Ninja Gaiden 4 is One of the Biggest Games of 2025 – Here’s Why

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I would have been skeptical if Team Ninja suddenly announced 2025 as “The Year of the Ninja,” especially since their previous big game, *Rise of the Ronin*, focused on samurai. While they did announce *Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound* at the last Game Awards – a retro-style spin-off bringing back the classic side-scrolling gameplay – that was the extent of their ninja-focused announcements, so it would have seemed out of place.

Last year felt like the year of *Monster Hunter*, especially with the smooth launch of *Wilds*. Everyone was also anticipating *Grand Theft Auto 6*, though it ended up being delayed until next year. And Team Ninja didn’t make their announcement without careful consideration.

The announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4*, a proper sequel to the popular 3D action series, really caught my attention. I was covering the Xbox Developer Direct and wondering what Microsoft had up its sleeve to kick off the year strong. While *DOOM: The Dark Ages*, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, and *South of Midnight* were also notable reveals, it was *Ninja Gaiden 4* that opened the show, and it looked fantastic.

The combat is incredibly fast-paced and features exciting new moves. The new main character is noticeably more serious than Ryu Hayabusa. You’ll navigate a futuristic Tokyo under a dark curse, using quick movements and mastering parries, dodges, and brutal finishing moves – all reminiscent of classic *Ninja Gaiden*. Seeing elements from *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black* was a great sign, and it instantly made *Ninja Gaiden 4* a top priority for me. It’s amazing that the game went from being unannounced to confirmed for release this year, and looked so polished even in its first reveal.

Considering the game is launching in just a few weeks, it’s a little surprising there hasn’t been more excitement. The original *Ninja Gaiden* was incredibly popular and well-received, before later installments damaged the series’ reputation. It successfully moved from 2D side-scrolling to a fully 3D world with challenging combat. While the story wasn’t particularly memorable, the gameplay was instantly captivating.

Fast-paced enemies who actively fought back, combined with incredible acrobatics and powerful attacks, made this game a truly thrilling experience. Although *Ninja Gaiden 2* didn’t receive quite as much acclaim as the first, it was still a commercial success and added exciting new features, like a variety of new weapons and the ability for even dismembered enemies to remain dangerous. It also introduced spectacular finishing moves with its Obliteration Techniques.

Unlike previous games, *Ninja Gaiden 4* is aiming for something bigger. Developed with help from PlatinumGames, it features a new hero named Yakumo, who must break a dangerous curse from the Dark Dragon. This puts him in conflict with a group that *wants* the curse to continue, and surprisingly, even Ryu Hayabusa. The story creates an interesting tension right away. Will Yakumo succeed in destroying the curse for good? Is he being manipulated? And are we, the players, on the wrong side? While the story isn’t overly complicated, the game keeps its focus on exciting action and exploration.

The game offers a fantastic variety of ways to get around, including wall-running, rail grinding, and even a wingsuit. Players can chain these movements together – like leaping between rails to dodge trains – creating a faster and more complex experience than previous games. It seems the developers carefully studied what players enjoyed about the movement in older titles and built upon it significantly.

When the fighting starts, Yakumo really comes into his own. He has a variety of weapons to choose from – dual blades, a staff, a rapier, a katana, and more – each with a different purpose. The dual blades are great for quickly defeating several enemies at once. But the most impressive ability is his Bloodraven Form, which dramatically changes his weapons. For example, the rapier transforms into a huge drill, allowing him to tear through opponents in a surprisingly over-the-top and violent way.

This form lets you trigger Bloodbath Attacks. These attacks are powered by the Berserk Gauge, which fills up as you damage enemies. When a Bloodbath is activated, Yakumo quickly defeats weaker enemies with a visually impressive and satisfying display of power. It’s a rewarding experience for skillful play, and can also help you turn the tables if you’re low on health.

There’s a ton going on under the hood, too. Beyond just slashing, you’ve got tools like Assassin’s Tools and bombs to launch enemies up for combos, and you can switch weapons mid-fight to keep things flowing. Some fans were worried this faster pace wasn’t true to *Ninja Gaiden*, but honestly, even with all the over-the-top action, there’s a really cool mechanic called Hōgeki – it’s a perfect counter for big attacks. It’s super important when facing tougher enemies, but it’s risky. Do you try to get close and deflect, or play it safe from a distance? I’m really digging that the game seems to reward skilled players. If you don’t have the reflexes and timing, diving into a fight feels genuinely dangerous, and so far, *Ninja Gaiden 4* is totally nailing that feeling.

Good news for players who enjoy exploration: Team Ninja and PlatinumGames haven’t forgotten about side content. Each chapter includes optional battles, much like the ‘Tests of Valor,’ and ‘Challenge Missions’ offer diverse goals to achieve for better rankings. These challenges could involve fighting waves of enemies under specific rules or revisiting tough boss fights. For those seeking the ultimate test, ‘Death Wish’ mode lets you disable all upgrades and rely solely on your combat skills.

It’s good to know that most players will likely finish *Ninja Gaiden 4* in around 15 to 20 hours. While there’s replay value with the Master Ninja difficulty and playing as different characters like Yakumo or Ryu Hayabusa, I appreciate the length. It seems the game focuses on exciting enemy fights and tough bosses, with some optional exploration for secrets thrown in.

This series has always prioritized fast-paced action and a focused experience over large, open worlds, and it’s great to see the developers continue that tradition. It’s a very different approach from games like *Nioh 3*, which offer more expansive levels.

Honestly, *Ninja Gaiden 4* just feels huge – it’s easily a contender for game of the year. What really grabs me is the energy – it perfectly blends the classic *Ninja Gaiden* feel with a fresh, modern approach. The graphics are gorgeous, and the action is incredibly fast-paced and focused. It feels like a return to everything I loved about the older games, but also a real leap forward – like it’s starting a new chapter for the series. We’ll have to see how it does and if it sets the stage for more games down the line, but just knowing *Ninja Gaiden* is back is amazing, and I can’t wait to play it!

Just so you know, the opinions shared in this article are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GamingBolt.

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2025-09-22 20:14