Complete Guide on How to Block All Attacks in Ninja Gaiden 4

In Ninja Gaiden 4, excelling in defense is crucial, and it all starts with mastering the Block action. This comprehensive guide will equip both beginners and advanced players with strategies to effectively block every type of attack in the game, including basic strikes and the formidable Power Attacks.

Executing a Basic Block

Character battling a monster in a shadowy industrial area, showing health bar status. — Utilizing a block stance is vital for defense in Ninja Gaiden 4.

To perform a basic block against standard attacks, follow these simple steps:

Press and hold the R2/Right Trigger.
Your characters, Yakumo and Ryu, will assume a blocking stance capable of absorbing several consecutive strikes.
By acquiring the Art of Defense skill from Tyran, your block can now withstand up to nine consecutive attacks.

Advantages of Basic Blocking

The effectiveness of basic blocking comes from several key mechanics:

Omnidirectional Defense: Engaging block covers all melee and ranged attacks from any angle, essential when facing multiple enemies simultaneously.
Damage Negation: Every successfully blocked standard attack inflicts zero damage on your character.
Reduction of Power Attack Damage: A standard block can significantly decrease damage from Power Attacks, providing much-needed relief when evasive maneuvers are not possible.

Countering Power Attacks

Two characters in combat within a futuristic environment, with health bar and game stats. — There are various methods to defend against Power Attacks besides traditional blocking.

Power Attacks are distinguished by a visible red glint and require unique defensive strategies. Players can employ two advanced techniques for effectively blocking these potent strikes.

Full Damage Negation (Bloodraven/Gleam Form)

Two characters in combat training mode, highlighting blocking mechanics. — Utilizing the Bloodraven Form for blocking Power Attacks negates all related damage, at a cost.

In contrast to a normal block, which only mitigates damage from Power Attacks, activating a special blocking stance can entirely negate damage with no need for perfect timing:

Press and hold R2/Right Trigger to block.
While holding R2/RT, press and hold L2/Left Trigger to activate the Bloodraven/Gleam Form.

This technique will completely eliminate damage from a single Power Attack but will also consume approximately 75% of your Bloodbind/Ki gauge, making it essential to reserve for critical moments.

Executing Perfect Blocks Against Power Attacks

The Perfect Block (Combat Skill, 9000 NinjaCoins) stands out as the most effective defensive action against Power Attacks, whether in standard or Bloodraven/Gleam forms. While timing is crucial, perfect execution comes with exceptional rewards.

Perfect Block in Normal Form

Execution: Press R2/Right Trigger just before the Power Attack connects.
Outcome: The attack’s damage is completely negated.
Your success is confirmed by experiencing no damage upon impact, without any special animation.

Perfect Block in Bloodraven/Gleam Form

Engaging in combat with instructions for implementing the perfect block. — Perfectly blocking Power Attacks not only prevents damage but restores your Bloodbind/Ki Gauge.

Execution: Right before the Power Attack lands while already in Bloodraven/Gleam Form, press R2/Right Trigger.
Outcome: Not only is the damage negated, but the Power Attack is deflected, allowing for an immediate counter-attack.
Benefit: Successfully executing this technique will greatly restore your Bloodbind/Ki gauge.

While mastering the Perfect Block against Power Attacks can prove challenging, it remains a highly effective way to counter unexpected assaults, especially if you haven’t acquired weapons like the Kage-Hiruko, which allows for swift reactions in Bloodraven Form.

Blocking is just one of the essential skills needed to dominate in Ninja Gaiden 4 and enjoy the exhilarating combat experience.

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