Ninja Gaiden 4 Review – A Masterclass in Modern Action Gaming

After 13 years of waiting, the Ninja Gaiden franchise has returned to 3D action gaming in spectacular fashion. Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t just meet expectations—it absolutely demolishes them. As someone who’s been cautiously optimistic about this release, I can confidently say this is one of the most exhilarating action games I’ve played in years.

Let’s dive into why this collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames works so brilliantly, and whether it’s worth your time (spoiler: it absolutely is).

What Makes Ninja Gaiden 4 Special?

This isn’t just another sequel churned out to capitalize on nostalgia. Ninja Gaiden 4 represents something genuinely exciting: a franchise evolution that respects its roots while boldly pushing forward.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• First 3D entry since 2012 – A long-awaited return to the franchise’s signature style
• PlatinumGames collaboration – The legendary studio behind Bayonetta brings their signature flair
• New protagonist Yakumo – A fresh perspective with Ryu Hayabusa in a mentorship role
• Improved accessibility – More forgiving on Normal difficulty without sacrificing depth
• Stunning visual spectacle – The bloodiest, most stylish Ninja Gaiden yet

The timing couldn’t be better either. With Ninja Gaiden 2 Black’s surprise release and the excellent 2D throwback Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound both dropping this year, 2025 truly feels like the “Year of the Ninja.”

PlatinumGames’ Signature Style Takes Center Stage

From the moment the opening credits roll, Ninja Gaiden 4 makes something crystal clear: this is a PlatinumGames production through and through. And honestly? That’s the best thing that could have happened to this franchise.

If you’ve played Bayonetta, Astral Chain, or The Wonderful 101, you know exactly what PlatinumGames brings to the table—that intangible sense of style that makes every combat encounter feel like a choreographed action movie. Ninja Gaiden 4 captures that essence perfectly while maintaining the mechanical depth that defines the series.

Combat That’s Both Deep and Approachable

Here’s where Ninja Gaiden 4 really shines: it manages to be the most accessible entry in the series without dumbing anything down. On Normal difficulty, you can actually jump in and start having fun immediately—a huge departure from the brutal difficulty walls of Ninja Gaiden Black or the original Ninja Gaiden 2.

But don’t mistake accessibility for easiness. The game still demands respect:

• Each weapon has its own complex moveset that requires mastery
• Button mashing gets punished quickly
• Boss encounters provide serious difficulty spikes
• Hard and Master Ninja modes deliver the hardcore challenge veterans crave

I found myself actually learning the combat system instead of just surviving it, which made every victory feel earned rather than lucky. The roughly 10-12 hour campaign flies by because you’re constantly engaged, constantly improving.

Boss Fights: Frustrating or Fair?

Let’s be real—some of the boss encounters in Ninja Gaiden 4 can border on frustrating, especially when repeated deaths tank your end-of-chapter ranking. However, I never felt like any fight was unfair or poorly designed. Every boss has a strategy, a rhythm you need to learn.

It’s that classic “one more try” mentality that makes great action games so addictive. Once you crack the code on a tough boss, the satisfaction is immense. Think of it like learning a boss’s “dance”—initially chaotic, but eventually beautiful once you know the steps.

Yakumo: A Worthy New Hero

Suggesting anyone could replace Ryu Hayabusa might sound like heresy to longtime fans, but hear me out: Yakumo works.

The story picks up after Ninja Gaiden 3, with the Dark Dragon’s corpse suspended over futuristic Tokyo, generating a cursed rain that summons demons into the world. While Ryu and the Divine Dragon Order fight external threats, Yakumo—a young Raven Clan ninja—sets out to fulfill his clan’s prophecy by permanently destroying the Dark Dragon.

Why the New Protagonist Matters

This isn’t just a narrative gimmick. Introducing Yakumo serves several smart purposes:

1. Gives PlatinumGames creative freedom – New character, new combat style possibilities
2. Sets up the franchise’s future – Opens the door for multiple protagonists in future games
3. Creates compelling conflict – Yakumo and Ryu find themselves on opposite sides
4. Represents generational change – A metaphor for the series itself evolving

The story won’t win any awards for originality (you’ll see most twists coming), but it’s serviceable and does something crucial: it makes you care about where this franchise goes next. By the time credits roll, Ninja Gaiden 4 feels less like an ending and more like a promising beginning.

Gameplay: More Than Just Combat

While combat is undeniably the star, Ninja Gaiden 4 impresses in other areas too.

