Highlights
- Ninja Gaiden 4 returns after a decade with faster, more accessible combat developed by Platinum Games.
- The new hero Yakumo takes center stage while Ryu Hayabusa plays a smaller supporting role.
- Strong PC performance and high replay value make it a solid comeback for the series.
It’s been more than ten years since fans saw a real Ninja Gaiden game. The series has always been known for its sharp combat and brutal difficulty.
Now Koei Tecmo has brought it back with Ninja Gaiden 4 , developed by Platinum Games , for PC , PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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Many fans were both excited and nervous about this team-up. The result is mostly good. It feels fresh but not the same as before.
Ninja Gaiden 4 review: A fresh start with familiar blood and blades
Story and setting
The story here is simple. Players control Yakumo , a new character, along with the well-known Ryu Hayabusa . Both are trying to stop the full return of the Dark Dragon , whose remains are spreading poison over Tokyo.
The plot is just a background for the action. It has some twists but nothing special. It feels more like a movie that you watch while waiting to fight again. The focus clearly stays on gameplay, not story.
Gameplay and combat
The combat in Ninja Gaiden 4 is where Platinum Games makes its mark. The system is faster and more open than the older games.
You can now switch weapons in the middle of combos, mix attacks freely, and perform new special moves like Bloodraven and Gleam .
These new systems replace the need for long, complex combo memorization. The fights feel quick, exciting, and easy to control.
Image Credits: Steam
But it’s not too simple. There are still things to master, like guard breaks , landing attacks , and Yakumo’s Bloodraven Form , which lets him use four powerful weapon forms.
It also uses a magic meter , making players attack more aggressively to charge it. The Berserk gauge is another new addition, rewarding non-stop offense with heavy finishers.
Still, not everything feels perfect. The new weapon parry is tricky and less reliable than the classic parry system. It looks cool but can be hard to pull off in the middle of a fight.
Ryu Hayabusa’s role
Longtime fans may be disappointed here. Ryu Hayabusa , once the heart of the series, doesn’t get much attention in this game.
His missions are short and often reuse Yakumo’s levels. He only has his Dragon Sword and a limited Gleam Form , making him feel like a weaker version of his past self. It’s nice to see him, but it doesn’t feel like the real Ryu we remember.
Performance and replay value
On PC, Ninja Gaiden 4 runs smoothly. On a system with AMD Ryzen 5 3600 , RTX 2080 , and 16GB RAM , the game stayed at 60fps at 1440p with only small dips.
It works great with both controllers and keyboard-mouse setups, which is new for the series. It’s also Steam Deck verified , which is nice.
After finishing the main story, there’s still more to do. The game adds challenge modes , boss fights , and chapter replays that keep you busy. The replay value is strong, giving players reasons to return and improve their runs.
Overall, Ninja Gaiden 4 changes a lot about what made the series tough and deep, but not in a bad way. It feels more modern, more accessible, and visually stronger.
Some old fans may miss the older technical combat and tighter missions, but this version still feels satisfying. Platinum Games made the action fast and fun, even if it sacrificed a bit of the old-school precision.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a good revival. If you loved Ninja Gaiden for its action more than its pain, this one is worth your time.
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