori, the Dark Dragon’s priestess, to fulfil a prophecy and end the Dragon once and for all.
It’s a risk to sideline Ryu, the series’ iconic slayer, but Yakumo is no slouch. He brings fresh blood to the franchise. He accepts the mission, though it draws in multiple factions with their own agendas.
Character Arc
At first, Yakumo seems a bit dour, but over time, his loyalty and determination shine through. He’s focused on the mission and protecting his team.
But let’s be honest, story in a Ninja Gaiden game is just a frame for the real draw: lightning-fast carnage. Limbs fly, heads roll, and blood flows in quantities that would make the NHS wince.
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Gameplay is king, and it’s razor-sharp. You start with dual katanas but soon unlock a tight, deadly arsenal. Magatsuhi (staff/hammer) and Yatousen (rapier/lance) each offer unique attacks and skills to master.
Bloodbind Ninjutsu lets you transform weapons for devastating effect. Katanas become a massive sword, Yatousen turns into a giant drill you can dash with. It’s a simple but effective system where Bloodbind covers your weapon’s weaknesses. The staff, for example, has range but lacks power. Bloodbind it, and it becomes a hammer that hits like a train.
Yakumo also wields Bloodraven, a powerful alternate combat form that sets him apart from Ryu.
Ballet of Blood
Combat is as layered as ever, but smoother than before. Chaining attacks into combos is effortless, and transitions between offence and defence feel natural. You can instantly swap weapons, opening up endless possibilities.
You’re never truly cornered. It’s all about timing, choosing the right targets, and knowing when to unleash your strongest moves. Weaker enemies help you build your meter, while tougher foes demand precision.
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One drawback: you’ll fight the same enemy types a bit too often. There is variety, but it takes time to reach the more interesting ones. Still, repetition helps you master your weapons and skills, so it doubles as a training ground.
Outside of combat, Yakumo rail-surfs between areas, wall-runs, and tackles platforming sections. These moments are brief but refreshing, and often tie into boss battles. Speaking of bosses, they’re spectacular. Fights shift from chaotic mob brawls to tense one-on-one duels where every strike and block matters.
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Minor spoiler: you don’t play the whole game as Yakumo. What would a Ninja Gaiden game be without Ryu? When he appears, he’s a force of nature. His combat style feels distinct from Yakumo’s, and wielding the Dragon Blade is as satisfying as ever. His sections are short and slightly familiar, but still brilliant.
Once level select is unlocked, you can replay stages as Yakumo to uncover secrets and unlock bonus missions.
Gorgeous Gloomy Gaiden
Visually, the game is dark, moody, and drenched in rain. It blends traditional aesthetics with cyberpunk flair. Some areas, like secret bases, start to feel repetitive, but the overall look is striking. Characters, both allies and enemies, are memorable and stylish.
Audio is solid throughout, with standout tracks during boss fights. The soundtrack balances epic orchestral swells with sharp rock riffs.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return. It’s challenging but adaptable, honouring the series’ legacy while carving a path forward.
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