Progression That Rewards Exploration

The RPG-lite progression system uses “Karma” currency earned from defeating enemies. You can spend it on:

• New combat techniques and combos
• Healing items and support gear
• Accessory slots that buff Yakumo’s abilities
• Weapon upgrades

It’s not revolutionary, but it’s implemented well and gives you tangible reasons to experiment with different playstyles.

Surprisingly Great Platforming

One unexpected highlight? The platforming sections are actually fun. Wall-running across futuristic Tokyo, grappling between buildings, grinding on rails across the skyline—it all feels smooth and responsive. The levels might be fairly linear, but the traversal keeps things dynamic and visually stunning.

How Does It Compare to Previous Games?

This is where opinions will divide. Hardcore purists who consider Ninja Gaiden Black and the original Xbox 360 Ninja Gaiden 2 as the series’ untouchable peak might feel this is “too easy” or “too Platinum.”

My take? Ninja Gaiden 4 prioritizes pure fun in a way those games never quite did. Yes, they were brutally satisfying, but they also gatekept their best moments behind punishing difficulty. Ninja Gaiden 4 lets more players experience what makes this franchise special while still offering extreme challenges for those who want them.

It’s the most blood-soaked, visceral, outrageously stylish 3D Ninja Gaiden yet. The gore factor hasn’t been toned down one bit—enemies are dismembered with satisfying crunch, and the screen regularly becomes a canvas of crimson.

Technical Performance & Visuals

Running on modern hardware, Ninja Gaiden 4 looks phenomenal. Futuristic Tokyo serves as a gorgeous backdrop, with neon-lit streets and towering architecture creating a cyberpunk aesthetic that feels fresh for the series.

Performance highlights:

• Buttery smooth 60fps combat (essential for precise inputs)
• Impressive particle effects during Ninpo attacks
• Creative enemy designs that blend traditional yokai with sci-fi elements
• Fluid animation work that makes every combo look cinematic

Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam, you’ve got plenty of platform options.

Replayability: Built for Multiple Runs

Here’s where Ninja Gaiden 4 really earns its value. The campaign might be 10-12 hours, but this game is designed to be replayed:

• Multiple difficulty levels (Normal, Hard, Master Ninja)
• Weapon variety encourages different playthroughs
• Ranking system rewards perfection on each chapter
• Unlockables tied to completion milestones
• Pure fun factor makes you want to jump back in immediately

I’m currently working through Master Ninja difficulty—my first attempt since Ninja Gaiden Black—and having an absolute blast. That’s a testament to how well PlatinumGames has balanced challenge with enjoyment.

Who Should Play Ninja Gaiden 4?

This game is perfect for:

• Action game fans who love Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, or God of War
• Ninja Gaiden veterans ready for a fresh take on the series
• Players who want challenging but fair combat
• Anyone seeking a stylish, blood-pumping adrenaline rush

Maybe skip if:

• You’re looking for a deep, narrative-driven experience
• Ultra-brutal difficulty is a dealbreaker (stick to Normal mode though!)
• You want an open-world exploration game

Final Verdict: The Future of Ninja Gaiden Looks Bright

Score: 9/10

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return that proves this franchise still has plenty of life left in it. PlatinumGames has injected their DNA into the series without erasing what made it special in the first place. The result is the most accessible, most stylish, and arguably most fun 3D Ninja Gaiden game to date.

Between this, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, and Ragebound, the franchise is experiencing a genuine renaissance. Yakumo’s introduction opens exciting possibilities for future entries, and the collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames feels like a match made in action game heaven.

The bottom line: If you have even a passing interest in action games, Ninja Gaiden 4 deserves your attention. It’s easily one of 2025’s best action titles and a strong contender for PlatinumGames’ finest work.

The Dragon Clan and Raven Clan have both proven their worth. Now it’s your turn to join the fight.

Quick Tips for New Players

Before you dive in, here are some tips I wish I’d known:

1. Don’t button mash – Learn at least one weapon’s basic combos before advancing
2. Master the dodge – Timing is everything; button mashing gets you killed
3. Experiment with weapons early – Find your favorite playstyle before committing Karma
4. Use Ninpo liberally – These super moves regenerate; don’t hoard them
5. Accept death as learning – Boss fights require pattern recognition; each death teaches you something
6. Explore for collectibles – Hidden items make a real difference in tough fights

Have you played Ninja Gaiden 4? How does it compare to your favorite entry in the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

More Info:

• Official Steam Page
• Ninja Gaiden 4 on Wikipedia
• PlayStation Store Listing
• Xbox Store Page