The Thrilling Return of Ninja Gaiden: A New Era Begins
Team NINJA has shifted its focus towards action RPGs that embody a distinct Soulslike essence, starting with the highly acclaimed Nioh series. This transition sparked concerns among fans regarding the future of Ninja Gaiden, a franchise that profoundly represents the studio’s legacy. Over the years, the silence surrounding Ryu Hayabusa’s saga led many to believe that its narrative was complete. However, early 2025 brought exciting news, reaffirming the series’ vitality and promising an exhilarating continuation.
Ninja Gaiden 4: A New Chapter Unveiled
Following the successful launch of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and the nostalgic 2D action title Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch with the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4. Set to debut on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, this latest installment is poised to challenge expectations, merging the creative strengths of Team NINJA and PlatinumGames. Many are speculating that it could become one of the premier action titles of the generation.
Gamescom 2025 Demo: A Teaser of What’s to Come
The Ninja Gaiden 4 demo showcased at Gamescom 2025, despite its brief duration of about 30 minutes, vividly illustrated the game’s commitment to high-octane action gameplay laced with PlatinumGames’ unique style. Players controlled the character Yakumo through a stunning, futuristic Tokyo, where the game delivered flawless performance on the Xbox Series X with minimal frame drops.
Exploring Yakumo’s parkour abilities, equipped with a grappling hook that enhances mobility and serves tactical combat functions, players faced an array of enemies. The combat experience was invigorating, featuring varied weaponry, aerial assaults, and spectacular finishing moves. The climax of the session was a fierce battle against a formidable boss, showcasing Yakumo’s Bloodraven form. This impressive technique enables the Raven clan ninja to amplify his weaponry and diversify his combat options using blood.
A Noteworthy Combat System
Delving into the intricate combat system under time constraints proved challenging, notably while mastering the Bloodraven technique to counter the boss’s devastating attacks. This mechanic allowed for stunning combos that are characteristic of PlatinumGames, utilizing a mix of light and heavy strikes in fluid sequences. Unlike many character-action games that strip away learned skills during boss encounters, Ninja Gaiden 4 encourages players to utilize previously mastered combos against tough opponents, which enhances the gameplay experience.
The demo brought to mind the electrifying energy of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, especially during the boss’s more intense second phase, which featured advanced mechanics like the dodge offset, popularized by the Bayonetta series. With adrenaline-pumping music amplifying the tension, the action was incredibly engaging.
Looking Forward: The Balancing Act of Tradition and Innovation
While my session didn’t allow for an exploration of Ryu Hayabusa’s unique gameplay style—expected to reflect the classic feel of the veteran series—there remains much to uncover about how Ninja Gaiden 4 will merge traditional gameplay mechanics with new innovations. Nonetheless, my preview stoked my enthusiasm for the game, which stands a solid chance of surpassing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as my top game of the year. Fans can breathe easy—Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to release on October 21 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S.
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