Show Ninja Gaiden 4 Is An Action Game
Ninja Gaiden 4 struggles with who it is supposed to be. It might lean more to the flamboyant style of PlatinumGames, but it remains Ninja Gaiden at the core. After its release on October 20, 2025, this blood-soaked throwback tries to add modern gaming dynamics, priced at $70. PlatinumGames and Team Ninja developed an action-adventure game with Xbox Game Studios’ support. Although they are all available on the Steam Deck.
A Throwback with a Twist
People who have played the classic games may question whether this game honours Ninja Gaiden (2004) and Ninja Gaiden 2 (2008). As players surf through a Tokyo night filled with ghostly piranhas, they might be struck by how Ninja Gaiden 4 uses Platinum’s vibrant style. It does not have to be a bad thing; when it is good, it revitalises the franchise. There are moments where it feels like a cover with none of the same pop.
Preserving the Core Mechanics
Ninja Gaiden 4 will deliver moments where performing a super-precise move that grants you invincibility to perform a finisher will be fully satisfying. The series has always been all about the technical execution. With no flashy gauges or flashy power-ups. And that’s still the backbone of this game’s combat variety. From the very first minute, players execute multiple combos and upgrade weapons to create even deadlier combos as they play.
Flooded with Content
The game’s classic mechanics are still present, but new additions sometimes compromise the experience. Adding features like a berserk meter and in-game money is more annoying than fun in a comic book. Ryu Hayabusa, the protagonist, has no backstory nor comic interlude to lighten the tone. He is stoic and lets his actions do all the talking. In this game, players have to unlock essential abilities with NinjaCoins before they can use them. This system only adds unnecessary layers to the gameplay of the title. Moreover, post-battle notifications from the game about new skills that players can now use constantly clog up the interface of the game.
Balancing Fun and Overload
Ninja Gaiden 4 has a few creative moments, but much of the game’s design features a lot of on-rails moments that kill the hype. The game has the instinct to modernise its progression through such pay-to-unlock moves. This clashes with the fast-paced action nature of the game. Missions that are not in the linear levels feel out of place, which makes the experience less immersive.
Innovative Gameplay Additions
The new character Yakumo is equipped with mechanical arms that can offer new combat styles. With these arms, he can wield everything from huge swords to bomb shurikens. Yet, he feels like an answer to a question that has not been asked about depth. In its final act, the game forces players through tedious story sections that sap the exhilarating pace of the game up to that point.
Conclusion: The Game May Be Flawed, But It Is Still Fun
Although it’s not perfect, Ninja Gaiden 4 is still a lively homage to the fast-paced, technical action games of yesteryear. This game works great on high-end systems. The game is enjoyable and visually appealing if you are tired of modern games and want something different. Although it is not better than the earlier games. There are parts in the game that are just really fun and make us remember how much we like this series.